New SICK washdown encoder IP69K developed to last

The new SICK washdown encoder IP69K offers hygienic, long-lasting reliability in the most demanding environments of the food industry. Developed to last despite frequent high-pressure chemical washdowns in highly demanding food applications, the SICK DBS60I-W encoder is the first incremental encoder IP69K with additional protection against ingress thanks to a new patented deflector.

The SICK DBS60I-W (Washdown) encoder offers the same resolution and performance characteristics as the well-known SICK incremental encoder DBS60 but in a robust stainless steel 316L (V4A) housing that complies with the IP69K standard. The deflector, specially developed for this product, is designed to protect the shaft seal against the penetration of water and aggressive chemicals during high-pressure washdown. The Washdown encoder therefore promises a long service life, safeguarding machine reliability and availability on food processing, bottling and packaging lines.

SICK patented protection

The SICK DBS60I-W has a smooth, rounded housing and an EHEDG-approved hygienic cable gland, preventing crevices or traps from retaining residues or bacteria. The patented deflector shield blends seamlessly into the front face of the encoder. It removes the direct impact of washing on the shaft seal, which eliminates the risk of water and caustic chemicals penetrating during high-pressure washdowns.

Versatile performance for food processing and packaging

The SICK Washdown encoder is a direct answer to the problems of lost productivity caused by unplanned line stoppages resulting from premature device failure and a shortened product life due to water ingress, a recurring problem in environments where high-pressure washdowns are frequent, such as meat and fish processing and packaging plants or bottling plants.

SICK IP69K encoder, corrosion and bacterial resistance

The hygienic design of the Washdown encoder also prevents production contamination that could otherwise lead to health problems and costly product recalls. The stainless steel 316 (V4A) offers high resistance to corrosion caused by the aggressive chemicals used in cleaning and sterilization systems, while the smooth housing prevents bacterial growth.

The SICK DBS60I-W is therefore an indispensable solution for common machine applications in the food industry, such as speed control and measurement on conveyors, control of product transfer between two processes, speed measurement in bottle labeling applications, or feedback for volumetric measurements and vision inspections. Worldwide, the first applications at SICK customers have involved meat and poultry processing, as well as constant-weight cutting and fish packaging.

The SICK DBS60I-W complements SICK's family of DBS60 Inox stainless steel incremental encoders. With a resolution of up to 5 000 pulses per revolution and a diameter of only 58 mm, as well as a range of hygienic connections, the Washdown encoder offers versatile performance compatible with most machine designs and allows easy replacement on existing machines in processing plants.