Glass linear encoder scales carry an optical position reference along a measuring axis. Transmission or reflection determines the light path; incremental or absolute encoding determines how the reader identifies position.
Choose a linear scale for axis displacement in positioning stages, measuring machines and automation. Select the readout geometry around the available optical access, then match the position code to the reader.
A rotary disc gives an angular reference; a linear scale gives a distance reference. Optical access and position encoding are independent choices within the scale family.
Measuring length, physical pitch or code map, reference marks, optical contrast, mounting datums and glass outline define the scale configuration.
A patterned glass scale with the selected measuring length, code or grating layout, reference marks and component inspection records.
Custom chrome-on-glass linear encoder scales for transmitted-light readheads. Clear and opaque tracks define the optical signal; incremental gratings or absolute code sequences are manufactured to your approved artwork.
Custom reflective glass scales for optical linear encoders with the source and detector on the same side. High- and low-reflectance pattern regions are specified together with the readhead wavelength, angle and sensing gap.
| Product type | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| Transmissive Glass Encoder Scales | Choose it when the assembly provides optical access to both sides of the scale and the readhead uses transmitted light. |
| Reflective Glass Encoder Scales | Choose it when the reader is designed for one-sided optical access and its wavelength, illumination angle and sensing window match the coating and pattern. |
Two-sided access supports a transmitted-light reader. One-sided access supports a matching reflected-light reader, with both reflectance levels defined.
Match the light path to the sensing opticsA periodic reference supports counted movement; a unique code supports direct position identification. Either route requires a compatible sensing window.
Calculate pitch, increments and traverse frequencyCompare incremental and absolute scales for a linear axis.
Choose between incremental and absolute glass scale configurations.
These are encoding options within either optical readout family. The two choices below are not additional coating types.
A repeating grating measures changes in position. Add a single reference mark or an approved distance-coded reference pattern for the homing strategy. Specify physical pitch, duty cycle and reference geometry independently from interpolated output resolution.
A defined code identifies position within the reading window. Multi-track codes and single-track pseudo-random sequences require different decoding arrangements. Supply the complete code map, fine-track relationship, reading direction and absolute zero.
Specify substrate material and geometry together with the operating wavelength. For transmissive reading, define clear-area transmission and opaque-track density. Reflective reading also needs the high/low reflectance pair and illumination geometry. Optical contrast must match the readhead, not only the appearance of the part.
Glass linear scales carry periodic graduations or absolute codes as references for optical displacement measurement.
Match transmissive or reflective reading to the head, then specify pitch or code, useful travel, mounting edges and reference positions.
Active length, width, thickness, pitch or code map, reference marks, mounting and readhead requirements.
Active length is the readable pattern range. The glass may include additional mounting and handling margins; dimension both.