This article provides information on the use of MOTF encoders in conjunction with the SP-ICE-3 control card
For laser processing on the fly (Raylase: MOTF) either an encoder or a PLC signal that simulates an encoder is essential. In both cases the signals need to be connected to the SP-ICE-3 card on port X902. Raylase specifies a differential quadrature encoder with two encoder discs and RS-422 interface. The encoder should be connected to the SP-ICE-3 card as described in the SP-ICE-3 Manual Chapter 3.1.10. We recommend to select / position the encoder to achieve a belt distance per tick in the rough magnitude of 10 µm.
It´s necessary to connect both A+/- and B+/- . Out of those four signals one tick is calculated. It is optional to connect I+/- for the encoder index. This index can be used to reset the counts every full rotation in order to achieve absolute positioning.
In case of vertical belt movement with limited range, a second MOTF encoder can be used to compensate that effect. The second encoder should be connected to the port X900.