Incremental encoders are used to monitor and document the rotation, speed and angle of axles and other rotating mechanical parts. Incremental encoders differ from absolute encoders, because the position of the encoder is not reported with the data it receives. These encoders are a vital part of many industrial machines. Incremental encoders provide companies with exact measurements and figures they can use to adjust the machine for optimal performance.

Incremental encoders are available in three different varieties: optical, hand held and mechanical. Optical encoders shoot beams of lights in set increments to determine the exact information needed from the machinery. Hand held encoders are great for companies with many different machines that do not need to be checked on a daily basis. Mechanical encoders must be set at a correct angle to determine the information. These units are permanently set on a machine. Review the list below and narrow your search for incremental encoder suppliers.

1. Use optical incremental encoders for a precise reading.

2. Find hand held incremental encoder units.

3. Purchase a mechanical incremental encoder.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate optical incremental encoders

Optical incremental encoders use light beams to detect rotation and determination of speeds. These encoders can be used at a variety of angles and positions. Optical incremental encoders use different channels to determine the speed of the shaft or axle. They also give detailed reports of angles or areas that can change for better performance.

I recommend: Find optical industrial incremental encoders from one of America's leading incremental encoder manufacturers at P3 America. Find an optical industrial incremental encoder at Gurley. BEI Industrial Encoders has a wide variety of incremental encoders available online.

Purchase hand held incremental encoders

Hand held incremental encoders are portable and can be used at almost any angle. These encoders are perfect for scheduled checks of machinery, but are not designed for constant use.

I recommend: Locate hand held incremental encoders at Wolf Automation.com. Koyo Encoders is an incremental encoder manufacturer, which manufacturers hand held encoders.

Find mechanical incremental encoders

Mechanical incremental encoders come in standard and line driver forms. The standard mechanical incremental encoder's output signal strength is relative to the amount of voltage coming from the encoder. A line driver electrical encoder has a signal strength of 100 meters.

I recommend: Visit SICK Stegmann to locate electric incremental encoders from a major distributor of incremental encoders. Buy incremental encoders at Motioncontrol.com, a leading incremental encoder distributor. Browse the online list of available encoders at one of the world's leading incremental encoder distributors, Cleveland Motion Controls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When using mechanical incremental encoder resources, always consult the product manual for the exact angle needed for the encoder.