Posital IXARC Encoders – Solutions for Seed Meter Synchronisation 

Seed planters are systemsized machines found primarily in scaled agricultural crop applications. They are tasked with digging, planting, and covering seeds in large-scale farming. Seed planter machines are powered and pulled behind tractors across large paddocks, planting thousands of seeds daily.

The seed metering system, responsible for delivering the seed at the correct intervals, can consist of either a finger-pick-up system or a suction fan seed plate. Seeds are placed on a seed metering plate, which ensures one seed is delivered at the correct intervals. Seed metering systems can be powered by ground, hydraulic, or electrical power, all with control mechanisms to ensure precise delivery of seed at the intended intervals.

Learn more about the Posital Encoder range here.

To ensure seed delivery is precise and measured on electric-driven seed meter systems, encoders can be used to measure various aspects of the seed planter rig speed and positioning to better enable seed planting precision and synchronisation. Such systems can incorporate Posital encoders on the rig's drive train, communicating movement speed to the seed metering plate system and adjusting delivery across all planter rows on the rig as needed.

Posital IXARC Rotary Encoders

A Posital IXARC incremental encoder was deployed on a commercial farming application to enable greater precision and synchronisation across a seed planter rig metering system. The IXARC incremental encoder was mounted to take measurements from the rig's wheel speed, which would relay to a motor driving the seed meter plate, slowing or speeding up the delivery in response to the rig's movement. This system enabled precise synchronisation across each row, with all rows delivering simultaneously during operation.

The IXARC rotary encoders are robust in design and can withstand the harsh conditions of agricultural farming. Both incremental and absolute options are fitted with IP66 and IP67 housing and shafts, making these encoders highly resistant to dust and moisture. Additionally, the IXARC encoders have stainless steel housing options for heavy-duty applications and can withstand upwards of 200N of force.

The IXARC is designed specifically for applications where speed may vary frequently and features a range of mounting options, such as shaft, thru-bore, and blind hollow, to mount your intended system. With a primary focus on precision, the IXARC encoders offer users up to 16-bit resolution, with absolute encoder models allowing any connection from analog to fieldbus and Ethernet interfacing.

If you have a similar agricultural application requiring a robust rotary encoder to meet the demands of your industry, the PCA team is here to help. Call 1300 362 633 or send any questions to our contact page here.