Optical encoder scales are widely used in Industry 4.0 and smart factories. Smart manufacturing relies on large numbers of sensors, software systems, and interconnected robot networks to transmit and analyze heterogeneous data in real time. Optical encoders play a critical role in enabling these systems by providing precise signals related to distance, position, speed, and direction, thereby accelerating automation.

Hortech integrates its expertise in machining and laser processing to produce various types of optical scales, including stainless steel disc scales and linear scales. Customized specifications are available upon request.

These precision scales are manufactured in Taiwan using an environmentally friendly dry laser micro-etching process. The localized production model shortens the supply chain, reduces transportation costs, and ensures consistent high quality verified in Taiwan with stable and reliable performance.

#Robotics #Optical Encoders #High-Precision Stainless Steel Scales #Precision Metrology

Custom Stainless Steel Encoder Disk

Hortech uses its proprietary laser micro-etching technology to fabricate high-precision measurement markings, significantly improving measurement accuracy. The line width of the disc grating scale shown in the image is 10 μm, and custom-designed grating scales can be manufactured according to specific application requirements.

The disc grating scales produced by Jing Code are suitable for encoder systems used in gimbal cameras. They enable flexible fine adjustment in multi-axis space, allowing smooth motion control, precise positioning, and reliable target tracking. These systems are widely applied in mobile imaging platforms, including drones, autonomous vehicles, marine vessels, and various handheld devices.

Applications

• Panoramic and surround imaging systems
• Stabilized cameras and imaging devices
• Smooth and stable motion control systems
• Target locking and tracking systems

#Optical Encoders #Disc Scales #Disc Rulers #Linear Gratings #Angle Encoders #Hub Scales

1. Front-End Processing

• Precision multi-stage CNC lathe machining

• Precision grinding and polishing equipment

• Concentricity and surface roughness (Ra) polishing measurement

• Flatness measurement systems

2. Grating Manufacturing Process

• High-resolution laser direct writing system

• High-precision rotational processing equipment

• Online high-accuracy displacement/laser measurement system

3. Inspection Equipment

• Reflectance and angular measurement stage

• Optical microscope / Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

• White-light interferometric displacement measurement system

• Encoder functional testing platform

• Metrology instruments for dimensional and surface roughness inspection

Custom Stainless Steel Encoder Disk

Hortech custom-manufactures optical scales from stainless steel raw materials, integrating precision machining and laser processing technologies. With its proprietary laser micro-etching technology, the system produces high-precision measurement markings that significantly improve measurement accuracy and reliability.

Rotary Optical Disc Scales

Rotary optical scales are used for precise circular motion positioning control, including precision machine tools, AC/BC axes, and various rotary shafts. Jing Code applies laser micro-etching to produce high-precision scale markings and measurement graduations for these applications.

Encoder IC Applications

Encoder ICs are widely used in systems requiring precise motion control and position detection:

1. Industrial Automation and Robotics

• Servo and stepper motor position and speed feedback

• Robotic joint motion control

2. Servo and Stepper Motor Control

• Precise measurement of shaft position, speed, and direction

• Closed-loop control system stability

3. Medical Equipment

• CT and MRI rotational imaging platforms

• Surgical robot motion control systems

4. Aerospace and Defense

• Radar systems, optical tracking, and flight control surfaces

• UAV navigation and positioning systems

5. Office and Consumer Electronics

• High-precision printers and 3D printers

• High-end optical or mechanical mice

6. Power Tools and Home Appliances

• Smart home devices such as robotic vacuum cleaners

• Electric doors, seats, and motion adjustment systems

Encoder ICs typically use optical or magnetic sensing technologies and are available in incremental or absolute types, depending on application requirements.

Application Distribution of Rotary Optical Encoders

Rotary optical encoders are primarily used for high-precision rotational position and speed measurement across industries:

1. Industrial Automation and Robotics (30–40%)

• CNC machine tool spindles and feed axes

• Robotic joint precision control

• Conveyor system speed and position monitoring

2. Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing (15–20%)

• Lithography, packaging, and alignment equipment

• SMT pick-and-place systems

• PCB drilling and exposure systems

3. Medical Equipment (10–15%)

• CT/MRI imaging systems

• Surgical robotic systems

• Automated laboratory and fluid control instruments

4. Aerospace and Defense (10–15%)

• Radar antenna positioning systems

• UAV and satellite attitude control

• Military targeting systems

5. High-End Consumer Electronics and Optical Systems (5–10%)

• Camera lens autofocus and aperture systems

• Audio mixing and precision control equipment

• VR and gaming controllers

6. New Energy and Automotive (5–10%)

• Electric vehicle motor and steering control systems

• Wind turbine blade angle control

• Solar tracking systems

Rotary Motion Disc Scales

All rotating motors require rotary optical scales for position feedback and motion control, including automotive motors for angle control and high-precision rotary shafts in machine tools.

Product Features

• Rotary motion position and angle control components

• High durability and stability

• Sub-micron precision capability

Applications

• Robotics, including humanoid robots and robotic dogs

R&D Program

Development of laser etching technology for sub-micron precision optical scales (Phase 1/2)
2023 Science Park Emerging Technology Application Program (FY 2023)URL：file:///Users/minchunku/Downloads/1669879801240-1.pdf

#Optical Encoders #Disc Scales #Disc Rulers #Linear Gratings #Angle Encoders #Hub Scales