Linear Encoder works with fiber optic splicing machines.
Press Release Summary:
RGH25F non-contact linear encoder with cut-to-length scale and low-mass readhead provides resolutions from 5 microns to 10 nm for accurate fiber positioning. It works at speeds to 300 mm/sec to keep up with quick-moving, multi-axis fiber optic splicing, joining, and bonding devices. Its self-adhesive gold-plated steel tape scale is easy to install. Filter optics provide immunity to dust, scratches, and light oils on tape scale.
Original Press Release:
New Optical Linear Encoder Combines High Resolution and Compact Design for Accurate Fiber Positioning on Fiber Optic Splicing Machines
The non-contact RGH25F optical system with cut-to-length scale and a low-mass readhead provides 10 nm resolution and speeds to 300 mm/second for reliable positioning on 6-axis precision stages.
March 2002 - Renishaw's new RGH25F non-contact linear encoder offers resolutions from 5 micro m to 10 nm. Being compact in design and benefiting from self-tuning electronics, it is perfect for the positioning of fiber optic splicing equipment for the telecommunications industry. Non-contact design eliminates hysteresis, friction and wear, while the low-mass, compact readhead easily handles high accelerations and speeds to 300 mm/second. This enables the RGH25F to keep up with the quick-moving, multi-axis fiber optic splicing, joining and bonding devices. Combined with a self-adhesive, cut-to-length gold plated steel tape scale, the system provides an easy-to-install solution for compact, fiber optic splicing machines.
"Fiber optic splicing equipment demands accurate position feedback to ensure proper fiber alignment and optimal light signal strength," says Howard Salt, Renishaw's encoder business manager. "Fiber misalignment by less than one micron causes the fiber optic signal to drop by as much as 30%. The RGH25F provides the high resolution and accuracy that is essential for properly positioning these minute fibers."
The ultra-low-profile, low-mass RGH25F readhead measures 36 x 14.3 x 12.5 mm (LxWxH) and weighs a mere 22g. Patented filtering optics provide excellent immunity to dust, scratches and light oils on the tape scale, ensuring excellent signal stability.
The RGH25F encoders provide excellent repeatability and reliability with analog or square-wave outputs with a range of resolutions from 5 micro m to 10 nm. Self-tuning adaptive electronics and double-shielded high-flex cable ensure long-term reliability even in electrically noisy environments.
Unique to RG readheads is a signal condition monitoring circuit, which drives an integral two-color LED and an alarm signal for remote monitoring at the control. The LED facilitates quick installation with visual confirmation of optimum scale alignment, while the alarm signal alerts the control of low signal amplitude, eliminating the danger of unrecognized encoder-count loss.
The reflective scale is a gold-plated steel tape, lacquered to protect against dirt. With a 20-micron pitch, it provides a linearity to better than ± 2.75 micro m/m. It comes on a reel (up to 70 m in length) for "cut-to-length" use. The optics in RG readheads average the reflection length from over 80 scale facets and effectively filter out signals which do not match the scale period, ensuring signal accuracy and stability even after contamination or minor damage.
The scale's adhesive backing mounts on all common material types including granite, ceramic, steel, aluminum, iron and invar. By mounting directly on the machine, the scale's thermal expansion coefficient replicates the base material, eliminating the need to compensate for multiple coefficients of expansion. The scale tape can be applied quickly and easily at any stage of machine build, with a special applicator ensuring parallelism with axis guideways. No drilling is required.
For more information on the RGH25F optical linear encoder, contact Howard Salt, Business Manager-Encoders, Renishaw Inc. Phone 847-286-9953. Fax 847-286-9974. Internet: www.renishaw.com
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Inquiries should be directed to:
Susan Wilm
Marketing Assistant
Renishaw Inc.
5277 Trillium Boulevard
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
