Linear optical encoders

Straight-line motion is measured with linear optical encoders. Learn how Renishaw's finely graduated scales, along with compact absolute and incremental optoelectronic readheads, provide excellent position measurement performance.

Select your absolute or incremental linear encoder systems

A wide range of linear scale types, such as rugged tape, high-accuracy steel spar or low-expansion ZeroMet™ spar, are available to suit different applications. Scale mounting is either by mechanical means or self-adhesive backing tape.

The scales are compatible with our range of open optical encoder readhead series.

Our wide range of linear encoders enables you to choose the most suitable system for your application:

Absolute encoders immediately decode their current position without any motion being required.
Incremental encoders can only detect motion relative to their current position or a known reference feature.

Absolute linear encoder systems: readheads and scales

The maximum scale length for the various combinations of readhead and scale are shown below:

RTL

Steel tape scale

Versatile

Robust

RTL FASTRACK™

Steel tape scale

Track-mounted

Versatile & robust

REL

ZeroMet™ spar scale

Low expansion

High accuracy

RSL

Steel spar scale

Thick & stable

High accuracy

RTLA linear scale

RKL

Steel tape scale

Narrow & thin

Flexible

RESOLUTE™ readhead

(30 µm pitch)

High accuracy

High speed

Up to 21 m

Up to 1.5 m

Up to 5 m

Up to 21 m

EVOLUTE™ readhead

(50 µm pitch)

Easy-to-install

Versatile

Up to 10.02 m

N/A

Incremental linear encoder systems: readheads and scales

The maximum scale length for the various combinations of readhead and scale are shown below:

	RTL Steel tape scale Versatile Robust	RTL FASTRACK™ Steel tape scale Track-mounted Versatile & robust	RCL Glass spar scale Short & stable Low expansion	REL ZeroMet spar scale Low expansion High accuracy	RSL Steel spar scale Thick & stable High accuracy	RKL Steel tape scale Narrow & thin Flexible
ATOM™ readhead (20 µm, 40 µm pitch) Tiny Analogue	Up to 10 m	N/A	Up to 130 mm	N/A	N/A	Up to 10 m
ATOM DX™ readhead (20 µm, 40 µm pitch) Tiny Digital	Up to 10 m	N/A	Up to 130 mm	N/A	N/A	Up to 10 m
VIONiC™ readhead (20 µm pitch) High accuracy Digital	Up to 10 m	Up to 10 m	N/A	Up to 1.5 m	Up to 5 m	Up to 20 m
QUANTiC™ readhead (40 µm pitch) Easy-to-install Versatile	Up to 10 m	Up to 10 m	N/A	N/A	N/A	Up to 20 m
TONiC™ readhead (20 µm pitch) High accuracy Analogue	Up to 10 m	Up to 10 m	N/A	Up to 1.5 m	Up to 5 m	Up to 20 m

Tablet held by two hands and displaying a Renishaw encoders installation guide

Explore the technical specifications of our optical encoders, including their options and variants, via our technical documents. Our compliance certificates provide additional guarantees of Renishaw's commitment to quality.

Download technical documents

Side view of FORTiS™ enclosed optical encoder inside a machine tool

Discover how optical encoders enable excellent motion control in a range of industries and applications. Explore real-life examples of products and processes that benefit from Renishaw's encoder technology and extensive expertise.

Encoder benefits for motion control

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