HEIDENHAIN introduced a new high accuracy motion feedback encoder that can now be used for absolute positioning in machines in the semiconductor, metrology and robotic industries.

This new LIC 3100 absolute kit encoder is an additional offering that fits between HEIDENHAIN’s already successful LIC 4100 and 2100 series. It is expected to be of special interest to users since it is also especially tolerant to contamination and has very loose mounting tolerances.

It is important to note that the graduation of the new LIC 3100 encoder is carried by a sturdy stainless-steel tape. This steel tape scale has a 2-track graduation resulting in a period of 80 microns. The tape scale is offered in rolls at 3m, 5m, and 10m lengths and can be inserted into an aluminum extrusion for better thermal growth behavior or can be mounted directly to the motion axis surface with an adhesive backing on the steel tape.

The reader head of the LIC 3100 can output a measuring step of just 10 nanometers and maintain a velocity of 10 meters per second. It is offered with the well-known EnDat 2.2 high speed serial electrical interface as well as five others, making it plug-and-play compatible with motion controllers.

The interpolation error, or cyclical error, is merely +/- 100 nanometers, allowing the encoder to provide smooth constant velocity and allow linear motors to function more efficiently.

Mounting of the reader head to the scale is fast and simple due to forgiving mounting tolerances and easy-to-use handheld diagnostic tools like HEIDENHAIN’s PWT 101. A zero-datum position can be programmed anywhere along the scale length.