Fagor Automation has introduced new linear encoder technology. 3STATECH technology is designed to strengthen the encoders without any loss of precision, while the new line of Series 3 linear encoders implements this technology with a condensed design and several other upgrades.
3STATECH Technology
"Industrial components manufacturers face challenges in achieving highly demanding results under adverse working conditions," said a company spokesperson. "When machines are either idle or under operation, grime can build up with the accumulation of condensation or vapors. This makes it problematic when calculating the position of a machine's axes, extending start-up times for equipment and reducing the efficiency of the production processes." Watch the 3STATECH Technology video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW-3fMrUqlk&feature=youtu.be
In response, Fagor Automation has developed 3STATECH, an optoelectronic technology. This solution, incorporated in the most advanced range of linear feedback encoders, is designed to contribute to strengthening production equipment without any loss of precision.
"With conventional encoder technology, the encoder's reader head extracted information from the code engraved on the substrate using opaque and transparent lines that allowed light to pass through or to block it, thus generating the typical binary logic states," said the spokesperson. "However, these systems did not have the capacity to correctly identify other aspects such as dirt or grime. This meant reduced performance when working under adverse conditions, for example when there are vapors and condensation."
"The addition of the 3STATECH proprietary technology embedded in our linear encoders is an evolutionary step away from the basic binary system, since it includes a third state that can identify contamination in the measurement standard. Because of this feature, linear encoders have become even more durable, which can now position themselves with precision over and over again, even under difficult working environments," explained Jose Mari Viniegra, Sales Manager of Fagor Automation Feedback Products.
This Fagor patented solution is designed to improve optical reading by reading through many types of contamination and performing an accurate calculation of a tool's position.
Apart from improvements made to performance, this technology can also offer improvements to machine design, since this greater robustness can optimize the location of a feedback system, providing improved overall performances for the machine as a whole.
Series 3 Absolute Linear Encoders
"Our feedback solutions are designed to improve machines to the highest level of accuracy possible," said the spokesperson. "Most Fagor absolute encoders are plug & play, do not require complicated set-up procedures and are 100% compatible with many different CNC systems."
The new Series 3 line of Absolute Linear Encoders utilizes 3STATECH technology. The S3 series features a compact reader head and is designed to take up less space and to fit easier in tighter spaces. The threaded head option has been kept for the various mounting options without needing to use nuts. The G3 reader head now includes electrical and air connectors on both sides, so either outlet direction can be chosen without having to manipulate the head.
"Charged Couple Device (CCD) light source reflection technology is nothing new to Fagor encoders," said the spokesperson. "Traditionally, the CCDs are used to capture light that passes through the glass tape and converts it to digital data. For Series 3, we utilize the new improved CCD technology, where light is reflected off the glass tape to be collected on the same side. This new method is 25% more resistant to any read errors caused by contamination adhering to the glass."
Series 3 also has improved by expanding the distance from 1 mm to 3 mm between the glass and the CCD camera. This small change limits oil and solidified contamination from adhering to the reading unit.
Modifications have been made to both of the end caps, incorporating small improvements in the design. Extrusion geometrics have also been modified by reinforcing various segments in order to improve responses to different frequency vibrations. Various other parts of the G3 encoder have also been reinforced, such as the area where the encoder is attached to the machine, reaching values of 300 sq. m of resistance to vibrations.
In G3 fastening system, the Thermal Determined Mounting System (TDMS) has been replaced with a specific flexible extrusion in a longitudinal direction, providing greater rigidity for the fastening between the profile and the machine, which also helps improve its response to vibrations.
Apart from 3STATECH, the new line of encoders has even more resistance to contamination. Series 3 encoders have exclusive protective lips, are optimized for profile section changes, and manufactured from a fluoropolymer that is resistant to hydrocarbons and other chemical agents used on machine tools.
For both the S3 and G3, there is a broad range of available connectivity with multiple drive and control systems, which recently incorporated new digital communication protocols as standard features.
"Overall, the new Series 3 offers greater product protection against external factors, allowing maximum performance in terms of accuracy and repeatability," concluded the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Fagor Automation - USA
2250 Estes Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
fagorusa@fagor-automation.com
fagorautomation.us
Southwest
Todd Drane
Fagor Automation
800-423-2467 ext. 303
tdrane@fagor-automation.com
Southeast
Joel Kasnik
Fagor Automation
800-423-2467 ext. 302
jkas@fagor-automation.com
Midwest
Alex Escamilla
Fagor Automation
800-423-2467 ext. 436
alex@fagor-automation.com
Gary Chojecki
Fagor Automation
847-981-1500 ext. 280
gchojecki@fagor-automation.com
Fagor Automation
Service Line
847-981-1500 ext. 750
service@fagor-automation.com
Dan Chovan
Fagor Automation
Imports & Distributor Relations
847-981-1500 ext. 250
dchovan@fagor-automation.com
West
Humberto Gomez
Fagor Automation
800-423-2467 ext. 107
hgomez@fagor-automation.com