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Find the right office to meet your needs.</div></li></ul></li><li class="top-menu-divider three"><ul><li><a href="https://www.renishaw.com/en/15545.aspx"><span class="nav-title">Supplier portal</span></a><div class="nav-desc">Information for suppliers, or potential suppliers, to Renishaw.</div></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></nav><nav id="bc-bar" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/Breadcrumb" role="navigation"><div class="bc-inner"><a class="bc-link" href="/en/renishaw-enhancing-efficiency-in-manufacturing-and-healthcare--1030" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="title">Home</span></a><span class="bc-spacer">-</span><a class="bc-link" href="/en/encoders-for-position-and-motion-control--6331" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="title">Encoders for position and motion control</span></a><span class="bc-spacer">-</span><strong class="bc-current">Enclosed optical encoders</strong></div></nav><article id="main"><h1 id="page-title">Enclosed optical encoders</h1><div id="Region64" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region63" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region17" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementNavigation167642" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-navigation"><div class="page-embed-control" id="a8305aa1-63ea-4ec0-af63-177a79d80ed2" languagecode="en"></div></div> <div id="ElementNavigation153633" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-navigation"><h2 class="nav-cta-title"></h2><div class="nav-cta nav-size-2" style="Width:100%"><a href="/en/fortis-enclosed-encoder-downloads--45815" class="nav-item nav-first item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">Enclosed encoders downloads</a><a href="/en/fortis-enclosed-encoder-product-testing--47299" class="nav-item nav-last item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">What does rigorous testing mean to us?</a></div></div> <div id="ElementHTML149558" class="sb-style-heading-grey grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>Find your enclosed optical encoder solution</h2></div></div><div id="ElementHTML151271" class="grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>FORTiS-S™ standard size enclosed linear encoders</h2><p>Featuring Renishaw's proven absolute encoder technology within an exceptionally robust enclosed design, FORTiS encoders deliver high performance measurement in the harshest of environments, offering significant benefits over conventional systems. </p><ul><li>Non-contact design – no mechanical wear and greater longevity</li><li>Reduced hysteresis – smoother feedback and improved dynamic performance</li><li>Breakthrough in readhead design – superior vibration resistance</li><li>Uniquely sealed – greater resistance to contamination by fluids and solid debris</li><li>Patented set-up LEDs – integral LED signal strength indicator for simple and quick installation and set-up</li></ul></div></div><div id="ElementHTML151270" class="grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" class="media-inline jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="FORTiS-S enclosed encoder" src="/media/img/gen/dfc44fc67ca4424f88e1b7c44ee7064c.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementNavigation153547" class="grid g4 two sb-element-type-navigation"><h2 class="nav-cta-title"></h2><div class="nav-cta nav-size-2" style="Width:100%"><a href="/en/fortis-s-enclosed-absolute-encoder--45272" class="nav-item nav-first item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">Standard</a><a href="/en/fortis-s-fs-enclosed-absolute-encoder--45534" class="nav-item nav-last item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">Functional Safety</a></div></div> <div id="ElementHTML151275" class="sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above sb-style-new-row grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>FORTiS-N™ narrow size enclosed linear encoders</h2><p>Incorporating identical encoder technology and delivering the same benefits as the FORTiS-S models, FORTiS-N linear encoders have been designed with a more compact readhead in a narrower extrusion, making them ideally suited to applications in more confined spaces. </p><ul><li>Non-contact design – no mechanical wear and greater longevity</li><li>Tuned mass damper technology delivers class leading vibration resistance</li><li>Suitable for smaller and lighter machine designs</li><li>Can be fastened directly to a machined surface or optional mounting spar</li><li>Patented set-up LED for fast and intuitive right-first-time installation</li></ul></div></div><div id="ElementHTML151273" class="grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" class="media-inline jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="FORTiS-N enclosed encoder" src="/media/img/gen/e3adb213e3eb42d9920dfae8d572b289.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementNavigation153548" class="sb-style-image-borders grid g4 two sb-element-type-navigation"><h2 class="nav-cta-title"></h2><div class="nav-cta nav-size-2" style="Width:100%"><a href="/en/fortis-n-enclosed-absolute-encoder--45535" class="nav-item nav-first item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">Standard</a><a href="/en/fortis-n-fs-enclosed-absolute-encoder--45536" class="nav-item nav-last item-width-auto" target="_self" title="">Functional Safety</a></div></div> <div id="ElementHTML153545" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>Contact us to discuss your requirements</h2></div></div><div id="ElementNavigation153546" class="sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-image-borders grid g1 sb-element-type-navigation"><h2 class="nav-cta-title"></h2><div class="nav-cta nav-size-2" style="Width:100%"><a class="nav-item nav-first item-width-1_4" href="/contacts/en/contact-us?productname=FORTiS" target="_self" title="Contact us">Contact us</a><a href="/en/worldwide-offices--6438?productline=5" class="nav-item nav-last item-width-1_4" target="_self" title="Find your nearest Renishaw office">Find your nearest Renishaw office</a></div></div> <div id="ElementHTML150019" class="sb-style-new-row sb-style-table-headings-top-and-left grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>What is a Renishaw enclosed optical encoder?</h3><p>An enclosed optical encoder houses the encoder's electronics and optics within a sealed unit that is attached to a readhead body. Both the sealed optical unit and the encoder's scale are further protected within a sealed enclosure. This design provides high resistance to the ingress of liquids and solid debris contaminants.