Renishaw: RTLA50-S - 50 µm pitch absolute coded ribbon scale with self-adhesive backing
RTLA50-S: stainless steel absolute coded tape scale with self-adhesive backing tape, for mounting directly to a substrate without the FASTRACK guide rails

RTLA50-S incorporates the same stainless steel tape scale as RTLA, but this time with a 50 µm pitch version of our absolute scale code. It is accurate to ±10 µm/m and available in lengths up to 10.02 metres. Two mounting options are available, both of which allow independent scale thermal expansion and the convenience of tape scale.

RTLA50-S can be used with the revolutionary FASTRACK™ scale carrier system. This system allows a track to be laid quickly and easily with no need for fixing holes. A sacrificial spacer is removed and the tape scale is then fed into the track.

RTLA50-S is laid onto the substrate with self-adhesive backing tape. The self-adhesive is formulated in such a way that it allows the scale to expand independently of the substrate.

To complete the installation, both types of scale are clamped at one point to provide a datum position.
RTLA50-S absolute linear encoder scale system for EVOLUTE™ The range of RTLA50 absolute linear encoder scales from Renishaw give ±10 µm/m accuracy in the form of a rugged and easy-to-handle stainless-steel tape. RTLA50-S scales can either be stuck to the substrate using their self‑adhesive backing or mounted in the revolutionary FASTRACK ™ track system to offer total design flexibility. When combined with Renishaw’s EVOLUTE readhead, the RTLA50-S scales offer high accuracy and an independent expansion coefficient with resolutions down to 50 nm. The generous rideheight and installation tolerances, impressive dirt immunity and ease of assembly make this encoder ideally suited to a wide variety of applications. RTLA50-S can be used with FASTRACK carrier, Renishaw’s cut-to-length track based mounting system, making it ideal for large machines that need to be sectioned for transportation. In this case the scale is held securely in place by two low-profile yet rugged guide rails and restrained at a single point to allow independent expansion with extremely low hysteresis, even over wide temperature ranges. If damaged, the scale can be slid out of the guide rails and quickly replaced, even where access is limited, thus reducing machine downtime. When FASTRACK carrier is not used, an adhesive-backed version, RTLA50-S, can be laid directly onto the substrate using a patented application tool in a quick, simple and inexpensive process. Metrology is ensured by using the supplied clamp at a single point to lock the scale to the substrate. RTLA50-S and RTLA50 with FASTRACK carrier are suitable for any application where thermal expansion of the scale must be independent of the machine structure, including FPD manufacturing and inspection machines, PV manufacturing, linear motors with aluminium substrates, large CMMs, axes that are exposed to potential damage, and any other machines that require the scale to be installed/removed for transit. • Flexible and easy-to-handle scale for use with EVOLUTE absolute readhead • Stainless‑steel tape scale accurate to ±10 µm/m. Further improvement possible with error compensation • Independent RTLA50 scale expands at its own thermal coefficient (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C) • Repeatable metrology: scale can be locked to the substrate at a single datum point anywhere along the axis • High solvent immunity • Scale lengths up to 10.02 m • Quick installation. Use FASTRACK carrier for easy scale replacement