Encoder Applications


Encoders translate rotary or linear motion into a digital signal. That signal is sent to a controller, which monitors motion parameters such as speed, rate, direction, distance, or position. Since 1969, millions of EPC encoders have been applied for countless feedback requirements in nearly every industry. When selecting the right encoder for your application, it's vital to understand the role of the encoder in your motion control system. To help with that, we’ve compiled a library of typical applications categorized by industry to help you find the right encoder for your motion control application.

Aerospace

Encoders provide high-precision motion feedback while operating in extreme environmental conditions.

Autonomous Vehicles & Robots

Encoders provide precise, reliable motion feedback in automated robotics applications.

Backstop Gauging

Encoders ensure that the unit to be controlled does not exceed a preset position or direction of travel.

Ball Screw Positioning

Attached to the end of the ball screw shaft or drive motor, encoders provide motion feedback.

Converting

Encoders provide feedback for speed, direction, and distance for precisely controlled operations.

Conveying

Encoders monitor belt speed and direction, as well as the position of objects on the conveyor.

Cut-to-Length

An encoder generates a fixed number of pulses and sends them to the controller, which determines the length of travel.

Filling

Encoders ensure that the item to be filled is in the correct position before the filling mechanism activates.

Food & Beverage

Encoders provide feedback for processing, filling, packaging, material handling, labeling, etc.

Heavy Lifting & Cargo

Heavy lifting systems rely on motor feedback and linear position feedback, frequently from absolute encoders.

Linear Measurement

Encoders provide motion feedback in response to linear displacement of the material to be measured.

Material Handling

Encoders can be applied to a non-motor axis, or multiple axes of motion. 

Metal Forming & Fabrication

Encoders are used in automated metal forming machinery such as extruders, presses, punches, welders, and others.

Mobile Equipment

Encoders provide motion feedback while withstanding shock, vibration, dust, moisture, and other hazards.

Motor Feedback

Encoders control of speed and direction of electric motors, from small frame steppers to large AC induction vector-duty NEMA motors.

Packaging

Encoders provide motion feedback for automated machine functions with an axis of rotary motion.

Printing

Rotary encoders are used in industrial printing to track the motion of the object to be printed.

Registration Mark Timing

Encoder determines position of an object relative to registration mark.

Spooling or Level Wind

Encoder feedback helps maintain speed of take-up spool versus speed of supply spool.

Stagecraft

From turntables to vertical lifts, encoders provide the necessary motion feedback.

Textiles

In textile manufacturing machinery, encoders provide critical feedback for speed, direction, and distance.

Timber Products

Timber processing requires robust, precision motion feedback throughout the operation.

Web Tensioning

Encoders help monitor and adjust tension applied to material being wound onto a spool, reel or drum.

X-Y Positioning

Encoders provide feedback on two axes of motion to determine X-Y coordinates.

Warehousing

Automated warehouses integrate AMRs, AGVs, conveyors, and more for increased productivity and safety.