Lindear encoders

Sealed linear encoders

Sealed linear encoders are protected from dust, chips and splash fluids and are ideal for operation on machine tools. Sealed linear encoders with full-size scale housing have loading for high vibration and up to 30 m measuring length.

Sealed linear encoders with slimline scale housing are recommended for limited installation space up to 1 240 mm measuring length, up to 2 040 mm with mounting spar or tensioning elements.

For CNC controls we recommend the following types of encoders from Heidenhain:

• LC 4X5
• LC 4X3
• LC 1X5
• LC 200
• LF 485
• LF 185
• LS 400
• LS 100
• LB 382

For Position Display Units (reference points are manually set) we recommend the following types of encoders from Heidenhain:

• LS 300
• LS 600
• LS 1XX

Exposed linear encoders

Exposed linear encoders operate with no mechanical contact between the scanning head and the scale or scale tape. They are designed for use on machines and installations that require high accuracy of the measured value.

Types of exposed linear encoders from Heidenhain are the following:

• LIC
• LIDA
• LIF
• LIP
• PP

Incremental linear encoders

The current position, is determined by starting at a datum and counting measuring steps, or by subdividing and counting signal periods by the incremental linear encoders. Incremental encoders feature reference marks, which must be scanned after switch-on to reestablish the datum. This process is particularly simple and fast with distance-coded reference marks.

Absolute linear encoders

Absolute linear encoders do not require previous traverse to provide the current position value. The encoder transmits the absolute value through the EnDat or  any other interface.