Renishaw:FASTRACK ™ linear encoder scale
system (FASTRACK carrier for RTLA) A-9704-0170
New FASTRACK™ linear encoder scale system combines high
accuracy, tape scale convenience and unrivalled ruggedness
FASTRACK is a revolutionary track-mounted linear
encoder scale system from Renishaw that combines ±5 µm/m accuracy, with the
ruggedness of stainless steel, and the quick and easy installation of a
carrier-type encoder system.
Designed for applications that demand high accuracy and
easily removable scale, the FASTRACK scale system consists of two
miniature, yet rugged, guide rails. These securely retain Renishaw’s new
low-profile scales (8 x 0.2 mm cross-section) and allow them to freely expand
at their own thermal expansion coefficient with almost zero hysteresis
(sub-micron on a centre-clamped 2 metre axis over the entire operating
temperature range, for example). If damaged, the scale can be pulled out of the
guide rails and quickly replaced, even where access is limited, thus reducing
machine downtime.
Easy installation, easy scale replacement
The FASTRACK linear encoder scale system also
offers unrivalled ease of installation. The self-adhesive guide rails feature
integral pre-aligned sacrificial spacers which are removed with a hand-held
tool after fitment to the axis. The scale is then fed in from either end and
locked to the substrate at a single datum point anywhere along the axis using
cyano-acrylate glue. For TONiC RTLC incremental scale installations, limit magnets
and a reference mark selector (RTLC scale features multiple IN-TRAC™ reference
marks at regular spacings) can also be fitted to the FASTRACK and a
bolted clamp is available as an alternative to using glue.
Available on reels for ‘cut-to-suit' flexibility at the
point of installation, FASTRACK allows machine builders to minimise
both stock and lead-times. Measuring and cutting has been made simple, quick
and easy by generous tolerances and a bench-mounted guillotine (also available
from Renishaw). This flexibility makes the new linear encoder scale system
ideal for large machines that need to be sectioned for transportation to their
installation site: simply use separate sections of FASTRACK and allow
the scale to run across the joins (the gaps can be up to 25 mm), safe in the
knowledge that the scale can be installed, removed and re-installed as many
times as required.
Wide range of applications
The FASTRACK linear encoder scale system is
suitable for many applications, such as FPD manufacturing machines, linear
motors with aluminium substrates, P-V manufacturing, axes that are exposed to
potential damage, large CMMs and other machines that require the scale to be
installed/removed for transit, or simply for any application where thermal
expansion of the scale must be independent of the machine structure.
As with all Renishaw encoders, the new FASTRACK system
is backed by a truly responsive global sales and support network. Like
Renishaw's TONiC and RESOLUTE encoder systems, it also satisfies the highest
environmental standards, with both WEEE and RoHS compliance.