New industry-standard 58mm diameter incremental encoder range

The German encoder designer and manufacturer Wachendorff Automation, represented in the UK by Variohm EuroSensor, has revised its range of incremental encoders with upgraded specifications and new design features. Formerly known as the WDG series, the new industry-standard 58mm diameter encoders have been renamed WDGI and, based on the Wachendorff modular design with a wide choice of options, now include an extended temperature range, higher maximum output pulse frequencies and have an increased axial and radial load capacity for the heavy-duty versions. In detail, the operating temperature range of the connector versions has been extended to -40C to +85C. Cable versions are limited to -20C to +80C yet may extended to the higher temperature range as an option to widen the possible range of applications without shortening the encoder's service life. The new WDGI encoders now offer the option of working at pulse output frequencies of up to 600kHz (TTL) or 2MHz (HTL). These higher pulse rates combine with incremental resolutions from 1200 up to 25000 pulses per rev, considerably increasing the machine's measurement accuracy at high throughput rates. With shaft load a decisive factor for long life and reliable operation, the heavy-duty WDGI58D variant offers up to 25% higher potential bearing load than its predecessor model with a 500 N permissible rating in both axial and radial load directions. An optional pressure relief membrane is available for applications such as mobile work machines or in high air humidity environments to guarantee that the encoder is highly reliable, even when temperatures change quickly. Further improvements include a new die-cast aluminium housing with a durable and eco-friendly powder coated finish that can be custom coloured to match the customer's machine. Users can choose synchro, clamp or square flange mounting for shaft and hollow shaft designs with a choice of axial and radial load ratings on appropriately sized stainless steel shafts. IP67 protection class is standard for the WDGI housings with IP65 for shaft sealing which can be optionally extended to IP67 on some models. Output options cover TTL, RS422, HTL and 1 Vpp sin/cos whilst input power options include all common DC voltages for mobile and fixed machinery installation, says the company.