Scale

There are several different types of scale available from Renishaw. To help you make the best decision for your application please read the following descriptions which list the benefits of each type.

• RTLC incremental linear stainless steel tape scale
• RTLF incremental linear stainless steel tape scale
• RKLC incremental linear stainless steel tape scale
• RKLA absolute linear stainless steel tape scale
• RKLF incremental linear stainless steel tape scale
• RCLC incremental linear glass scale
• RTLA30 absolute coded linear stainless steel tape scale
• RTLA50 absolute coded linear stainless steel tape scale
• RSLM incremental linear high accuracy stainless steel scale
• RSLA absolute coded linear high accuracy stainless steel scale
• RELM incremental linear high accuracy ZeroMet™ scale
• RELA absolute coded linear high accuracy ZeroMet™ scale
• RCDM incremental angular glass discs
• RESM incremental angular stainless steel rings
• RESA absolute coded angular stainless steel rings
• REXM incremental angular stainless steel high-accuracy rings
• REXA absolute coded angular stainless steel high-accuracy rings

RTLC scale is compatible with the following readheads:

• VIONiC™
• TONiC™
• QUANTiC™

Why choose the RTLC scale?

• ±5 µm/m, or ±15 µm/m scale. Further improvement possible with 2 point error correction
• RTLC expands at its own low thermal coefficient (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C)
• Can be used with FASTRACK™ for very low hysteresis (RTLC20, RTLC40 and RTLC40H only)
• Cross-section: 0.4 mm × 8 mm (RTLC20-S, RTLC40-S and RTLC40H-S) or 0.4 mm x 18 mm (RTLC20, RTLC40 and RTLC40H installed in FASTRACK™ carrier)
• FASTRACK™ guide rails are pre-aligned in reels for cut-to-suit flexibility (RTLC20, RTLC40 and RTLC40H only)
• Quick installation. FASTRACK™ adds fast scale replacement capability (RTLC20, RTLC40 and RTLC40H only)
• RTLC20-S, RTLC40-S and RTLC40H-S with self-adhesive backing for applications not suitable for FASTRACK™ carrier
• High solvent immunity
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with TONiC™ FS readheads. IMPORTANT: End covers must be used with the RTLC20-S scale or RTLC20/FASTRACK system in order to be FS approved.

RTLF scales are compatible with the ATOM™ and ATOM DX™ readheads

Why choose the RTLF range of scales?

• Robust scale, available in long lengths
• Available on a reel - scale can be cut to suit any axis length up to 10 metres
• Two scale pitches available - 20 µm or 40 µm
• ±15 µm/m or ±5 µm/m high accuracy scale
• Cross-section: 0.41 mm × 8 mm
• RTLF expands at its own thermal coefficient (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C)
• Self-adhesive backing
• High solvent immunity

RKLC20-S (20 µm pitch tape scale) is compatible with the following readheads:

• VIONiC™
• TONiC™

RKLC40-S (40 µm pitch tape scale) is compatible with the following readheads:

• QUANTiC™

Why choose the RKLC stainless steel tape scale?

• Available with a scale period of 20 µm or 40 µm
• Available on a reel - scale can be cut to suit any axis length up to 20 m
• Cross-section: 0.15 mm × 6 mm
• Easy scale installation - applicator tool enables rapid scale installation
• Mounted by means of an adhesive backing tape to most engineering materials, including metals, ceramics and composites
• RKLC scale is designed to match the thermal behaviour of the substrates it is affixed to (when end clamps are used), simplifying thermal compensation

RKLA30-S is compatible with the following readheads:

• RESOLUTE™

Why choose the RKLA stainless steel tape scale?

• Available with a scale period of 30 µm
• Available on a reel - scale can be cut to suit any axis length up to 21 m
• Cross-section: 0.15 mm × 6 mm
• Easy scale installation - applicator tool enables rapid scale installation
• Mounted by means of an adhesive backing tape to most engineering materials, including metals, ceramics and composites
• RKLA scale is designed to match the thermal behaviour of the substrates it is affixed to (when end clamps are used), simplifying thermal compensation

RKLF20-S (20 µm pitch tape scale) is compatible with the following readheads:

• ATOM™ 20 µm readheads
• ATOM DX™ 20 µm readheads

RKLF40-S and RKLF40H-S (40 µm pitch tape scales) are compatible with the following readheads:

• ATOM™ 40 µm readheads
• ATOM DX™ 40 µm readheads

Why choose the RKLF stainless steel tape scale?

