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New SiGNUM™ Intelligent Encoder Series from Renishaw

Renishaw's new SiGNUM™ encoder range offers high speed, reliable, non-contact performance combined with advanced features including the IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark. The first offering from this range is the RESM optical angle encoder, which comprises the RESM ring, SR readhead and Si interface. The RESM is a one-piece stainless steel ring  with 20 µm scale marked directly on the periphery. It features the IN-TRAC™ optical reference mark, which is repeatable, regardless of direction, at operational speeds over 3,600 rev/min (Ø52 mm) and up to 85°C.

The RESM angle encoder boasts impressive performance; with accuracy to ±0.5 arc second and resolution and repeatability to 0.02 arc second, it suits the most demanding precision applications. The low profile ring is available in a wide range of sizes (Ø52 mm to Ø413 mm) and line counts, all of which feature a large internal diameter for flexible integration. In addition, Renishaw's patented taper mount provides error compensation and easy installation. Consequently, the RESM's low mass, low inertia design will not compromise system accuracy or dynamic performance.

The SR readhead offers high speed, high temperature performance, (operational up to 85°C and over 3,600 rev/min). Like all Renishaw encoders, it benefits from unique filtering optics, which provide excellent immunity to dirt, dust and scratches. In addition, the RESM encoder uses SiGNUM™ intelligent signal processing to ensure excellent reliability and cyclic error (typically < ± 40 nm), whilst comprehensive SiGNUM™ software enables optimum set-up and real-time system diagnostics via a PC's USB port.

Precision rotary axes on machine tools require reliable and accurate encoders for angular position feedback. The low profile RESM offers exceptional accuracy in a compact and easy-to-install format. While the large internal diameter simplifies the routing of cables and other supplies through the machine, the Si interfaces can be mounted remotely and a small rugged connector on the readhead cable allows easy feed-through where access is restricted. In addition, the non-contact, modular RESM is taper locked to the machine's shaft, ensuring a compact table design and the elimination of coupling losses, oscillation, shaft torsion and other hysteresis errors that plague sealed encoders.

Encoders... high speed, high accuracy

Renishaw offers an extensive range of high speed linear encoders, easy set-up XY encoders, rotary encoders and a range of interpolators.

Renishaw laser encoders have an intrinsically high resolution which, combined with a system architecture that eliminates Abbe error, provide the highest possible positioning accuracy. Laser encoders offer precision feedback for a variety of applications, ranging from long axis machine tools to X-Y wafer inspection systems.

Optical linear and rotary (angle) encoders offer easy installation and set-up, with many patented features including filtering optics and a set-up LED that remove the need for oscilloscopes and other complicated set-up equipment. Optical encoders are applied in almost all sectors of industry including metrology, motion systems, electronics, semiconductor handling, medical, scanning/printing, scientific instruments, space research, photography and specialist machine tools.

Interferometer Based Encoders... for the ultimate accuracy in linear position control

The laser interferometer is used to determine the accuracy of CMMs, machine tools, and other industrial and scientific applications requiring accurate measurement and calibration. The principle of laser measurement is based on the International Standard for the metre - the speed of light*. Its novel design features offer the ultimate in flexibility of operation, portability and software/hardware interfacing.

The system configurations and options available allow many operating parameters to be checked and calibrated quickly and easily.

The latest Windows based measurement and analysis software, together with an innovation laser beam steering optic, makes the set-up of the laser system even easier.