Rotary optical encoders

Precise control of angular position and rotary motion is achieved by using position feedback from rotary optical encoders, also known as angle encoders. Explore how Renishaw's finely marked disc and ring scales combine with compact absolute and incremental readheads to give superior position measurement performance.

Select your absolute or incremental rotary (angle) encoder systems

A range of rotary scales, including stainless steel rings and glass and stainless steel discs, are suitable for a wide variety of rotary motion applications. Rotary scale can be mounted to the rotating machine part by mechanical means or glue.

The rotary scales are compatible with Renishaw's open optical encoder series, for either absolute or incremental measurement.

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.

Our range of rotary encoders enables you to choose the best system for your application.

Absolute rotary encoder systems: readheads and scales

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

RES

Steel ring scale

Low profile

Easy-to-install

REX

Steel ring scale

Thick cross-section

High accuracy

RESOLUTE™ readhead

(30 µm pitch)

High accuracy

High speed

52 to 550 mm

52 to 417 mm

Incremental rotary encoder systems: readheads and scales

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

	RCD Glass disc scale Thermally stable Light	RES Steel ring scale Low profile Easy-to-install	REX Steel ring scale Thick cross-section High accuracy
ATOM™ readhead (20 µm, 40 µm pitch) Tiny Analogue	30 to 108 mm	N/A	N/A
ATOM DX™ readhead (20 µm, 40 µm pitch) Tiny Digital	17 to 108 mm	N/A	N/A
VIONiC™ readhead (20 µm pitch) High accuracy Digital	N/A	52 to 550 mm	52 to 417 mm
QUANTiC™ readhead (40 µm pitch) Easy-to-install Versatile	N/A	52 to 550 mm	N/A
TONiC™ readhead (20 µm pitch) High accuracy Analogue	N/A	52 to 550 mm	52 to 417 mm

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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