• Available with a scale period of 20 µm or 40 µm
• Available on a reel - scale can be cut to suit any axis length up to 20 m
• Cross-section: 0.15 mm × 6 mm
• Easy scale installation - applicator tool enables rapid scale installation
• Mounted by means of an adhesive backing tape to most engineering materials, including metals, ceramics and composites
• RKLF scale is designed to match the thermal behaviour of the substrates it is affixed to (when end clamps are used), simplifying thermal compensation

RCLC glass scales are compatible with the ATOM™ and ATOM DX™ readheads

Why choose the RCLC scales?

• Available with a scale period of 20 µm or 40 µm
• ±3µm high accuracy scale
• Coefficient of thermal expansion ~8 µm/m/°C
• Cross-section: 1.1 mm × 6.35 mm
• Non-magnetic
• End and mid-point reference mark options
• Self-adhesive backing

RTLA30 and RTLA30-S scales are compatible with the RESOLUTE™ RL readhead

Why choose the RTLA30 scale?

• Absolute coded scale
• High accuracy (±5 µm/m) scale. Further improvement possible with error correction
• RTLA30 expands at its own low thermal coefficient (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C)
• Can be used with FASTRACK™ for very low hysteresis (RTLA30 only)
• FASTRACK™ guide rails are pre-aligned in reels for cut-to-suit flexibility (RTLA30 only)
• Quick installation. FASTRACK™ adds fast scale replacement capability (RTLA30 only)
• RTLA30-S with self-adhesive backing for applications not suitable for FASTRACK™ carrier
• High solvent immunity

Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with BiSS FS or Siemens DRIVE-CliQ FS readheads. IMPORTANT: End covers must be used with the RTLA30-S scale or RTLA30/FASTRACK system in order to be FS approved.

NOTE: The maximum length of scale can be limited by the variant of readhead chosen. If you select this scale type, please click the help icon in the 'Length' column for more information.

RTLA50 and RTLA50-S scales are compatible with the EVOLUTE™ readhead

Why choose the RTLA50 scale?

• Absolute coded scale
• High accuracy (±10 µm/m) scale. Further improvement possible with error correction
• RTLA expands at its own low thermal coefficient (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C)
• Can be used with FASTRACK™ for very low hysteresis (RTLA50 only)
• FASTRACK™ guide rails are pre-aligned in reels for cut-to-suit flexibility (RTLA50 only)
• Quick installation. FASTRACK™ adds fast scale replacement capability (RTLA50 only)
• RTLA50-S with self-adhesive backing for applications not suitable for FASTRACK™ carrier
• High solvent immunity

NOTE: The maximum length of scale can be limited by the variant of readhead chosen. If you select this scale type, please click the help icon in the 'Length' column for more information.

The RSLM spar scale is an exciting addition to the range, which offers performance to rival fine pitch glass scales yet is available in lengths up to 5 m. RSLM offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±4 µm over 5 m – an industry first! RSLM is perfect for long travel applications where metrology cannot be compromised.

This high accuracy scale is offered with multiple IN-TRAC™ reference mark positions:

• Scale mid-point (RSLM)
• 20 mm or 70 mm from the scale end-point (RSLE)
• Regularly spaced every 200 mm for customer selection (RSLC)

The RSL range of scales are compatible with VIONiC™ and TONiC™ readheads

Why choose the RSL range of high accuracy stainless steel scale?

• Robust, yet highly precise, steel spar scale
• Total accuracy better than ±4 µm over 5 m
• Thermal expansion: 10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C
• Mounted using specially formulated adhesive tape or mechanical clips
• Available in defined lengths up to 5 m
• RSLM can be coiled for simple storage and handling, yet once uncoiled behaves as a spar scale
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with TONiC™ FS readheads. IMPORTANT: Only self-adhesive mounted RSLM scale is FS approved. Clip and clamps must not be used to mount RSLM scale in an FS application.>/li>

The RSLA spar scale is an exciting addition to the range, which offers performance to rival fine pitch glass scales yet is available in lengths up to 5 m. RSLA offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±4 µm over 5 m – an industry first! RSLA is perfect for long travel applications where metrology cannot be compromised.

The RSLA scale is compatible with the RESOLUTE™ RL readhead

Why choose the RSLA absolute coded high accuracy stainless steel scale?

• Robust, yet highly precise, steel spar scale
• Total accuracy better than ±4 µm over 5 m
• Thermal expansion: 10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C
• Mounted using specially formulated adhesive tape or mechanical clips
• Available in defined lengths up to 5 m
• RSLA can be coiled for simple storage and handling, yet once uncoiled behaves as a spar scale
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with BiSS FS or Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ FS readheads. IMPORTANT: Only self-adhesive mounted RSLA scale is FS approved. Clip and clamps must not be used to mount RSLA scale in an FS application.>/li>

NOTE: The maximum length of scale can be limited by the variant of readhead chosen. If you select this scale type, please click the help icon in the 'Length' column for more information.

