SICK launches new linear encoder for industrial applications

By Heather Hall | January 17, 2023

SICK launched a new linear encoder product family for high-precision detection of piston positions in hydraulic cylinders and monitoring linear movements in machines. The DAX linear encoder product family provides flexibility for countless industrial applications.

The product family offers three designs to suit these applications, all with industry-appropriate measuring ranges. An Online Configurator provides step-by-step assistance to users in selecting a suitable DAX. For applications with special requirements, the smart and flexible system architecture of the product family allows for tailored and efficient customization.

The detection of a linear position is contactless – and therefore wear and maintenance-free – based on magnetostriction. This absolute measurement principle ensures the highest level of machine availability with no reference runs required. In addition to this, DAX linear encoders offer comprehensive diagnostic functions. This opens the possibility for using the sensors for condition monitoring and integration into digital transformation environments.

The DAX linear encoder is suitable for measuring positions in many applications, including injection molding machines, presses, automotive machinery, printing and packaging machines, wind, hydro, and solar plants, in wood processing, or medical technology.

With the DAX product family, SICK has expanded its portfolio of magnetostrictive linear encoders for industrial applications. Since the device uses an absolute measurement principle, no reference run is required. Three housing variants are available for the market launch of the DAX: a design for integration into industrial hydraulic cylinders, a flat type with block magnets for mounting in tight installation situations, and a version with a slide profile that guides the position magnet, thereby ensuring a very precise and repeatable position measurement. The available measuring range is between 50 mm and 2,500 mm and is individually configurable in 1-mm increments.

The platform concept of DAX offers a high system flexibility, allowing application-specific versions to be generated very efficiently and the device to be easily integrated into a wide variety of machine concepts. This applies not only to the housing designs, but also to the position magnets, which can be modified to suit the application-specific requirements. This backward compatibility guarantees the customer more flexibility and independence when choosing the encoder and manufacturer.

For electrical installation, the DAX product family offers a CANopen interface, so the measurement system can output position values with a resolution up to 10 µm – as well as an analog output for either 0-10 Vdc or 4-20 mA.

The magnetostrictive functionality of the DAX product family uses an extremely precise and reliable time-of-flight (ToF) measurement method. This non-contact and wear-free principle of operation eliminates almost all maintenance during operation while at the same time ensuring a high service life.

The linear encoders have an enclosure rating of IP65 and IP67 as well as a temperature range between -40° C and +85° C. Their rugged design and high shock and vibration resistance ensure exceptional long-term availability even under harsh application conditions.

The DAX linear encoders can provide comprehensive diagnostic information via the CANopen interface. The sensors monitor operating and limit temperatures, as well as the voltage supply for voltage peaks or voltage drops.

It performs continuous functional checks of the position magnet, counts piston strokes, adds them to determine total displacements, and records operating hours. All this provides valuable information about the status during operation as well as any upcoming maintenance work that may be required on the machine. This can be used to reduce unplanned downtimes and increase the efficiency of the system being used.

For error-free and time-saving selection of a suitable linear encoder, SICK has developed the DAX Online Configurator. Using this menu-driven app, users can configure their DAX step-by-step with just a few clicks. The app checks the inputs for plausibility, automatically generates the part number based on the configuration, and enters the details directly into an online ordering form.