1st Quarter 2014Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With numerous unique features, the programmable AHS/AHM36 absolute encoders from SICK set a new performance standard in the 36 mm class. The great variety of mechanical interfaces, as well as the optional SSI or CANopen, allow for maximum flexibility.
These compact encoders are available as both an AHS36 single-turn version and an AHM36 multi-turn model. They are used for measuring absolute positions such as in industrial and special purpose vehicles, packaging machines, logistics, and machine building, as well as in medical technology. The product family is very well suited to this wide range of applications.
Maximum degrees of freedom for mechanical integration
The mechanical interfaces available in the AHS/AHM36 encoders are a choice of blind hollow shafts as well as face mount flange and servo flange – all of them featuring a large number of shaft diameters. This makes possible a maximum degree of flexibility when designing mechanical integration. The connector plug and the cable outlet respectively can be rotated, allowing the cable to be laid in the best possible way, even in cramped installation situations. At the same time this means that machine builders can deal with a reduced number of encoder variants for different installation situations.
Top flexibility through programmable SSI and CANopen interfaces
The programmability of the AHS/AHM36 encoders reduces the diversity of variants even further – concurrently opening up the possibility of using numerous configuration and diagnostic options. Thus with respect to the encoders with an SSI interface it is possible to set binary and non-binary resolutions, specify various operating modes or program a rotary axis function. Featuring position, speed, temperature, operating hours and more, the CANopen encoders provide a great number of diagnostic options for evaluations that serve to optimise the maintenance intervals of the overall application. It is also possible to configure an electronic cam switch.
Adaptation to wire-draw encoder
The extended working temperature ranges, as well as the IP66 and IP67 protection ratings, permit use of the AHS/AHM36 encoders in harsh environments. In addition, they can be adapted to any wire-draw mechanisms of SICK’s Ecoline and Highline product families.
Consistently compatible
The great variety of mechanical connection options and the electrical interfaces available make the encoders of the AHS/AHM36 product family compatible with other encoders on the market – thus facilitating the switch to what is quite simply the best overall package in the 36 mm class.
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