The optical rotary encoder used in industrial automation applications usually to sensor rotation motion.

Magnetic encoder more solid than optical encoder, but less resolution and accuracy is not available. They usually used in the environment and excessive dirt, steam, such as vibration with environmental factors may interfere with the performance of optical encoder.

Capacitive encoder is a relatively new industry automation.

The encoder of the strong magnetic encoder, but also do not have to use, the movement of the encoder electronics technology of optical sensing encoders. The chopped in high resolution and accuracy and translation namely movement into industry standard electrical signals.

Light, medium, heavy-duty encoders by indicating how many load can be applied on the shaft. A light encoder can handle some radial force on the shaft (10 n, for example, or 2.25 pounds); The heavy-duty encoders can accommodate much in shaft radial force (for example, 100 N, or 22.5 pounds). Score status quo of environment becomes stronger as the duty ratio increases.

Light encoder IP40 and IP50 typical (dust); The medium and heavy-duty encoders, and can reach IP65 rating often (splash).