The LC 200 absolute sealed linear encoder is setting new standards for applications on machine tools with especially long axes. Now, just after its introduction, further important interface variants have been added. In addition to the EnDat 2.2 interface, starting immediately, the Fanuc alpha i and Mitsubishi 03-04 interfaces are also available.  

The LC 200 is a multi-section encoder consisting of a parts kit with parts built to length, such as a scale tape, bearing strips and sealing lips. It also includes housing parts required to enclose the device as well as one or more scanning heads. The interface is chosen by selecting the scanning unit. The field-proven single field scanning results in higher accuracy and reliability from the LC 200. The absolute METALLUR graduation on a steel scale tape serves as the measuring standard. It consists of a highly reflective gold layer and light-absorbing graduated lines. It features an incremental track with a 40 µm grating period and an absolute PRC track. The scanning provides unique, absolute position values over the entire measuring length as fine as 10 nm.

To facilitate installation of such a long encoder, a new mounting technique was developed for the LC 200. This results in a significantly reduced mounting time and at the same time increases the quality and reliability of scanning. During installation of the LC 200, the housing sections are mounted on the machine base, the scale tape, bearing strips and sealing lips are drawn into the multi-section housing, and finally the scanning unit is inserted. To prevent position errors at the butt joints of the housing sections and therefore also errors in accuracy, the scale tape is always scanned in its stress-free zone.

For years now, HEIDENHAIN sealed linear and angle encoders have been the product of choice not only for precision machine tools, but also wherever stringent requirements for accuracy, reliability and productivity must be met.