High-Precision Glass Line Scales

Precision optical-glass scales with clearly defined graduations for length calibration, measurement verification, linear positioning and compensation. Standard and drawing-defined formats are available.

A visible length reference made on optical glass

A high-precision glass line scale is a patterned optical-glass component that provides a visible length reference. It can be used as a calibration artifact, an instrument-verification reference or a positioning scale when its measuring length, graduation geometry and inspection method match the application.

Use it when the graduations themselves must support calibration, indication checks, optical measurement or positioning. The scale is manufactured to the agreed geometry; the reading system, installation and calibration method complete the measurement system.

High-Precision Glass Line Scales
Graduation pitch
0.01 / 0.1 / 1 mm
Standard length
100–1000 mm
Scale width
30 mm
Stated accuracy
±0.5 µm

One physical reference for calibration, verification and positioning

A glass line scale is useful when the instrument needs a stable, readable distance reference rather than only an encoder code track. Select the graduation and measuring length around the actual reading method.

Verify instrument indication

Provides a physical length reference for checking compatible optical measuring instruments and comparison systems.

Evaluate linear-axis error

Supports position-error evaluation and compensation work when the measuring interval and datum are clearly defined.

Calibrate image scale

Known graduation spacing can relate pixels or optical readings to physical length in a compatible imaging setup.

Start with pitch, line width and measuring length

The combinations below reproduce the supplied standard data. Dimensions and graduation layouts outside these combinations can be reviewed from a drawing.

Standard glass line scale specifications
ProductLengthGraduation pitchLine widthWidthAccuracy
ProductGlass line scaleLength100 / 200 / 300 / 400 / 500 / 600 / 700 mmGraduation pitch0.01 mmLine width0.005 mmWidth30 mmAccuracy±0.5 µm
ProductGlass line scaleLength100 / 200 / 300 / 400 / 500 / 600 / 700 mmGraduation pitch0.1 mmLine width0.01 mmWidth30 mmAccuracy±0.5 µm
ProductGlass line scaleLength100 / 200 / 300 / 400 / 500 / 600 / 700 / 800 / 900 / 1000 mmGraduation pitch1 mmLine width0.09 mmWidth30 mmAccuracy±0.5 µm

Accuracy note: ±0.5 µm is the stated value for these standard combinations. Confirm the error definition, applicable interval, reference temperature and inspection method in the approved drawing and acceptance plan.

High-precision glass line scales in multiple measuring lengths

Multiple measuring lengths within one product family

Choose the length around the instrument travel and installation space. Final graduation layout and dimensions follow the approved drawing.

Overall glass length
The complete outside length of the finished glass part.
Active measuring length
The readable or calibrated interval used by the instrument.
Mounting clearance
Space reserved for clamps, housings and end margins.

Choose it by how the reference will be read

The glass scale supplies the physical reference. Final system performance also depends on the reader, alignment, mounting strain, thermal conditions and calibration procedure.

Choose it for calibration, instrument indication checks, visible length measurement or machine-axis error evaluation where the graduation geometry itself is the reference.

  • Length calibration and indication checks for compatible optical measuring instruments
  • Vision measuring systems, toolmakers’ microscopes and length comparators
  • Linear compensation and position-error evaluation for precision machine axes
  • Reference scales for precision stages, CMMs and automated positioning equipment
  • Camera-based measurement, image-scale verification and optical alignment

The drawing connects the scale to the measurement method

Precision optical glass selected for the required dimensions, reading method and operating conditions. Material grade, thickness, edge finish and mounting support are confirmed with the drawing. Calibration values, uncertainty and traceability documentation are separate order requirements.

Controlled graduation geometry

Graduation position, pitch, line width and pattern orientation are defined from the approved drawing. Individual graduation error and cumulative accuracy should be stated separately when they are part of acceptance.

Stable optical-glass reference

The glass substrate provides a rigid reference for precision measurement. Material grade, temperature range and mounting method should be considered together when dimensional stability is critical.

Drawing-based custom formats

Measuring length, overall size, thickness, graduation pitch, line width, numbering and reference marks can be reviewed against the intended instrument and reading method.

Common questions

What standard lengths are available?

The standard table includes 100 to 700 mm for 0.01 mm and 0.1 mm pitches, and 100 to 1,000 mm for a 1 mm pitch. Other lengths from 1 to 1,000 mm can be reviewed for drawing-based manufacture.

Does a 0.01 mm pitch mean 0.01 mm measurement accuracy?

No. Pitch, line width, reading resolution and graduation accuracy are different parameters. The complete measurement result also depends on the reading system, installation, environment and calibration method.

Can the scale be supplied with ±0.5 µm accuracy?

The supplied standard table states ±0.5 µm. The applicable error definition, measuring interval, reference temperature and acceptance method must still be confirmed in the approved drawing and inspection plan.

Can custom graduations and reference marks be made?

Yes. Graduation pitch, line width, numbering, pattern orientation and reference marks can be evaluated from a customer drawing or an agreed specification.

What is needed for formal calibration use?

Confirm the calibrated intervals, reference temperature, measurement uncertainty, traceability route and required certificate or report. A graduation pattern alone does not provide formal metrological traceability.

Inspection, acceptance and drawing inputs

These project details come after the product type and core parameters are selected. They define how the finished scale will be manufactured, checked and documented.

Inspection and acceptance

Inspect graduation position, pitch, line width, cumulative interval error, reference-mark location and the glass outline against the approved drawing. Where formal calibration or traceability is required, agree the calibrated values, measurement uncertainty, reference temperature and documentation before manufacture.

What to provide in the drawing or inquiry

  • Overall dimensions, usable measuring length, width and substrate thickness
  • Graduation pitch, line width, numbering direction and reference-mark layout
  • Required individual graduation error, cumulative accuracy and reference temperature
  • Intended reading method: visual, microscope, camera or other optical system
  • Inspection report, calibrated values, uncertainty or traceability documentation required
  • Drawing revision, quantity, prototype needs and delivery schedule

Send a drawing, reference sample or preliminary specification for manufacturing and inspection review.

Discuss your line scale

Selection and calibration guides

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