Renishaw has launched a new encoder family for linear axes, which offers exceptionally wide installation tolerances and axis speeds of up to 24 meters per second. The QUANTiC encoder series produces a digital signal output directly from the readhead and eliminates the requirement for additional bulky external interfaces. This ground-breaking approach was first used for […]
Encoders + sensors (linear) + I/O
What is Abbé error and how does it affect linear systems?
When evaluating the accuracy of a linear motion system, the area of focus is often the positioning accuracy and repeatability of the drive mechanism. But there are many factors that contribute to the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of a linear system, including linear errors, angular errors, and Abbé errors. Of these three types, Abbé errors are probably […]
HEIDENHAIN’s new LC 201 single-section linear encoder for absolute applications
Long machine tool axes are increasingly being equipped with linear drives, and HEIDENHAIN’s new LC 201 absolute linear scale was introduced to specifically meet those drive position feedback needs. This new scale is a single-section METALLUR tape encoder that’s ideal for use in linear motor applications that may be required to reach high acceleration levels […]
Where are glass scale linear encoders used?
Linear encoders are generally classified by their scanning technology — optical or magnetic. Magnetic encoders use a metal scale (often referred to as a “tape”), while optical encoders use a scale made of either metal or glass. Although magnetic encoders have seen great improvements in resolution and accuracy in recent years, for single-micron and sub-micron […]
What is sub-divisional error (SDE) in linear encoders?
To determine the position of a linear axis, an encoder read head travels along a scale and “reads” changes in light (for optical encoders) or magnetic field (for magnetic types). As the read head registers these changes, it produces sine and cosine signals that are shifted 90 degrees from each other (referred to as “quadrature […]
Magnetic linear encoder solves issues with variable gap distance
New Balluff product delivers impressive 12 micrometer accuracy at 1.0 mm A new magnetic incremental linear encoder system with exceptional ride height provides a much needed solution for applications with variable gap distance. The new BML SF2 system from Balluff provides 12 micrometer system accuracy at gap distances up to 1.0 mm and a maximum […]
How do magnetic linear encoders differ from optical versions?
Encoder technology generally falls into three categories: optical, magnetic, and capacitive, with optical and magnetic encoders making up the bulk of the industrial automation encoder market. Not very long ago, the choice between optical and magnetic technologies was primarily a matter of resolution. If encoder resolution below 5 microns was required, optical was the only […]
When is resolution important for linear systems?
Accuracy and repeatability are standard specifications that describe how a linear motion system behaves along its travel and how closely it reaches the intended position. Resolution, on the other hand, is less often included in performance data for linear motion systems, but it can be equally important as accuracy and repeatability in some applications. In […]
New enhanced LIF 400 linear encoder family from HEIDENHAIN
After more than 10 years of success in the marketplace, HEIDENHAIN’s LIF 400 family of encoders has been redesigned with several improvements. The updates to this exposed linear kit style encoder originated from listening to customer requests over the years, and now comes with much improved contamination resistance, among other enhancements. The new LIF 400 […]
SIKO LEC100 and LEC200 sensors for Industry 4.0 (IIoT) linear drives, material handling, and robotics
Magnetic motor feedback is indispensable in linear drives, circuit-board assembly, handling systems, robotics, and other Industry 4.0 machines for automation. The purpose of these sensors is often to track speed and position and communicate that data to a main controller in realtime. Now ultra-compact LEC100 and LEC200 sensors from SIKO gives design engineers two new […]
