PRESS RELEASE
Waldkirch, May 2011
– Greater flexibility, greater economic efficiency – what applies for conveyor and material flow systems also applies for its components.
Programmable encoders from SICK meet these demands: they are freely parameterizable according to the particular plant and application involved, offer flexible use, and allow the suppliers of intralogistical solutions to make significant cost reductions in their own procurement, storage and service logistics.
This is why the DFS60 incremental encoder, the AFS60 absolute single-turn encoder, and the AFM60 absolute multiturn encoder from SICK are ideal for many machine constructors and system integrators active in intralogistics. In carton or pallet conveyor systems , their measurements are used to determine object length or width. The precise detection of transport speeds by means of encoders is a major prerequisite for synchronizing linked material flow modules to achieve smooth object transfer. In sorting systems , encoders are an important constituent of certified volume measurement systems, improving sorter precision and creating an accurate data basis for billing freight. Automated guided vehicles use the data from encoders for navigation-

PRESS RELEASE supporting position detection and the path-dependent switching of the protective and warning fields of safety laser scanners, among other things.
Programming makes encoders a universal solution
The above-menti oned examples show just how wide the application spectrum of SICK’s encoders can be in the various areas of intralogistical machinery and plant. In many cases, the programmability of the DFS60, AFS60 and AFM60 series offers decisive added value, over and above their technical functionality. Stepless definition of the desired line numbers provides hitherto impossibly precise adjustment. The zero pulse width can also be defined according to the application. Finally, these encoders also provide the opportunity to individually set the voltage level of the output-side TTL or
HTL interfaces. Whether in carton or pallet conveyor systems, in sorter and volume measurement systems or on transport vehicles, each programmable encoder can be set exactly as is necessary for a particular task
– and this directly from storage, ensuring rapid delivery and usability.
Very user-friendly mounting and operation
Time is money – which is why, for the programmable encoders, SICK placed great emphasis on highly user-friendly mounting and operation for initial integration, as well as for maintenance or adjustment work during running operation. Parameters are programmed via the encoder’s standard output cable – using either the PC-supported
Standard Programming Tool or the stand-alone Programming Tool in jacket-pocket
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PRESS RELEASE format (particularly popular amongst service staff and those responsible for commissioning). Both tools also permit the cloning of defined settings to as many encoders as desired – considerably simplifying work for regularly recurring applications, e.g. on identical automated guided vehicles or on conveyor system modules with the same construction and performance.
The possibility of querying the mounted programmable encoders via their standard
RS485 interfaces for easy, rapid and economical service operations is a decisive advantage. Devices with dip switches do not permit programming via the control system or the cloning of settings. Moreover, depending on the device, the handling of PG threads and poorly accessible programming plugs is awkward
– both involving a lot of time and, in some circumstances, unnecessarily long downtimes for conveyor sections or transport vehicles. These disadvantages and risks are reliably eliminated with encoders from SICK.
Programmability offers calculable added value
With standardization of the rotative sensors, the programmability of these encoders can lead to interesting added-value scenarios for intralogistics suppliers. Assuming a value of EUR 100 per year for the administration and storage of a master material number, i.e. an encoder type
– a thoroughly realistic consideration for many companies – interesting savings potentials can rapidly be achieved. And the spare parts and maintenance departments also profit from this, because a suita ble ‘universal device’, which can be quickly programmed according to the application involved, is always available
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PRESS RELEASE from stock. Furthermore, in serious cases, rapid availability minimizes the downtimes of machines or plant – particularly as there is no possibility of using the wrong spare part!
Flexibility, rapid availability, uncomplicated servicing, efficient material management
– attributes that also ‘program’ these encoders from SICK for intralogistical success in the coming years.
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