Mechanical design The linear encoders for numerically controlled machine tools are sealed encoders: An aluminum housing protects the scale, scanning carriage and its guideway from chips, dust, and fl uids. Downward-oriented elastic lips industrial seal the housing.The scanning carriage travels in a low-friction guide within the scale unit. A coupling connects the scanning carriage with the mounting block and compensates the misalignment between the scale and the machine guideways.Depending on the encoder model, lateral and axial offsets of ± 0.2 to ± 0.3 mm between the scale and mounting block are permissible. ••• Advantages of linear encoders Linear encoders measure the position of linear axes without additional mechanical transfer elements. The control loop for position control with a linear encoder also includes the entire feed mechanics. Transfer errors from the mechanics can be detected by the linear encoder on the industrial slide, and corrected by the control electronics. This can eliminate a number of potential error sources:Positioning error due to thermal behavior of the recirculating ball screw HysteresisKinematic error through ball-screw pitch errorLinear encoders are therefore indispensable for machines that must fulfi ll high requirements for positioning accuracy and machining speed.

Linear Encoders for Numerically Controlled Machine Tools

Linear encoders from HEIDENHAIN for numerically controlled machine tools can be used nearly everywhere. They are ideal for machines and other equipment whose feed axes are in a closed loop, such as milling machines manufacturer, industrial machining centers, boring machines manufacturer, industrial lathes and grinding machines. The benefi cial dynamic behavior of the linear encoders, their highly reliable traversing speed, and their acceleration in the direction of measurement predestine them for use on highly-dynamic conventional axes as well as on direct drives.HEIDENHAIN also supplies linear encoders for other applications, such asManual machine tools Industrial presses and bending machines Automation and production equipmentPlease request further documentation,or inform yourself on the Internet at www.heidenhain.de.•• •

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