If you’re searching for an encoder supplier China for CNC machines, robots, AGVs, conveyors, or motion control, this guide shows how to shortlist and verify reliable partners. We explain the differences between rotary vs linear, absolute vs incremental, key interfaces (SSI, BiSS, EnDat, CANopen, EtherCAT, PROFINET), and the practical checks that protect your project timeline and budget.
1) What you actually need (before contacting suppliers)
Clarify specs up front—this saves days of back-and-forth and helps every encoder supplier China quote accurately.
Application: CNC axis, robot joint, AGV hub, conveyor, elevator, packaging line
Type & structure: rotary (hollow shaft / solid shaft / through-bore) or linear
Output principle: incremental (PPR/CPR) or absolute (single-turn / multi-turn, bit depth)
Interfaces: SSI, BiSS-C, EnDat 2.2, CANopen, Modbus, EtherCAT, PROFINET
Electrical: 5 V or 9–30 V, TTL/HTL, RS-422 differential line driver, cable length
Environment: IP65/IP67, temperature range, oil mist/dust, shock & vibration
Mechanics: shaft diameter, flange, keyway/clamp, coupling, allowable runout
Compliance: ISO 9001, CE, RoHS, REACH (ask for certificates)
Business: target price, MOQ, lead time, samples, warranty, after-sales support
Tip: For absolute encoders, confirm master compatibility in detail—clock frequency, frame length, CRC/parity, multi-turn overflow handling. For EtherCAT/PROFINET, request ESI/GSDML files early.
2) Choosing between rotary vs linear, absolute vs incremental
Rotary encoders handle shafts, motors, gearboxes.
Incremental: counts pulses (PPR/CPR). Best for speed/relative position with cost efficiency.
Absolute: retains position on power loss (single-turn / multi-turn). Ideal for robots, AGVs, lifts.
Linear encoders measure travel on machine tools, gantries, metrology. Check measuring length, resolution, and SDE (sub-divisional error).
Optical vs magnetic
Optical: highest resolution and precision; prefer in clean environments.
Magnetic: robust in dust, oil, vibration; good for harsh factory floors.
3) Shortlist criteria for an encoder supplier in China
Evaluate each candidate with the same checklist to keep comparisons fair:
Technical depth: full data sheets, 2D/3D drawings (STEP), wiring diagrams, EMC notes
Process control: optical assembly cleanliness, automated calibration, traceable SN/barcodes
Testing: 100% outgoing test (resolution, accuracy), burn-in/aging, environmental stress
Documentation: clear manuals for SSI/BiSS/EnDat, timing diagrams, PLC examples
Customization: small changes to shafts, flanges, cables, connectors, firmware parameters
Quality system: valid ISO 9001, recent CE/RoHS reports (verify lab and dates)
Commercial terms: realistic lead time, transparent MOQ, sample policy, RMA flow
Communication: responsive pre-sales and engineering support in English
4) RFQ template you can copy
Send one message like this to three to five encoder supplier China candidates:
Application: robot joint position feedback
Type: rotary, absolute, multi-turn (12-bit multi-turn, 17-bit single-turn)
Interface: BiSS-C, master Beckhoff model XX
Electrical: 9–30 V, RS-422 differential, 5 m shielded cable with M12 connector
Environment: IP67, −20 to 85 °C, oil mist resistant
Mechanics: hollow shaft 17 mm, clamping collar, anti-rotation pin
Compliance: ISO 9001, CE, RoHS; provide datasheet, STEP, wiring diagram
Quantity: samples 3 pcs this month; batch 200 pcs per quarter
Commercial: target price USD XX, lead time XX weeks, warranty 24 months; OEM label needed
5) Bench tests that prevent expensive surprises
Noise & jitter: confirm timing stability at your update rate; log missed frames/packets
EMC immunity: run motors, VFDs, and welders nearby—watch for errors and ground loops
Thermal drift: cold/hot cycles to check repeatability; verify sealing for IP67 claims
Cable reality: test the exact cable length and routing you’ll use on the machine
Mechanical life: check bearing and coupling limits; verify axial/radial load tolerance
6) Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)
Interface mismatch: SSI vs BiSS vs EnDat timing—ask for logic analyzer screenshots or demo videos
Grounding/shielding: connect cable shield at one end only (usually controller end) to avoid loops
Over-spec: don’t pay for multi-turn if single-turn meets your homing method
Underspec: harsh environments demand magnetic sensing and higher IP rating
Firmware files: keep ESI/GSDML revisions under version control across your PLC projects
7) Sample acceptance checklist (fast go/no-go)
Part label matches PO; SN traceable
Dimensions match drawing; shaft fit and runout within tolerance
Interface recognized by controller; no CRC or parity errors
Resolution verified; index/Zero behavior correct (for incremental Z)
Temperature and vibration pass; connector/cable strain relief secure
8) Pricing, MOQ, and lead time—what’s normal
Standard SKUs: samples often in 7–15 days; batches 2–5 weeks
Custom variants: allow extra time for tooling, jigs, or firmware changes
MOQ: many encoder China manufacturers allow small MOQs if the spec is standard
Total cost view: include shipping, import duties, spares, warranty turnaround, and downtime risk
9) Why buying from a supplier in China works (when vetted well)
Broad portfolio across incremental and absolute (SSI/BiSS/EnDat) in rotary and linear
Competitive pricing and OEM/ODM flexibility (labels, cables, connectors, housings)
Scalable capacity for pilot runs to volume production, with improving QC and traceability