HEIDENHAIN’s new LIP 6000 miniature linear encoder system, consisting of a scanning unit and glass scale, has the unusual capability to measure to 2 nm resolution with high speed of 4m/sec at long lengths of scale. This encoder was developed with large mounting tolerances, small interpolation error and low noise levels, thereby making the encoder useful in machine feedback applications where very constant speed control is needed or high position stability at standstill is important.