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Renishaw reinvents optical encoders to mate toughness with high accuracy. The RGH2 and RGH4 family of ruggedized optical, non-contact linear encoders combine high performance and proven industrial-strength durability with the versatility of unique "cut and tape" metal scales. The established choice for many demanding industrial applications, RGH2/4 encoders continue to evolve to greater speeds, resolutions, and reliability. Latest generation models provide 20-30% faster speeds, 50 nm resolution directly from the readhead (RGH30, RGH22, RGH24 and RGH40), wider choice of clocked outputs, and reduced current consumption in high resolution units.

Engineered for high reliability in production environments, the RGH2 and RGH4 family encoders enable creative OEM and retrofit solutions to high-speed and conventional linear axis control for pick and place equipment, coordinate measuring machines, machine tools, layout systems, optical comparators, height gages, positioning tables, and general automation.

Unique self-adhesive, cut-to-length metal tape scale (20 pitch/µm for RGH2, 40 pitch for RGH4) installs fast, mounts to all common material types and fits everything from small, limited-space stages to meters-long aerospace machines. The scale tape can be applied quickly and easily at any stage of machine build with a special applicator ensuring parallelism with axis guideways. No drilling is required.

Non-contact readheads ride 0.8 mm above the metal tape scale to eliminate wear, friction and hysteresis, particularly important for high-speed operation with high positioning precision, such as on linear motor drives. Patent "wide angle" filtering optics provide high tolerance to dirt, scratches and greasy fingerprints, while ensuring signal purity for high resolution at high speeds. The filtering averages reflections from about 100 scale facets, rejecting any noise/disturbance that does not correspond with the scale pitch. EMI/RFI shielding avoids "noise' interference.

A range of compact readheads provides a choice of analog output or 5.0-, 1.0-, 0.5-, and 0.1-micron-resolution digital quadrature (RS422) outputs. All have a synchronized magnetic reference mark pulse, repeatable to system resolution. Analog readheads provide either current or voltage output. Digital units perform interpolation inside the readhead, eliminating the need for external electronics.

A built-in LED monitor in the readhead simplifies installation by showing when optimum setup conditions are met. In operation, it gives continuous indication of signal strength to warn of low signal amplitude or danger of signal loss. The integral LED eliminates specialized setup, test or service issues.

The reflective scale is a gold-plated steel tape, lacquered to protect against routine handling and contamination. It comes on a reel (up to 50m in length) for "cut-to-fit" use. Mounted directly to the machine, the scale thermally replicates the base material, eliminating the need to compensate for multiple coefficients of expansion. With the scale ends pinned down by epoxy end clamps, there is zero differential movement between scale and substrate, giving excellent thermal stability and repeatability.

RGH2 and RGH4 encoder systems include self-adhesive "tape" scale, analog and digital readheads, reference mark actuators, end clamps, and installation accessories such as scale applicator and readhead setting jigs.