RELM high accuracy linear scale has the IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark at the mid-point of the scale whereas the RELE has the IN-TRAC™ reference mark 20 mm from the end of the scale. RELM / RELE high accuracy ZeroMet™ scale is compatible with the following:

The REL range of scales are compatible with the VIONiC™ and TONiC™ readheads

Why choose the REL range of high accuracy incremental ZeroMet™ scale?

• Accuracy: ±1 µm up to 1 m. ±1 μm/m for lengths >1 m. Individually certified and calibrated against International Standards.
• IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark
• Available in defined lengths up to 1.5 m with custom lengths available on request
• Cross-section: 1.6 mm × 14.9 mm
• The scale is mounted using a specially formulated adhesive backing tape
• ZeroMet™ scale is made from a robust low expansion stabilised alloy
• Low coefficient of expansion: 0.75 ±0.35 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with TONiC™ FS readheads. IMPORTANT: Only self-adhesive mounted RELM scale is FS approved. Clip and clamps must not be used to mount RELM scale in an FS application.

RELA is compatible with the RESOLUTE™ readhead

Why choose the RELA absolute coded high accuracy ZeroMet™ scale?

• Accuracy: ±1 µm up to 1 m. ±1 μm/m for lengths >1 m. Individually certified and calibrated against International Standards.
• Available in defined lengths up to 1.5 m with custom lengths available on request
• Cross-section: 1.6 mm × 14.9 mm
• The scale is mounted using a specially formulated adhesive backing tape
• ZeroMet™ scale is made from a robust low expansion stabilised alloy
• Low coefficient of expansion: 0.75 ±0.35 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with BiSS FS or Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ readheads. IMPORTANT: Only self-adhesive mounted RELA scale is FS approved. Clip and clamps must not be used to mount RELA scale in an FS application.

NOTE: The maximum length of scale can be limited by the variant of readhead chosen. If you select this scale type, please click help icon in the 'Length' column for more information.

RCDM glass discs are compatible with the ATOM™ and ATOM DX™ readheads

Why choose the RCDM glass discs

• Two scale pitches available - 40 µm or 20 µm
• ± 0.5 µm high accuracy discs

The RESM range of rings are compatible with the VIONiC™, QUANTiC™ and TONiC™ readheads

Why choose the RESM range of rings?

• Available with scale periods of 20 µm or 40 µm
• Graduation accuracy to ±0.38 arc second
• IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark
• Range of diameters and line counts from Ø52 mm to Ø550 mm
• Small 10 mm × 10 mm cross-section as standard
• Patented taper mount minimises installation errors and simplifies integration
• Low mass and low inertia
• Ultra-low inertia rings available from Ø52 mm to Ø200 mm (standard RESM rings only)
• For non standard sizes please contact your local Renishaw representative
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with TONiC™ FS readheads. The rings can be taper mounted ('A' section rings only) or interference fit ('A' section and 'B' section rings). IMPORTANT: Rings retained by interference fit must be bolted. Unbolted rings that are interference fitted are not approved for FS.

The RESA ring is compatible with the RESOLUTE™ RA readhead

Why choose the RESA ring?

• Absolute coded ring
• Range of diameters from Ø52 mm to Ø550 mm
• Small 10 mm × 10 mm cross-section as standard
• Patented taper mount minimises installation errors and simplifies integration
• Low mass and low inertia
• Ultra-low inertia rings available from Ø75 mm to Ø200 mm
• For non standard sizes please contact your local Renishaw representative
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with BiSS FS or Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ readheads. The rings can be taper mounted ('A' section rings only) or interference fit ('A' section and 'B' section rings). IMPORTANT: Rings retained by interference fit must be bolted. Unbolted rings that are interference fitted are not approved for FS.

The REX range of rings are compatible with the VIONiC™ and TONiC™ readheads

Why choose the REX range of rings?

• Available with scale period of 20 µm
• Installed accuracy ±1 arc second (≥100 mm diameter rings)
• IN-TRAC™ auto-phase optical reference mark
• Range of diameters (Ø52 mm to Ø417 mm) and line counts (8,192 to 65,536 lines)
• Thick cross section designed to minimise all installation errors (except for eccentricity)
• For non standard sizes please contact your local Renishaw representative

The REXA ring is compatible with the RESOLUTE™ RA readhead:

Why choose the REXA ring?

• Absolute coded ring
• Installed accuracy ±1 arc second (≥100 mm diameter rings)
• Range of diameters (Ø52 mm to Ø417 mm)
• Thick cross section designed to minimise all installation errors (except for eccentricity)
• Recommended for use with dual readheads to remove eccentricity errors
• For non standard sizes please contact your local Renishaw representative
• Can be used as part of a Functional Safety system when used with BiSS FS or Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ readheads.