Stahltronic has developed its third generation position encoding system, the WCS, which uses only a code rail and a reading head to give absolute positioning for automatic cranes, storage and retrieval systems, and similar applications.
The code rail, the carrier for the absolute positional information, is installed parallel to the runway of the carriage and so assigns a definite position to each point on the runway.
The system enables the code rail to be installed in bends, and branches can be constructed. Maximum length of the code rail is 325m and each is manufactured individually to order.
The U-shaped reading head scans the code rail opto-epectronically without contact and identifies a new positional value every 0.8mm.
The positional value can be transmitted directly from the reading head to the controls via a serial RS485 interface.
A range of interface modules is available for connection to standard interfaces such as as parallel interface, Profibus-DP, Interbus-S, DeviceNet, CANopen and SSI (serial synchronous interface).
A mounting plate enables the reading head to be replaced easily. Stahltronic, a subsidiary of R. Stahl, says: “As no adjustment is necessary and the WCS needs no reference points, the system is particularly maintenance-friendly.”
