Renishaw, the global metrology specialist, has launched a new substrate mastered encoder scale that adopts the thermal behavior of the underlying substrate. The RKLC encoder scale is a robust, 6 mm wide stainless steel tape with a thickness of just 0.15 mm. This thin profile allows the scale when rigidly fixed to a machine axis, to match the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the machine substrate. The scale is compatible with Renishaw’s VIONiC™, TONiC™, and QUANTiC™ incremental encoder families.
The narrow 6 mm wide RKLC scale facilitates installation in space-constrained applications. Other features include a proven, robust stainless steel tape scale design with immunity to solvents, two scale pitch options (20 µm and 40 µm), two available accuracy grades (±5 µm/m and ±15 µm/m), and coilability for easy storage and cut-to-length convenience. The scale is installed onto the axis substrate by a self-adhesive backing tape and the scale ends are rigidly fixed by means of epoxy-fastened end clamps, eliminating the need to drill holes. A simple applicator tool is available for quick and straightforward scale installation.
Applications for RKLC scales include those involving precision measurements related to fixed positions on a machine, such as the coordinates of a rigid fixture. In a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) application, the scale may be mastered to a high thermal mass machine substrate (e.g. granite). This reduces the amplitude of short-term scale temperature fluctuations in a climate-controlled environment, where the room temperature slowly oscillates about a target value.
Renishaw encoder systems have CE approval and are manufactured in-house using strict quality-controlled processes that are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and backed by a truly responsive global sales and support network.