Detailed parameter table
Product introduction
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is a cutting-edge bearingless angle encoder from HEIDENHAIN’s renowned ERA series. Unlike conventional encoders, the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 operates on an inductive principle, providing highly accurate angular position feedback without a separate bearing, which makes it an ideal solution for direct integration into machine axes. This design eliminates the limitations of traditional encoders, such as friction, wear, and mechanical play, and supports the very high rotational speeds often found in direct-drive motors. The core of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 consists of a graduated scale and a scanning head, which are mounted independently to the machine’s rotating and stationary components. This configuration ensures consistent, reliable performance even in the presence of minor radial and axial movements.
This encoder is specifically engineered to meet the stringent demands of high-precision machine tools, robotics, and automation equipment. The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 provides a high-resolution, analog 1 Vpp signal, which is processed by a subsequent electronics unit to achieve its outstanding measuring accuracy. The robust and compact design of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 ensures it can be seamlessly integrated into space-constrained applications, providing critical feedback for motion control and positioning tasks.
Core advantages and technical highlights
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 offers a series of distinct advantages that make it a leader in the field of angular measurement. Its primary advantage is its bearingless design. This allows for the complete elimination of mechanical wear, making the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 an exceptionally durable and maintenance-free solution. Because there are no bearings, the encoder can operate at extremely high speeds (up to 6000 rpm) without the risk of overheating or component failure, which is critical for direct-drive motors. Another key feature is its outstanding accuracy and resolution. With 18000 grating lines and a system accuracy of ±2.5 arc seconds, the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 provides the precise feedback necessary for the most demanding motion control applications, ensuring a high degree of precision in angular positioning.
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 also excels in its immunity to contamination and electrical interference. The inductive measuring principle makes it less susceptible to common industrial contaminants like dust, oil, or moisture compared to optical encoders. This resilience ensures reliable performance in harsh environments where other sensor technologies might fail. The two-part design—a ring and a separate scanning head—allows for a flexible installation that can accommodate minor shaft imperfections and simplify the integration process. The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03’s combination of high-speed capability, extreme precision, and robust construction makes it a superior choice for high-performance machine design.
Typical application scenarios
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is used in a variety of high-performance applications where precision and high speed are essential. Its primary application is in direct-drive torque motors and rotary tables found in high-end machine tools. The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 provides the precise, real-time feedback required to control the position and speed of the tool or workpiece, which is critical for achieving tight tolerances in milling and turning operations. In robotics, the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is integrated into articulated joints, enabling the robot’s arm to move with extreme accuracy and repeatability. Its bearingless design and high-speed capability are perfect for the dynamic motions of robotic arms.
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is also widely used in semiconductor manufacturing and metrology. It is found in wafer handling systems and inspection equipment where sub-micron precision is required to align and position silicon wafers. Its compact form factor allows it to be integrated into complex machinery with limited space. The resilience of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 to magnetic fields and its insensitivity to contamination make it well-suited for these cleanroom environments. Ultimately, any application requiring a robust, high-precision, and high-speed angle measurement solution can benefit from the advanced technology of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03.
Related model recommendations
- ERA 4000 series: This is a broader family of bearingless angle encoders from HEIDENHAIN that includes the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 and other models with different resolutions, diameters, and interface types to suit various application needs.
- ERA 7000 series: A more advanced line of bearingless angle encoders that offers even higher accuracy and superior performance, often used in extremely high-end machine tools and test benches.
- ROC 400 series: A series of rotary encoders from HEIDENHAIN that have integrated bearings and housing, offering a more traditional mounting solution for applications where a separate bearing is not required.
- EQN 1135 series: A line of incremental rotary encoders from HEIDENHAIN with a commutation signal, used in servo motor applications for speed and position feedback.
- HEIDENHAIN ECN 1313: An incremental rotary encoder with an integral bearing, which can be an alternative to the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 in applications where a less complex installation is desired.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
The installation of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 requires careful precision to achieve its specified accuracy. The installation process is divided into two parts: mounting the graduated ring and mounting the scanning head. The ring must be concentric and parallel to the axis of rotation, typically affixed to a shaft or hub using an adhesive. The scanning head, which contains the sensor electronics, is then mounted to the stationary part of the machine. The distance between the scanning head and the ring must be set precisely within the specified air gap tolerance using a feeler gauge. This is a critical step for ensuring optimal performance. Commissioning involves connecting the M12 connector to the electronics and verifying the signal output and scale quality using HEIDENHAIN’s diagnostics software.
The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is largely maintenance-free due to its bearingless and non-contact design. Routine maintenance is limited to periodic inspections of the electrical connections and ensuring the area around the encoder is free of any large magnetic debris that could interfere with its inductive principle. If an issue arises, troubleshooting typically begins with checking the diagnostics software, which can identify signal quality problems, air gap issues, or contamination. The modular nature of the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 allows for a relatively straightforward replacement of the scanning head or ring if necessary.
Service and guarantee commitment
HEIDENHAIN is renowned for its high-quality products and comprehensive service commitment. The HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03 is manufactured to the highest standards, backed by a robust quality assurance process. We offer a standard warranty that guarantees the encoder’s performance and protection against manufacturing defects. Our global network of technical support specialists is available to assist with every stage of the product lifecycle, from initial design and integration to troubleshooting and repair. With the HEIDENHAIN AK-ERA180 18000 03S12-03, you are not just acquiring a product; you are gaining a reliable partner in precision motion control, supported by our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
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