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Hengstler

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Hengstler

Hengstler is a German family company and leading manufacturer of encoders, counters, relays, timers, and temperature controllers for industrial automation and precision measurement. With over 160 years of experience in precision instrumentation, Hengstler delivers reliable solutions for position measurement, speed detection, counting functions, and switching tasks in the most critical industrial environments.

The Hengstler range includes incremental rotary encoders (RI, RC series), absolute single-turn and multi-turn encoders (AC, AD series) with SSI, EnDat, PROFIBUS, CANopen, and BiSS interfaces, linear encoders for direct path measurement, magnetic encoders for extreme environments, preset counters for production applications, PCB relays, time relays, and temperature controllers.

Hengstler's absolute encoders in the AC series offer resolution up to 23 bits per revolution (single-turn) and 12 bits multi-turn, making them suitable for the highest precision applications in servo drives, robotics, medical equipment, and semiconductor production. The rigid metal housing, double ball bearings, and robust electronic circuits guarantee reliability in extreme conditions.

Hengstler magnetic encoders (ACURO ARC series) are particularly suited for use in contaminated, wet, and vibrating environments where optical encoders would be unreliable. They measure rotational position via a magnetic ring and Hall sensors, completely without mechanical contact.

At Verkopershulp.nl we carry over 1,990 genuine Hengstler products. As an authorized distributor we guarantee fast delivery, technical support for encoder selection, and full warranty on all Hengstler products.

History

Hengstler was founded in 1846 in Aldingen, Baden-Württemberg (Germany) as a clockmaker company. In the early 20th century the company expanded into industrial counters and measuring instruments for the emerging manufacturing industry. For decades Hengstler remained a family company articulating its products around mechanical precision. From the 1970s to the 1990s came the transformation to electronics: Hengstler launched its first electronic encoders and solid-state relays, supplementing and later partially replacing mechanical counters and switches. The introduction of absolute encoders with digital communication interfaces established Hengstler as a specialist for the most demanding servo and automation applications. Today Hengstler is part of Fortive Corporation and has its headquarters in Aldingen with manufacturing in Germany and distribution networks in more than 60 countries. The company continuously invests in higher encoder resolutions, more robust constructions, and new communication protocols such as IO-Link and Ethernet-based interfaces.

Product Categories

  • Encoder

Applications

  • Servo Drives & Motion Control
  • Robotics & Automated Assembly
  • Machine Tools & CNC Machining Centers
  • Packaging Machines & Filling Lines
  • Medical Equipment & Laboratory
  • Wind Energy & Solar Tracking
  • Elevators, Cranes & Hoisting Systems
  • Paper & Printing Industry
  • Textile Machines & Looms
  • Semiconductor Production & Cleanroom
  • Transport & Logistics Automation
  • Metal Processing & Press Brake Production

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an incremental and an absolute encoder?
An incremental encoder generates pulses at each degree step but loses its position on power failure. After restart a reference run (homing) is required. An absolute encoder permanently remembers its position, even after power failure. Absolute encoders suit applications where position must always be known without a reference run, such as elevators, cranes, and medical equipment.
Which communication interface should I choose for my Hengstler encoder?
The choice depends on your drive controller. SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface) is the most common standard for absolute encoders with servo drives. EnDat 2.2 offers bidirectional communication and is the standard for Heidenhain and Siemens systems. BiSS-C is an open-source fast interface. CANopen and PROFIBUS are fieldbus interfaces for PLC networks. IO-Link is the latest standard for short distances.
What Hengstler encoder resolution do I need for servo applications?
For modern servo drives (Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, Beckhoff), absolute encoders with minimum 17-20 bit single-turn (131,072-1,048,576 counts per revolution) are recommended for smooth motion and high positioning accuracy. Hengstler AC-series absolute encoders are available up to 23 bit single-turn (8,388,608 steps per revolution).
Are Hengstler encoders suitable for use in humid environments?
Hengstler encoders are available in IP65 and IP67 versions (dust and waterproof). The magnetic ACURO ARC series offers IP69K protection (resistant to high-pressure jets) for applications in the food and carwash industries. For full submersion, IP68 is available in special versions.
How do I connect a Hengstler incremental encoder to my PLC?
Connect the encoder output signals (A, B, Z for TTL/HTL output) to the dedicated encoder input of your PLC or counter module. Check the supply voltage (5VDC for TTL, 10-30VDC for HTL), signal frequency (max. pulses/sec), and cable distance. Long cables require line drivers (RS422 differential signal). Hengstler supplies ready-made cables per encoder type.
What is the maximum pulse frequency of Hengstler incremental encoders?
Hengstler standard incremental encoders (RI58 series) have a maximum pulse frequency of 300-500 kHz depending on the model. High-speed versions reach 1 MHz. The maximum input frequency of your counter module or PLC encoder input is the limiting factor. Hengstler provides the technical datasheet with the exact maximum pulse frequency per model.
Does Verkopershulp.nl supply Hengstler counters for production recording?
Yes, we supply Hengstler digital counters (H, RLIX, CODIX series) for production part counting, batch counting, and preset applications. These are available as panel-mount, DIN-rail mount, and remote-controlled, with 4-8 digit displays. Hengstler preset counters with relay output are ideal for automatically stopping processes after a set number of pulses.
Are Hengstler encoders interchangeable with encoders from Sick, Baumer, and Lika?
Hengstler, Sick, Baumer, and Lika manufacture encoders with comparable flange dimensions (ISO 5115, 58mm flange) and connection sizes. Direct replacement is possible if the mechanical flange type, shaft bore size, electrical interface, and communication resolution match. Our specialists at Verkopershulp.nl help you find an exact replacement or functional equivalent.