Skip navigation

HS20 long range laser encoder provides highly accurate positioning at speeds up to 2 m/s

January 2016

Renishaw's proven HS20 laser encoder system has been upgraded and is now able to achieve a new maximum speed of 2 m/s for large machine tool applications. Previously the system, which can deliver an accuracy of ±1 µm/m for axis lengths up to 60 m, was limited to 1 m/s but through improvements to the electronic design it has been possible to double the speed performance.

The improved speed allows for the HS20 laser head to be designed into higher velocity applications which are becoming more common in today's manufacturing industries. The aerospace industry is a key market for large machine tools which require long range but highly accurate encoder systems. With throughput being a key consideration in any machine tool purchase, the improved speed of the HS20 ensures that it will continue to be the preferred long range laser encoder of choice.

The HS20 long range laser system combines the ultimate accuracy of a laser interferometer with the robustness needed for machine tool applications. It offers real-time position feedback with sub-micron resolution through both analogue and digital quadrature.

About Renishaw

Renishaw is one of the world's leading engineering and scientific technology companies, with expertise in precision measurement and healthcare. The company supplies products and services used in applications as diverse as jet engine and wind turbine manufacture, through to dentistry and brain surgery. It is also a world leader in the field of additive manufacturing (also referred to as 3D printing), where it is the only UK business that designs and makes industrial machines which ‘print' parts from metal powder.

The Renishaw Group currently has more than 70 offices in 33 countries, with over 4,000 employees, of which 2,600 people are employed within the UK. The majority of the company's R&D and manufacturing is carried out in the UK and for the year ended June 2015 Renishaw achieved sales of £494.7 million of which 95% was due to exports. The company's largest markets are China, the USA, South Korea, Germany and Japan.

Downloads