Measurement – Rotational position measurement

Do you need to measure the position or speed of a rotating axis? For example on a drive, a shaft or on moving machine parts? As diverse as the applications are, so are the demands made on the measuring sensors. This is why we use a variation of technologies: Real-time capable and high-resolution magnetic encoders or precise inclination sensors.

Application examples

Workpieces such as a metal plate are printed, engraved or cut on a cut-/print machine. This demands special accuracy in positioning the workpiece on the machine. Magnetic encoders on both rotating axes of the machine measure the position of the workpiece and ensure an even feed rate.

In a parabolic trough system the sunlight is concentrated on parabolic troughs using parabolic mirrors allowing the heat energy to be stored. To achieve the optimal energy efficiency, the position of the parabolic mirror must be guided to match the sun's path. Inclination sensors report the actual position of the parabolic mirror to the controller, which then adjusts as needed.

Sensor technologies

A magnetic encoder consisting of a magnetically coded tape and a sensor. The tape consists of successively coded north and south poles which generate a magnetic field. The sensor detects this field and the pole transitions as it passes over the tape. These distance measuring systems are very rugged, highly precise and very fast.

An inclination sensor continually measures the position of an object on a horizontal and vertical axis up to 360°. The output signal is a function of the measured angle and the measuring range of the sensor. There are fluid-based inclination sensors for static applications and MEMS-based for motion applications.