Simrit Encoders Offer Light-Weight, Cost-Effective Speed Sensing

Technology Specialist is the only encoder manufacturer in North America

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 7 -- Simrit's new encoder technology, which is helping product designers add a robust, lightweight and economical means of measuring speed, will be displayed along with other product innovations at Simrit's booth (#1744) during the National Design Engineering Show held in Chicago this week at McCormick Place. Simrit is the industrial products division of Plymouth, Mich.-based Freudenberg-NOK.

"The innovation and engineering behind the encoder is another step in 'smart sealing' technology," said David R. Monaco, president of Simrit. "While encoders originated in Europe, we were able to bring the benefits of this world-class technology to our North American customers at superior quality levels and cost-competitive prices."

Initially used in automotive anti-lock braking systems to replace metal- toothed tone wheels, magnetic encoders are now used in a variety of rotary applications, including engine, crankshaft and transmission control.

An encoder consists of a sensor that picks up data from special magnetized rubber on a metal ring that is incorporated into the seal. The data is then fed into control computers that help regulate the systems.

One of the key benefits of encoder technology is that it eliminates the cost and weight of a separate metal tone ring through its compact design and integration of functions. Other advantages include a higher accuracy of signals compared to conventional designs; a reduction in vibrations; improved fuel economy; the ability to detect the direction of rotation, speed and angle; an allowance for larger air gaps; and the use of active sensors.

Freudenberg-NOK, the parent company of Simrit, is the only encoder manufacturer in North America with production facilities in Laconia, N.H. and Cuautla and Queretaro, Mexico.

A market leader in the aerospace, industrial and agriculture/construction market segments, Simrit draws from more than 150 years of experience and well- known brand names including Freudenberg(R), NOK(R), Disogrin(R), Merkel and International Seal(R).

The Simrit division is based at Freudenberg-NOK's headquarters in Plymouth, Mich. Freudenberg-NOK is part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies, which have total annual sales of nearly $7 billion. The global Freudenberg and NOK Group offers an extensive portfolio of precision-molded products for the aerospace, agriculture/construction, appliance, automotive, diesel engine, marine, medical and recreational vehicle markets.

For more information, visit the Simrit website at http://www.simrit.com/ .