POSITAL Measuring Wheels: Linear Position and Speed Sensing With Rotary Encoders

March 30, 2021

POSITAL’s measuring wheel accessories for its IXARC family of rotary encoders enables these devices to make accurate linear motions and position measurements. “Encoders are great for measuring rotation”, comments Andy Zou, Product Manager at POSITAL. “However, for many production processes, measurement of linear speed or position is the key objective. Adding a measuring wheel to a POSITAL encoder produces an accurate and versatile tool for these measurements.” For conveyer belt systems for example, wheel-equipped encoders can provide precise speed and position controls that can be used to synchronize the motion of multiple conveyers in complex material handling systems.

Since the wheel-encoder assemblies make measurements directly from the moving surface, they improve accuracy by eliminating errors due to gear backlash or hysteresis. For cut-to-length applications, wheel/encoder assemblies can measure position directly from the surface of solid materials such as fabric, paper, wire, or sheet metal. In this operation, accuracy will improve productivity by reducing scrap losses. Measuring wheels are available in different sizes, with circumferences of 200 mm, 500 mm, or 12 inches. Four rim treatments are available: knurled aluminum, smooth polyurethane, and two tread patterns for the polyurethane tire.

POSITAL has introduced a new spring-loaded pivot arm mounting system for wheel-encoder assemblies.  Like earlier spring-loaded mounting brackets, this device is designed to minimize slippage by maintaining a steady contact pressure between the wheel and the moving surface. However, the pivot arm can accommodate larger lateral movements of the moving surface. Spring tension can be adjusted for optimal contact pressure between the wheel and the moving surface. In addition, the position of the arm on the spring hub can be reversed, enabling the installer to change the direction of the spring load.

For more information, visit www.posital.com.

Related Articles

Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Labeling Cables and Wires

    February 3, 2026 Choosing the right wire marker or cable label Cable and wire labeling is critical in the identification, assembly, and repair of electrical control panels, wire harnesses, and data/telecommunications systems. It is an upfront cost that saves time and labor expenses when changes or repairs need to occur to the systems you work Read More…

  • ITC 101: Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

    February 3, 2026 Understanding NEMA Ratings for Electrical Enclosures NEMA Ratings are an essential classification system used across North America to define the environmental and mechanical protection provided by electrical enclosures. Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), these ratings help engineers, installers, and specifiers identify the appropriate enclosure type for industrial, commercial, and outdoor Read More…