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SICK has released its DBS60I-W, an IP69K-rated incremental encoder with added ingress protection from a new, patented deflector shield. SICK said the encoder can withstand frequent high-pressure chemical washdowns in demanding food and beverage applications, for example.

The SICK DBS60I-W washdown encoder delivers the high-resolution performance of SICK’s DBS60 incremental encoder but in a IP69K-rated, 316L (V4A) stainless steel housing. The specially developed deflector shield is designed to protect the shaft seal from ingress of water and caustic chemicals during high-pressure washdown.

SICK DBS60I-W incremental encoder.

SICK said the washdown encoder is a response to the challenges of lost productivity through unexpected line stoppages caused by premature device failure and short product life because of water ingress, a particular problem in environments with frequent high-pressure regimes.

The SICK DBS60I-W is an addition to the SICK DBS60 Inox family of stainless-steel incremental encoders. It features a resolution of up to 5,000 pulses per revolution and a diameter of only 58mm. Early applications with SICK global customers have included meat and poultry processing, fish portioning, and packaging.

The washdown encoder’s hygienic design also avoids product contamination that might otherwise lead to health concerns or costly recalls. The 316 (V4A) stainless steel provides high-resistance to corrosion caused by the aggressive chemicals used in tough Clean in Place and Sterilize in Place regimes, while the smooth housing design prevents the opportunity for bacterial growth. Product information is laser-marked on the device, avoiding the need for sticky labels, and ensuring maintenance details are easily accessed even after frequent washdowns.

The SICK DBS60I-W is a much-needed solution for common food and beverage machinery applications like speed control and measurement, controlling product transfer between two processes, speed measurement in bottle labelling applications, or providing feedback for volumetric measurement and vision inspection duties. SICK said it can be used on a variety of mobile robots.