Renishaw: TONiC RGS encoder system (A-9420-0100)
RGSZ20 is a tape scale manufactured from a thin flexible steel strip, featuring a 20 µm pitch, which is gold plated to give high reflectivity and corrosion resistance, and features a customer selectable IN-TRAC reference mark. It may be mounted to most engineering materials using UHV compatible adhesive backing tape including metals, ceramics and composites. Secured to the substrate with scale end-clamps, RGSZ20 is mastered to the substrate and will match the substrate's thermal expansion. The scale is supplied on a reel and can be cut to suit any axis length up to 50 m.

To enhance performance on wide-format 12,000dpi printers, further developments of the TONiC system are being introduced. A new version of Renishaw's RGSZ gold tape scale has a 19.991um pitch, which is compatible with a standard TONiC readhead. When combined with a new application-specific Ti interface that applies a special 9.444 interpolation factor, the encoder provides a resolution of 2.117um, which corresponds to 12,000 counts/inch for 12,000dpi printing. Despite this fine resolution, the maximum speed of the system is still 1.8m/s.

Furthermore, to improve ruggedness and long-term reliability, all TONiC RGSZ gold scales are now available with an option of a super-tough polyester coating that resists harsh solvents, including acetone and printer ink flushing fluids.

RGSZ scaled tape in 20 μm steps

Scale tape RGSZ is a thin flexible steel strip, which is coated with gold to ensure high reflectivity and corrosion resistance. This tape can be fixed, using a self-adhesive base, on most materials used in the industry, including metals, granite, ceramics and composite materials. Now, the tape also has an optical zero mark IN-TRAC with automatic synchronization, which ensures two-way repeatability.
- The tape is supplied on a reel, so you can cut off parts of the desired length, from 50 mm to 50 m.
- Small thickness, fastening using a self-adhesive base.
- Longer service life and durability thanks to the application of varnish on top of the gold layer.
- Durable polyester coating for protection from solvents.
The RGSZ tape has temperature characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the substrate on which the tape is attached, which simplifies the process of compensating for the effect of temperature.
- A special device is provided for fast and accurate installation of the scale tape (patented).
You can always cut a piece of any necessary length that optimizes inventory management and minimizes waste.
- High accuracy of linearity tolerance of ± 3 μm / m provides high overall accuracy with simple adjustment procedure.