Encoder Disks

Metrigraphics - Division of Dynamics Research Corporation

Friday May 09 2008

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ENCODER DISKS

DRC replicates masters that have been generated using advanced numerically controlled techniques to create our Rotary Encoder Discs. Environmental conditions have been stringently controlled with seismic isolation equipment, temperature uniformity of 0.1 degree Fahrenheit, and humidity controls.

Functional Testing

DRC has designed and built a testing device for checking transmission variation in code discs.

D.C. Testing variation in transmission or "D.C. Swing" is defined as follows: The maximum variation in transmission measured at the radial center of the code pattern, and protected around the entire pattern (360 degrees) to be 3% - 10%. (The actual transmission specification assigned is a function of line count, diameter, customer requirements, and manufacturing technique i.e., photo-emulsion or Metrifilm.)

The output data is in graphic form and therefore becomes a permanent record to remain with the disc until final assembly.

The test is "standard procedure" for discs produced at Metrigraphics. A copy of the transmission graph can be included with each disc upon request.

The correlation of data gained in this test, and the performance of discs in customer applications has been found to be very high.

Harmonic Testing

Harmonic error testing by use of a flutter meter is a means whereby signal output from a rotating disc is compared to a stable frequency. It is essential to the method that the rotating speed be extremely uniform. To that end, we have developed a sophisticated air-bearing spindle. This spindle, which is mounted in an eight-inch thick granite surface plate, reduces systematic errors and allows direct identification of disc errors.

Major advantages of the system are that harmonic error components can be isolated (by frequency selection) and measured directly in a manner, which closely approximates customer applications. Disc error identification to better than 1 arc/second is achievable.

View our Standard Incremental Discs brochure (size: .29 MB, pdf format)

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This page was last modified on 04/20/07 10:28:09.