Avtron and Nidec Avtron History

Avtron Industrial Automation, founded in 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio,  has been known for many years as a leading designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge automation control solutions and services. Part of that focus included drive systems and encoders that were ideal for applications in heavy industry. Avtron was a privately held company for 55 years, followed by 5 years of private equity.

Avtron Industrial Automation, however, was acquired by Nidec in 2012 to form Nidec Avtron Automation Corporation. Nidec, a Japanese company whose origins go back to 1973, is a global manufacturer of electric motors and control systems. By acquiring Avtron, Nidec added its products and reputation for quality to its own portfolio while still allowing Avtron to sell its encoders and drive systems.

In addition, Avtron products were augmented with complementary solutions from another company acquired by Nidec that same year, Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of motors, drives, and automation-systems.

Where Avtron Encoders are Used

Avtron products, including their encoders, are used in a wide range of applications, including steel mill equipment, oil drilling rigs, wind turbines, cranes, paper machines, marine equipment, port industries, and mining equipment. And Avtron encoders are used in light-duty applications as well as hazardous environments, which is why they include flameproof and explosion proof models in their product line.

Avtron Encoders

Encoders are a key aspect of any motor control system as they provide critical feedback by sensing changes in motor position. Avtron’s extensive product line of encoders are classified as follows:

• Light Mill Duty (often used in pulp and paper environments)
• Mill Duty (also used in pulp and paper processing)
• Heavy Mill Duty (found in mining and metal processing)
• Severe Mill Duty (often used with wind turbines)
• Hazardous Duty (including explosion proof and flameproof models, most tested to meet UL Class and Division standards and used in the oil and gas industry)
• OEM Modules
• Absolute (often used with stacker cranes, container cranes, crawler cranes, and truck-mounted cranes)

Avtron Encoder Trade-In Program

Avtron also offers a trade-in program that allows you to trade in an outdated, light-duty absolute encoder to receive a significant discount (up to 50% off) a new  AV6A, AV6M, AV30, HS6A, HS6M, or HS40 encoder. The new encoders available through this program are far more durable and reliable than the older, light-duty encoders.

HECO and Avtron

Whether you’re looking for a light-duty encoder or a hazardous environment encoder, Avtron will have what you need. From crawler cranes to paper mills, their encoders have a proven track record of reliability and performance. If you are in the market for an encoder, allow HECO to leverage its strong relationship with Avtron to your advantage.