Click on any
of the following links

• High accuracy laser-based linear encoder system
• Shop-floor hardened interferometer system
• Real-time compensation for environmental conditions and workpiece thermal growth
• Improved machine positioning accuracy
• Parts produced to tighter tolerances
• Effects of worn racks, ballscrews and gearboxes

With over 20 years experience in the field of metrology, Renishaw has continued to develop a wide range of innovative measuring solutions for industry. Recent advances in optical and semiconductor technology have enabled Renishaw to strengthen this contribution to metrology by providing a new solution to linear positioning applications. Machine builders and users alike now have a greater choice of position feedback systems to ensure their machines can make smart, accurate moves with uncompromised consistency.

The Renishaw HS10 laser scale system represents the ultimate in linear positioning feedback. It uses laser interferometer to deliver accuracy only previously achievable with laser calibration systems.

For large machine applications, the HS10 laser scale system offers significant price performance benefits over any other linear encoder system. It uses an advanced environmental compensation system to eliminate the effects of machine and workpiece thermal distortions. These errors are especially problematic on large machines, particularly in non-temperature controlled environments.

On small machines such as high accuracy CMMs, precision grinders and the latest generation of non-Cartesian machining concepts, the enhanced resolution and accuracy of the HS10 system can be exploited to the full, allowing position feedback and control at the sub-micron level. Here, the laser feedback system provides a metrology frame within the machine where the linear accuracy is independent of the machine structure. It can also be configured to minimize Abbé offset errors to give even better accuracy.

The HS10 laser head has been specifically designed for use in the machining environment. It is sealed against coolant ingress and protected from swarf damage. The optical units and laser beam path can also be shielded with ducting for added system integrity.

The HS10 system is now used widely in the aerospace industry. It has significantly increased the confidence in the manufacture of large fuselage and wing sections made from materials with relatively high expansion coefficients, such as aluminum. This stems from its ability to compensate in real-time for the thermal expansion in workpiece dimensions.

As well as helping to maintain high levels of surface finish on such workpieces, it is especially powerful in reducing the level of rework and shimming of sub-sections during assembly operations. The HS10 system also makes a welcome contribution to eliminating the need for expensive air conditioning installations to hold manufacturing tolerances.

The green line on the graph above shows the positioning accuracy of a 50ft (16m) axis fitted with the Renishaw HS10 laser scale system with compensation active. Although the data was recorded at shop temperature of almost 86°F (30°C), accuracy was maintained to within ±0.0008" (±15µm).

Without HC10 compensation active, these performance levels would still not be achievable when machining aluminum, even by controlling shop temperature to within 1°F (0.6°C) , as shown by the red error band lines.

The HS10 system is making a valuable contribution in the ongoing battle to drive down manufacturing costs and tighten workpiece tolerances. In the aerospace industry, it is helping not only to reduce the cost of aerospace manufacture, but also to improve upon the existing high build quality for the next generation of aircraft and space vehicles.