Upgrade to the TONiC™ incremental encoder

Have you tried the new TONiC encoder yet? Listen to 5 compelling reasons why Renishaw's super-compact readhead should feature on your next rotary or linear motion axis!

Read on for a further details and click on the graphs to see TONiC's outstanding performance results!

Reason 1: Smaller size meets higher reliability

Not only does TONiC feature the latest generation of filtering optics for high tolerance to dust, scratches and light oils, but it's also further enhanced by Auto Gain Control for optimum signal stability. Combined with generous installation tolerances, the result is an encoder that keeps on performing reliably, even in sub-optimal and dirty conditions.

High dirt immunity is just the first of many aspects of reliability that have been designed into TONiC. For example, unlike many other competitor encoders, TONiC readheads are fitted as standard with cables featuring double shielding (braid, not foil) for dependable use in the most demanding EMI environments even under highly dynamic flex conditions. Another example is the IR light source; TONiC uses a custom LED made using a specially-selected die with mean time to failure (MTTF) of 231 million hours, because failure in service just isn't an option.

Now there's no need to compromise. TONiC's compact dimensions of 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm are amongst the smallest on the market, even with all that quality and reliability built in.

Click on image to see the lastest generation filtering optics.

Reason 2: Higher accuracy

Need more accuracy from a linear encoder, but don't want the compromise of using fragile glass? Use the TONiC readhead with the stainless steel RSLM, which provides the convenience, ruggedness and ease-of-use of a tape scale (it can even be coiled for storage and shipment), yet offers more accuracy than any glass scales on the market. Now available in lengths up to 5 metres, RSLM has become the established standard for long length, high-performance axes, thanks to levels of accuracy that are normally associated with calibration lasers!

Click on image to see "RSLM error plot, showing ±0.67 µm total accuracy over 3 metres".

For applications requiring high accuracy combined with easily removable scale, combine TONiC with FASTRACK™, a revolutionary track-mounted linear encoder scale system from Renishaw that combines ±5 µm/m accuracy, with the ruggedness of stainless steel, and the quick and easy installation of a carrier-type encoder system. Furthermore, FASTRACK allows the precisely-graduated RTLC incremental scale to maintain its own CTE with almost zero hysteresis for outstanding metrology, regardless of substrate material or wide temperature swings.

Click on image to see "FASTRACK system error plot, showing ±16.2 µm total accuracy over 3.4 metres".

High accuracy angle encoders are also available within the TONiC family, the pinnacle of which is the REXM encoder, offering total installed accuracy guaranteed better than ±1 arc second when used with dual TONiC readheads. Connecting the dual readheads to industry-standard controllers is now easy, thanks to the new TONiC DSi (Dual Signal Interface), which combines the incremental signals to appear to the controller like a single high-accuracy encoder. DSi also adds Renishaw's patented propoZ™ technology for a perfectly repeatable reference position, regardless of bearing wander and cycling of power.

Click on image to see "REXM error plot, showing ±0.22 arc second total installed accuracy".

Reason 3: Superior motion control

All TONiC readheads include dynamic signal processing including Auto Offset Control and Auto Gain Control to achieve very low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE) down to typically ±30 nm. TONiC is now also available with resolutions to 1 nm, whilst ultra-low noise opto-electronics design and new Ti20KD interface provide jitter to 0.51 nm RMS. Using TONiC can help realise superior motion control performance:

• Smoother velocity control and rock-solid positional stability.
• Less vibration, less current ripple and less heat generation in a direct-drive motor (linear motor or rotary torque motor).
• Maximised work throughput, optimised dynamic capability and reduced component wear.
• Superior image quality and reduced blur (higher fidelity of data capture) on scanning and inspection machines.
• Smoother contouring on CNC machine tools.
• Finer repeatability on ultra-precision axes.

Click on graphs to enlarge

Reason 4: Higher speed

Want to go faster? TONiC offers maximum speeds up to 10 m/s. Most importantly, Renishaw's advanced interpolation electronics enable optimised speed capability for all users, by providing outputs clocked to match industry-standard controllers. Even fine resolution versions can achieve surprisingly high speeds… and give your machine a valuable edge over the competition. 

Note: Chart refers to TONiC Ti interfaces for 50 MHz recommended counter clock frequency. For speeds of TONiC Ti interfaces for other counter clock frequencies, please refer to TONiC data sheets. 

Reason 5: Quicker and easier installation

Installing a TONiC readhead couldn't be simpler… a set-up LED on the readhead gives an intuitive visual indication to show when good signal level has been achieved, eliminating the need for additional diagnostic tools and reducing the chance of human error. Wide set-up tolerances make that adjustment effortless. Once a green set-up LED has been achieved, simply press the CAL button on the TONiC interface and let the encoder's intelligent technology take over… a two-step operation automatically sets the incremental signal to the ideal 1 Vpp level and then sets the phasing of the IN-TRAC™ optical reference mark for guaranteed bi-directional unit-of-resolution repeatability of the index position. Finally, press-and-hold the CAL button to enable dynamic signal processing (Auto Gain Control and Auto Offset Control), to help maintain optimum signal condition in subsequent operation.

Click on the image to watch the TONiC installation video

Find out more information about TONiC optical incremental encoders