Linear Encoder Protects Against Scale Contamination
Heidenhain’s redesigned Lida 400 series exposed linear encoders are designed for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), linear motion stages, wafer inspection, waterjet cutting and other applications.
Share
Heidenhain’s redesigned Lida 400 series exposed linear encoders are designed for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), linear motion stages, wafer inspection, waterjet cutting and other applications. The line is fully mechanically compatible to the previous Lida 400 family, and scanning units are interchangeable with older graduations. Maintaining a 20-micron graduation and interpolation to 100 times available from the scanning unit, the encoder system can provide a resolution of 50 nm and accuracies ranging to ±1 micron. In addition, the signal quality is improved in this redesign, the says company.
Electronic components make the single-field scanning principle more robust against contamination on the scales, where as much as 4 mm of the graduation can be blocked, while the scanning unit still generates signals within specification. Other new features include a multi-colored status LED on the side of the scanning unit to indicate the signal levels during installation, enabling the operator to quickly check encoder status. This status LED also indicates the reference mark signal quality. For the digital TTL versions with interpolation, the interpolation circuits have been miniaturized to fit inside of the scanning unit housing, providing cost savings.
Related Content
-
How to Mitigate Chatter to Boost Machining Rates
There are usually better solutions to chatter than just reducing the feed rate. Through vibration analysis, the chatter problem can be solved, enabling much higher metal removal rates, better quality and longer tool life.
-
The Power of Practical Demonstrations and Projects
Practical work has served Bridgerland Technical College both in preparing its current students for manufacturing jobs and in appealing to new generations of potential machinists.
-
Setting Up the Building Blocks for a Digital Factory
Woodward Inc. spent over a year developing an API to connect machines to its digital factory. Caron Engineering’s MiConnect has cut most of this process while also granting the shop greater access to machine information.