New Wheeled Encoder Simplifies Linear and Rotary Measurements

The Encoder Products Company has released the new TRP Tru-TracPro programmable wheeled encoder. The new encoder features a field programming ability with enough flexibility to be used in most rolling applications, with a resolution between 1 and 100,000 CPR at a linear velocity of up to 3,000 feet per minute.

Wheeled Linear Measurements

Wheels are used to track the motion of rollers or continuous, flat, solid products as they pass certain points in a manufacturing line. The wheel rolls across the surface of the object and the number of rotations of the wheel are counted. They are commonly used in the production of plastic film, paper, glass, and wood products (such as plywood or particle board) as well as in label making and package printing, just to name a few.

A good wheeled linear measurement device makes continuous contact with the objects without slipping. This provides the most accurate count, and is often a challenge with this process. Also, rather than counting entire rotations, a good wheeled device will have a built-in encoder with high resolution so that objects can be measured with a higher degree of accuracy.

The TRP Tru-TracPro wheeled encoder. Image used courtesy of Encoder Products Company

Typically, linear encoders are equipped with an interchangeable wheel. This allows different products to be counted using the same encoder, but it presents some programming challenges because changing the wheel affects the diameter, and thus its circumference, and thus the linear distance traveled over time. This is similar to the inaccuracies in the speedometer of a vehicle if the tire size has been changed.

The Tru-TracPro Wheeled Encoder

Encoder Products Company has designed this device to be as simple as possible. It is ready to deploy as soon as it is removed from the box. It consists of a wheeled encoder, and a spring-loaded tension arm that will keep the wheel in contact with the moving product. The incremental encoder can be programmed in the field, making it useful for measuring a variety of products without having to change out the wheel.

The encoder programmer in a terminal block and M12 output format. Image used courtesy of Encoder Products Company

One of the primary features of the Tru-TracPro is its high resolution. First, the resolution can be as fine as 100,000 counts per revolution (CPM) meaning as long as the wheel rotates 1/100,000 of a turn, the item can be measured. This high precision is useful for accurate positioning of items during printing, cutting, and other such processes. The high resolution allows the device to measure items moving as fast as 3000 feet per minute.

Another key feature is the ability of this encoder to be programmed to output one of 40 different waveform relationship patterns between the A, B, and Z signals, with a cable terminated in flying leads or a 5-pin or 8-pin M12 connector.

Potential Applications

Encoder Products Company’s new Tru-TracPro wheeled encoder is suitable for many automation lines, though it was primarily designed for printing and materials handling applications. Printing is often performed in a linear fashion, as labels are spun reel-to-reel. Box printing and paper printing is performed in the same way, where the individual boxes or papers are separated at a later time. A wheeled encoder can be used to track how much product has passed through the printer.

The reliable, robust design can be used in virtually any application that involves measuring rotary or linear travel across a wide range of industries and applications.