Magnetic Scale vs Optical Grating | Magnetic Scale Read Head: Position Measurement Solution

What is a Magnetic Scale Read Head?

Composition: magnetic scale + read head

Definition: the read head reads evenly spaced magnetic waves recorded on the magnetic scale and maps them to lengths and positions.

The manufacturing method is similar to tape recording: the magnetic write head records strictly periodic magnetic waves on the scale. The distance between adjacent waves is called the grating wavelength or pitch.

Use cases: magnetic scales suit long-distance or transmission measurements with economy and efficiency, and they perform well in harsh environments like oil, chips and vibration.

Advantages and features of magnetic scale read heads

Advantage 1

Patented magnetic recording: 3-line N/S magnetic waves and vector detection eliminate ambiguity from traditional pulse-strength based edge detection.

Advantage 2

Compared with optical gratings, magnetic scale read heads are durable, wider in environmental tolerance and maintenance-free.

Advantage 3

Strong protection against harsh machining environments such as oil, cutting fluid and dust.

Advantage 4

Wide-ranging and high-end applications: magnetic scale read heads are used across industries including 3C electronics, glass, sheet metal machinery and metalworking. Typical equipment includes linear motors, semiconductors, LCD equipment, press brakes and CNC machines.