IFM incremental encoders for wet areas are designed for reliable rotary motion measurement in demanding and moisture-intensive industrial environments. The WetLine range uses stainless-steel housings and increased ingress protection to withstand frequent exposure to water and cleaning conditions. These encoders provide programmable resolution up to 10,000 pulses per revolution and support IO-Link communication for parameterisation and diagnostics. Solid-shaft and hollow-shaft versions are available for different machine mounting requirements. They are particularly suitable for food and beverage production, conveyor systems, and other applications requiring robust wet-area performance.
Explore performance details, construction highlights, applications, and technical information in one clear overview.
WetLine incremental encoders feature stainless-steel construction for improved resistance to corrosion in demanding environments. The robust housing is designed for applications where moisture and regular cleaning are present. High ingress protection at the shaft side further improves reliability during wet operation. The design supports longer maintenance intervals in applications such as conveyor belt synchronisation. These characteristics make the range well suited to food-industry machinery and other washdown-prone installations.
The encoders provide programmable resolution from 1 to 10,000 pulses per revolution. Resolution and signal parameters can be configured through IO-Link, reducing the need for multiple encoder variants. IO-Link also provides access to process values, parameter settings, and diagnostic information. When operated through IO-Link, the encoder can retain its position information through a power interruption and operate similarly to an absolute singleturn encoder. This provides additional flexibility for modern automation systems.
The WetLine family is available with both solid-shaft and hollow-shaft configurations. Solid-shaft versions are available with 6 mm and 10 mm shaft diameters, while hollow-shaft versions are available in several common industrial sizes. The range supports radial or axial M12 connector arrangements depending on the model. Different mounting and coupling options allow integration into motors, conveyors, drives, and rotating machinery. This mechanical flexibility simplifies encoder selection for different machine designs.
WetLine encoders are specifically intended for demanding environments where conventional encoders may be exposed to excessive moisture. Typical applications include conveyor belt synchronisation and rotary position feedback in food and beverage manufacturing. Their stainless-steel construction and IP67 protection make them suitable for wet-area installations. The technology can provide reliable speed, position, and direction feedback for automated machinery. These features help reduce maintenance requirements and unplanned downtime in moisture-intensive production environments.
Stainless-steel housing for wet-area applications
IP67 protection rating
Programmable resolution from 1 to 10,000 pulses per revolution
IO-Link communication
Resolution and signal configurable through IO-Link
Magnetic incremental sensing technology
Solid-shaft and hollow-shaft versions
6 mm and 10 mm solid-shaft options
3/8", 12 mm, 15 mm and 5/8" hollow-shaft options
Axial or radial M12 connector options
High resistance to moisture and demanding cleaning environments
Suitable for food and beverage machinery
Food and beverage processing machinery
Conveyor belt synchronisation
Wet-area conveyor systems
Packaging machinery
Material handling equipment
Rotary position feedback
Speed and direction monitoring
Machine automation systems
Washdown-prone production equipment
The stainless-steel construction helps protect the encoder against corrosion in wet operating environments. High ingress protection reduces the risk associated with moisture entering the encoder housing and shaft area. IO-Link diagnostics can provide additional information for maintenance and troubleshooting. Programmable parameters also reduce the need to keep multiple encoder variants for different machine configurations. Together, these features support reliable operation and longer maintenance intervals.
WetLine encoders can be integrated into modern automation systems using IO-Link communication. Parameterisation through IO-Link allows resolution and signal settings to be adapted without replacing the encoder. The M12 connector design supports practical electrical installation with radial or axial orientation depending on the selected version. Solid and hollow shaft designs provide compatibility with different drive and conveyor arrangements. This combination makes the range suitable for demanding motion-control applications in hygienic and wet industrial environments.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Incremental encoders for wet areas |
| Product Family | IFM WetLine |
| Sensing Principle | Magnetic |
| Encoder Type | Incremental |
| Resolution | 1...10,000 pulses/revolution |
| Resolution Setting | Programmable via IO-Link |
| Communication | IO-Link |
| Signal Configuration | Programmable via IO-Link |
| Protection Rating | IP67 |
| Housing Material | Stainless steel |
| Application Environment | Wet and demanding industrial areas |
| Food Industry Suitability | Yes |
| Shaft Configurations | Solid shaft / hollow shaft |
| Solid Shaft Diameter | 6 mm / 10 mm |
| Hollow Shaft Diameter | 9.525 mm / 12 mm / 15 mm / 15.875 mm |
| Hollow Shaft Equivalent | 3/8" / 5/8" versions available |
| Connector | M12 |
| Connector Orientation | Radial / axial |
| Position Feedback | Incremental pulse feedback |
| Speed Feedback | Yes |
| Direction Detection | Yes, using incremental A/B signals |
| IO-Link Parameterisation | Yes |
| Diagnostic Communication | Yes |
| Position Retention via IO-Link | Yes |
| Operating Voltage | 4.75...30 V DC on current WetLine incremental models |
| Maximum Electrical Speed | Up to 12,000 rpm on applicable models |
| Typical Application | Conveyor belt synchronisation |
| Typical Industry | Food and beverage |
| Environmental Design | Stainless-steel wet-area construction |
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