ENCODER SCALES
Providing custom length encoders for our customers.
From OEM applications to one-off special purpose designs, our 30 years of encoder scale manufacturing has realized a multitude of designs and form factors. We can fabricate encoder scales in lengths from 2mm to 800mm and have engineered custom tooling and production processes for mission critical designs. We offer precision manufacturing in various encoder materials including glass, quartz, film and aluminum. Special composite configurations can be made to customer order that enable easy and accurate installation at your facility. We welcome unusual and custom design projects. We offer both reflective and transmissive products for various applications and sensors.
Contact us for a custom quote.
Additional Product Information
Glass Scales
Chrome on glass encoder scales offer the highest degree of accuracy due to the extreme flatness and precision of the etched photo pattern. We use CAD data to create the discs from customer specifications to generate a high-resolution glass master from which the parts are printed. Options include economical scribe and break cutting or high tolerance sawing for pattern to scale outline tolerances within +/-5um in lengths up to 165mm. Glass scales are usually shipped within 2 weeks after artwork approval.
Transmissive Mode Glass Scales
We offer transmissive glass scales for OEM and high performance applications. Standard scale configuration is soda lime glass with low reflective chrome (LRC) @ 2.8 optical density and up to 5.0+ if needed. For extreme performance requirements such as sine wave applications, ultraflat quartz material can be specified. Borosilicate glass is also available for high temperature applications.
Reflective Mode Glass Scales
High reflective chrome (HRC) coating is available with >60% reflectivity. Material configurations include high reflective / transparent patterns or high reflective patterns with ultra low reflective chrome deposited on the backside of the scale to eliminate unwanted reflections from mounting surfaces such as aluminum. Gold coating for high performance applications is available. We can even image scales with both transmissive and reflective patterns if needed.
Mylar Encoder Scales
Mylar scales are an excellent choice for low-cost applications. Our automated process can provide precision PET (Mylar) codestrips that offer great cost savings in both production or prototype quantities. These codestrips are printed on photographic PET film with a .18mm thick base. Laser cutting systems cut the outline of the part to within .025mm of the pattern. Options include peel-off liners to protect the optical surface during assembly and laser cut registration holes or cutouts to precisely align the photo pattern to your device. A great low-cost alternative for many applications.
Reflective Mylar Encoder Scales
Our PET composite codestrips are available with pressure-sensitive adhesive for easy mounting to your device. We can provide these peel-and-stick discs and scales with protective liners and laser cut registration features for easy installation.
Reflective Aluminum Encoder Scales
For high temperature applications, we offer aluminum scales that can withstand extreme environmental conditions in lengths up to 300mm.
“
Photo Solutions has been by far the best supplier I’ve worked with. Keep up the good work.
Trevin Kretz, Sustaining Engineer,
Encoder Products Company
