what is Hollow shaft encoder?
Hi everyone,
A hollow shaft encoder is a type of rotary encoder designed to be mounted directly onto a shaft with a hollow center. This design enables easy installation in applications where space is limited, such as inside compact motors or in systems where the encoder must be placed in close proximity to other components.
Hollow shaft encoders are available in both absolute and incremental versions. They can be used in applications such as position sensing, speed control, and measurement systems. One major advantage is that they can be installed directly on a rotating shaft without disassembling the machine or axis—making them ideal for retrofit or tight-space applications.
Because of their design, hollow shaft encoders eliminate the need for couplings and reduce mechanical play, ensuring higher measurement accuracy. They are especially valuable in servo motors, elevators, robotics, and CNC systems where precise shaft feedback is critical. Their non-contact magnetic or optical reading mechanisms also ensure long-term durability and minimal maintenance.
What are the types of shaft encoders?
Rotary shaft encoders: Used to measure the angular rotation of a shaft. They can be absolute or incremental and come in various styles, including hollow shaft, solid shaft, and through-bore designs.
Linear shaft encoders: Used to measure linear displacement of a moving component. Available in both absolute and incremental types, with multiple construction styles such as shielded, unshielded, and magnetostrictive.
Multi-turn shaft encoders: These encoders measure rotational position over multiple turns of the shaft. They can be absolute or incremental and are offered in both single-channel and multi-channel configurations, depending on precision needs.
Multi-functional shaft encoders: Designed for advanced systems that need to monitor multiple parameters — such as position, speed, and torque. These encoders provide comprehensive motion feedback for high-end automation and robotics systems.
In practice, the type of encoder used depends on the application’s requirements. For example, incremental encoders are preferred for real-time speed feedback, while absolute encoders are essential when position must be retained even after power loss. The hollow shaft design makes both types easier to install in tight mechanical assemblies without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.
From experience, hollow shaft encoders are excellent choices for maintenance-free systems. Their compact form and direct coupling minimize misalignment issues, ensuring smooth signal output even in high-vibration environments. As modern machinery evolves, hollow shaft encoders are increasingly integrated into smart automation setups with digital communication interfaces such as RS-485 or Modbus.
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