Baumer has launched the Fully Reinforced Encoders, a new encoder family for demanding automation and drive applications. It combines mechanical, magnetic and electrical robustness with configurable speed and direction monitoring. The company offers two shaft variants: the HS35 follows the U.S. inch standard, while the EN780 is the metric version for Europe and Asia.
Why a fully reinforced encoder?
In many plants, the existing mechanical and electrical interfaces decide which encoder fits. Engineers then focus on single requirements, such as protection rating, shock resistance or shaft insulation. According to Baumer, failures often come from the interplay of several factors instead. The new family therefore tackles them together, which aims to reduce unplanned downtime.
Built for long life and harsh conditions
Baumer quotes a typical service life of 10 to 20 years, about twice that of comparable models. Large-diameter bearings, special lubricants, separate seals and high-quality coatings make this possible. Separating bearings and seals also lowers the bearing temperature and extends the grease life.
Shock resistance is another focus. Brake motors create high-frequency loads of up to 10 kHz and accelerations of several thousand g. Baumer tests under real operating conditions with one million braking cycles, not only with low-frequency shock tests.
The encoders also protect against electrical interference such as overvoltage, ESD and wiring errors. Integrated shaft insulation handles shaft voltages up to 2.8 kV, without the dimensional drawbacks of plastic inserts. In addition, the output drivers keep the signal stable over distances up to 350 meters without external amplifiers. Finally, immunity to magnetic fields reaches 120 mT, which matters near brake motors and high-power drives.
Key data at a glance
| Feature | HS35 / EN780 |
|---|---|
| Shaft variants | HS35 (U.S. inch standard), EN780 (metric, Europe and Asia) |
| Typical service life | 10 to 20 years |
| Shaft insulation | Up to 2.8 kV shaft voltage |
| Signal transmission | Up to 350 m without external amplifiers |
| Magnetic immunity | Up to 120 mT |
| Angular accuracy | ±0.014° (±50 angular seconds) |
| Speed precision | Approx. 1 % at 10 rpm |
| Standstill detection | Creep window of only 0.1° |
| Parameterization | Direct via USB-C |
Easy setup and condition monitoring
You configure the encoders directly via USB-C, so no adapter or special cable is needed. The freeware Baumer Sensor Suite visualizes speed and position, edits parameters and runs diagnostics. The devices offer these functions:
- Electronic device identification
- Parameterization of the encoder and its switching functions
- Condition monitoring with an event log for diagnostic data
- LED indicator for limit monitoring
Optionally, the encoders monitor overspeed, underspeed, standstill and direction of rotation. They then report the output monitoring limits to the controller through a switching signal.
Where it matters for engineers
Precise values count most at low speed and in synchronized motion. Typical uses include heavy-duty industry, conveyor systems, packaging machines and electronically coupled drives, where small speed deviations cause process issues or extra wear. Where even more durability is needed, Baumer points to its HeavyDuty encoders from the Hübner Berlin brand.
You can find the details on the official pages for the HS35 (U.S.) and the EN780 (Europe, Asia). For more from the manufacturer, see our Baumer news section, the earlier report on the HS35iQ programmable encoder and the overview of Baumer at SPS 2026.