ELEVATOR SERVICE COMPANY

An elevator service company will use SICK|STEGMANN DRS Customer Programmable Encoders for field replacements. This company services elevators with various encoders and different PPR’s. In the past, this made inventory a problem because they had to carry an assortment of encoders on their repair trucks. Since they employ many service representatives working from several locations, this was a lot of inventory to order, load, carry and track. Now they will only need one type of encoder, the SICK|STEGMANN DRS Customer Programmable Encoder which can be freely programmed any time, anywhere for any elevator application with a simple programming tool software and USB cable. Having 30 test encoders installed, they are working toward replacing all their encoders with SICK|STEGMANN programmable encoders.

AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS (ASRS)

A major provider of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and system upgrades recently converted their incremental encoder from a competitive model to a SICK|STEGMANN Customer Programmable Encoder. When retrofitting an ASRS system, it is often necessary to upgrade the hardware that is used. Depending on the age of the system, it is often very difficult or expensive to match the physical dimensions and tolerances of gearboxes, drums and other hardware to which the encoders are mounted. As a result, a given amount of linear travel or angular movement may calculate to a special encoder line count, or PPR, for the control software. In the past, this meant paying the encoder vendor an engineering fee, and waiting a long time, for incremental encoders with special line counts. With the SICK|STEGMANN Customer Programmable encoders, however, the customer can buy one encoder and program it to any line count needed for the application, using a standard laptop computer and the software and USB cable supplied by SICK|STEGMANN. As a result, encoder cost and lead time are significantly reduced. If the required line count changes during the project for any reason, the customer can simply re-program the encoder, as needed.

TEXTILE APPLICATION

Computer-controlled textile machines provide a solution for virtually all applications, from the most delicate lace right through to materials for sports clothing. Individual drives perform the important machine functions, namely thread feed, take-up and rolling up of the product. When the spools of yarn are unwound, from full to empty, the diameter of the spools decreases. The thread feed computer modifies the speed of the drive accordingly, up to 3000 rpm, ensuring that material feed remains constant and uninterrupted. The shaft encoders used fulfill three different functions: acting as a control sensor on the main shaft, which rotates at up to 3500 rpm, regulation of rotational speed in connection with the drive electronics and position regulation for process control by the thread feed computer. One encoder for all applications: the main criteria were different line counts for the different axes combined with minimal procurement and stocking costs. The solution was found in the form of the DRS Customer Programmable incremental encoder from SICK-STEGMANN. All line counts from 1 to 8192 and a zero pulse width of 90° or 180° can be programmed in seconds by the customer on site. Whether the version used has a solid shaft, blind hollow shaft or through hollow shaft, or an axial or radial plug or cable outlet, it is the ideal solution for every application. Benefits to the customer include: limited stock to one encoder, (as this can be used for all line counts from 1 to 8192); downtime when replacing the encoder is reduced to just a couple of minutes; and internal administrative costs are reduced because only one encoder type from one manufacturer needs to be purchased.