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The Weg Coder System (WCS) absolute position measurement system from Pepperl+Fuchs (previously Stahltronic) is well-tried and tested within various industrial sectors due to its high quality, robustness, functionality and easy-handling.
Storage and retrieval machines (high bay warehouse), automatic factory and stacker cranes, shuttle cars, monorails, cut-off machines, lifts and lifting/lowering stations, galvanising plants, overhead conveyors, studio and theatre equipment as well as identification systems are examples for various applications.
The main features of the WCS position encoding system includes:
- Accuracy 0.8mm
- Absolute measurement over 320m
- Easy to install
- Interfaces easily with PLC equipment via Parallel, SSI, Profibus-DP, DeviceNet, CANopen and Interbus-S
- Designed and manufactured by a world leader in crane technology for the toughest applications
- Will operate below 0°C
- Not adversely affected by dust or vibration - rugged and reliable
M&M Systems Automation are the South African representatives for Pepperl+Fuchs WCS positions system and we provide full technical support and spares holding.
The three main components of the WCS position measurement are:
The Code Rail
The basic material for the code rail is either stainless steel or a synthetic laminate 70 mm high and 0.5 mm thick. An irregular pattern of slots and webs representing a sequential code is punched into it, the basis for the WCS3's main advantage: the ability to measure the current position contact-free and absolute, independent of reference points. Even after a power cut no reference runs are necessary. Ingenious devices are available for integrating the code rail into your installation quickly and economically.
The Reading Head
The reading head has a U-shaped section. The open side of the "U" is guided over the code rail free of contact, scanning the code of the rail opto-electronically. A micro-computer calculates from the pattern read the current position of the reading head, and thus also of the conveying equipment, to an accuracy of 0.8mm. Even lateral offset of up to around 13mm, canting and travel around bends do not disconcert the WCS. The position counts are transmitted directly to the controls or the interfaces. Continuous self-diagnosis ensures that the position counts are always correct. The current operating condition can be checked at any time by means of 3 LEDs on the reading head. The data cable is connected via a 9-pole D-SUB connector.
The Interface Module
The interface module is the interface between reading head and control equipment. It reads the positional information from the RS485 interface of the reading head and converts it so that it can be read by ant control equipment. Up to 4 reading heads can be connected to one interface module. The current position count of the reading head is shown on a display. Also the display helps you to find the cause of any fault by showing a detailed error code. In addition, a remote diagnosis of the optical unit of the reading head can be speedily carried out via the interface module.
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