What are the two main types of linear scales? They are sealed and exposed linear scales. How are the two different from one another? Walker Machinery, a major distributor of DRO units and digital encoders in Brampton, Ontario, aims to answer this question in detail in this blog.
What Are The Differences Between Sealed And Exposed Linear Scales?
Sealed Linear Scales
Sealed linear scales comprise an aluminum housing with elastic seals. The seal is mainly designed to protect the encoder from contaminants such as chips, coolants, dust, and more. As a result, they are perfectly suited for machine tool applications. In sealed linear scales, the scanning carriage moves with very low friction, allowing for stable signal production and long service life. It is also coupled with a machine guideway through a flexible coupling to mitigate misalignment.
Exposed Linear Scales
As the name suggests, exposed linear scales comprise an open scale with visible readheads. They are designed this way to provide minimal mechanical hysteresis and thermal gradients, so that they offer maximum accuracy and repeatability across multiple runs. Exposed linear scales are mainly used for machines that require the highest level of metrological performance. However, since they are exposed, the environment in which they are used should be in pristine condition, as the presence of any contaminants can damage the linear scale and its performance long-term.
Conclusion
In closing, sealed linear scales offer greater protection to the equipment, whereas exposed linear scales exchange robustness for accuracy.
To learn more about linear scales, contact us at Walker Machinery today. As one of the biggest distributors of digital encoders, DRO units, and CNC control systems in Brampton, Ontario, we have decades of experience in this field, which is backed by the excellent quality of our products. For more details about our products and services, contact us at 905-876-0890 today.
FAQs:
When to use sealed linear scales?
Sealed linear scales should be used in rugged machining environments and contaminated areas.
What are sealing lips in sealed linear scales?
Sealing lips are flexible lips made of rubber or plastic that close the bottom slot of the scale, blocking off dirt without compromising the low friction of the machine.