Siemens rotary encoders are measuring devices to sense the position, angle and speed and velocity of machine moving parts. The rotary encoders can be used in conjunction with Siemens SIMATIC PLC, SINUMERIK CNC control systems and SIMODRIVE servodrive systems.

Rotary encoder and the ball screw/lead screw system have been used since the earliest days of NC technology. Today this design is still used in machine tools and production machines where its accuracy is sufficient or where the process is specifically suited for it.

Here the measuring standard is the screw pitch, usually a recirculating ballscrew in backlash-free bearings and preloaded ball nuts to prevent backlash. The rotary encoder, which is connected to the screw either directly or via a coupling, produces measuring signals (incremental or absolute) that are used to subdivide a revolution of a screw. Oftem the rotary encoder is mounted on the drive motor or integrated in it.

Rotary encoder/ballscrew system is a cost effective and reliable solution, since the optical system in encoder can easily be protected from dirt and liquids.