Description
In Mitsubishi CNC documentation, MPCI refers to a series of high-resolution machine/spindle side encoders made for C-axis control and high-accuracy position feedback, typically supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool (or Nidec Machine Tool) as an optional encoder for CNC spindle systems. It’s listed as a spindle side accuracy serial output encoder in Mitsubishi spindle option tables.
📌 Key Characteristics
-
Encoder Category: Spindle side accuracy serial output encoder — used to provide precise rotational position/speed feedback for C-axis machining, spindle orientation, and servo control.
-
Manufacturer/Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool (some manuals also show Nidec Machine Tool as the supplier for the MPCI series).
-
Interface Type: Signals from the MPCI encoder are brought into the CNC/spindle drive via a serial interface unit (e.g., ADB-20J20) that converts the raw encoder data into the high-speed Mitsubishi serial format used by the drive-controller.
-
Resolution: Typical minimum detectable resolution is around 0.00005°, corresponding to roughly 7,200,000 counts per revolution — quite high precision suitable for C-axis orientation tasks.
-
Maximum Speed: Rated for spindle speeds up to about 10,000 rpm in standard configurations.
🧠 How It Works in the System
-
The MPCI encoder is mounted on the spindle (or machine side) and measures angular position and speed.
-
Its output is processed by a serial interface converter (such as ADB-20J20), which translates the encoder’s signal into a high-speed digital serial encoder format compatible with Mitsubishi drives/controllers.
-
The CNC controller uses this high-precision position feedback for C-axis control, rigid tapping, synchronized spindle motion, and indexing.
🔧 Typical Application
MPCI-series encoders are often offered as an option for Mitsubishi CNC systems that need higher accuracy than basic encoders (like OSE-1024 or TS series) but may not require the ultra-high resolution of a Heidenhain ERM280. They fill a mid-to-high precision niche for machine tools where accurate spindle position feedback is needed.
🧾 In Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Encoder Type | Spindle-side serial output accuracy encoder |
| Series | MPCI |
| Typical Resolution | ~0.00005° (≈7,200,000 pulses/rev) |
| Max Spindle Speed | ~10,000 rpm |
| Interface | ADB-20J20 serial signal converter |
| Use Case | C-axis control, orientation, high-precision feedback in Mitsubishi CNC systems |