LIP 400 Linear Encoder Series

HEIDENHAIN releases its newest addition to vacuum encoder technology with the LIP 400 series linear encoder system. Procedures using vacuum technology have become indispensable in the electronics, medical and analytical equipment industries. The LIP 400 series is now compatible with high and ultrahigh vacuum levels in these applications, and offers a small mechanical package with options of necessary encoder electronics to be inside or outside the vacuum chamber, depending on outgassing requirements.

With an output signal period of 2µm, and a measuring range of up to 420mm, the LIP 400 linear encoder series is easily designed into motion stages. It also has an accuracy grade of either +/- 1µm, or even +/- 0.5µm for those applications needing high-end metrology. The encoder system has a position stability of 2 nanometers and a low cyclical error (or interpolation error) of +/- 20 nanometers. Two different types of glass can be ordered for the scale and scanning unit reticle: a normal float glass with 8 PPM thermal growth or ZERODUR (a 0 PPM thermal growth) glass ceramic for thermal stability considerations.

The encoders are made of low outgassing materials, designed for quick pump down times, produced in a clean room environment, and shipped in a nitrogen-flushed custom packaging.