Hi all,
For those that don't know a linear motor is not like a normal wire wound motor. It is a long flat magnet, usually rare earth magnet, and the moving part is a wound coil. If you've ever opened up a hard drive and seen the "voice coil" it is the same basic theory.
The linear encoder was a golden strip with vertical bars...but you couldnt see them, they were 20 microns apart and the whole golden strip looked solid. The guy said the encoders are big $$$.
The 20 micron spacing on the linear encoding strip was divided into a further 256 locations (the optical head doesnt read a perfect square signal, but an analog one, so it can subdivide).
The XY table was FAST!!! Almost appearing instant. Wish I had one.
C