Small-scale linear encoder designed for limited-space applications

Numerik Jena’s LIK 41 kit-style optical linear encoder, available from Heidenhain Corp., is suitable for motion feedback applications in which space is limited. It has a graduation of 20 µm with lengths up to 98.43 ft.

The scale can be mounted in two ways. Singleflex is mounted directly to the machine axis with an adhesive on the back. With Doubleflex, a base metal layer is affixed to the axis of motion via a pin on the left side of the scale, and an oil film and another metal layer with the graduation imprinted rests on top of the base metal tape. The very thin oil film allows for free thermal growth with low friction, but the top metal layer does not fall away from the base tape because of a recommended fixing point at one location. Accuracies to +/- 1 micron are achievable with this mounting arrangement, the company states.