</p><p>The enclosed linear encoder features an extruded enclosure with longitudinally attached interlocking lip seals and sealed end caps. The readhead body is joined to a sealed optical unit by a blade, which travels through the lip seals along the length of the encoder. </p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML151277" class="sb-style-element-separate-above grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline jpg" width="400" height="234" alt="Optical scheme FORTiS™ enclosed encoders" src="/media/img/en/dc6c56d883d4484d952a08da1babd035.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170586" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Linear axis movement causes the readhead and optics to traverse the encoder's absolute scale (which is fixed to the inside of the enclosure), without mechanical contact.<br /></p><p>The encoder's scale features an absolute scale code of full-width contrasting lines, which is imaged via a lens onto a detector array inside the readhead. Linear position measurements, output in digital form, are compatible with a range of industry standard serial communications protocols.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170589" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>Solving mechanical vibration problems</h3></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170585" class="grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Machine vibration can affect conventional enclosed encoders in two ways: it causes a position measurement error when the vibration frequency is close to the encoder's resonant frequency, and severe vibration may cause the encoder to signal an alarm and emergency stop the machine.</p><p>Renishaw has designed the FORTIS encoder series with several unique features that increase its robustness against vibration, such as the use of tuned mass dampers. This innovative encoder design delivers a substantial improvement in positional stability, especially at the encoder's resonant frequency, and an enhanced ability to survive extreme conditions with high levels of vibration.</p><p>For more details, see our technical <a href="/en/tuned-mass-dampers-help-fortis-encoders-achieve-class-leading-vibration-resistance--48205" target="_blank">white paper</a> that explores the vibration resistance of FORTiS encoders in detail.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170624" class="grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline png" width="660" height="440" alt="Vibration on FORTiS™ enclosed encoders" src="/media/img/gen/a18b266e58a84dfbb242e824893d8671.png" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170620"></div><div id="ElementHTML170588" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>Easy installation that is 'right first time'</h3></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170622" class="sb-style-new-row grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="440" alt="Installation of FORTiS™ enclosed encoders" src="/media/img/gen/0c522d581fc94d8e8ee93d17b34a8851.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170587" class="sb-style-heading-orange grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>FORTIS linear encoders are designed to be installed by assembly operators, without the need for technician-level skills and equipment. The integral set-up LED provides an instant visual verification of the encoder installation, indicating if further adjustments are required and showing blue when the encoder installation is optimised.</p><p>For further assistance with installation, the optional <a href="/en/advanced-diagnostic-tools-adts--38358">Advanced Diagnostic Tool ADTa-100</a> can acquire and record comprehensive real-time encoder data, such as signal strength versus axis position. The ADTa-100 provides power to the encoder and can be connected to a Windows® tablet or a PC via a USB cable.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML170625" class="sb-style-heading-orange grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>FORTiS encoders can be aligned and installed quickly and easily using the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IchxbmE7RGA&list=PLhdh_20l2PtrtIKAxzyTqzwMMrnaFkhBQ&index=3">ultra-fast installation technique</a>. </p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML173926" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3><strong>Reduce air purge by up to 91% on machines </strong></h3></div></div><div id="ElementHTML173927" class="grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Machine users adopting a smart approach to air purge with FORTiS absolute enclosed encoders can significantly reduce their attributable CO2e emissions, and lower electricity costs. Thanks to the unique use of DuraSeal™ lip seals, FORTiS encoders allow many users to employ a low flow air purge philosophy. This provides all the reliability benefits of an air purge but reduces compressed air consumption by up to 91% when compared with other enclosed linear encoders. </p><p>For more details, read our <a href="/en/reducing-air-purge-usage-with-fortis-encoders-achieving-energy-saving-up-to-91--48418" title="Reducing air purge usage with FORTiS™ encoders">application note</a> to find out how to reduce your carbon footprint in standard operational environments and without restrictive conditions.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML173928" class="grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="440" alt="Vertical machining centres" src="/media/img/gen/ef0585893deb467ca12c5a1b769071bb.jpg" /></div></div></div></div><div id="Region19" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML177727" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>Easy replacement with fit, form and function compatibility</h3></div></div><div id="ElementHTML177728" class="sb-style-small-text grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="440" alt="FORTiS-S FS enclosed encoder with 4 number annotations" src="/media/img/gen/b18fbf5aa7a64a66a28a00ccf03c5e58.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML177729" class="grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>FORTiS linear encoders are designed for easy integration in replacement of conventional linear glass scales; providing fit, form and function compatibility with the most common industry standard encoders. FORTiS encoders have the same bolt holes as these encoders and can be fitted to the same readhead bracket design, enabling quick and easy replacement of encoders that have failed on machines in the field. </p><p>The FORTiS encoder series is compatible with a wide range of industry-standard controllers, including Beckhoff, Bosch, FANUC, Mitsubishi, Num, Omron, Panasonic, Siemens, Yaskawa and more. FORTiS linear encoders offer compatible resolution options and, in many cases, plug-and-play parameter compatibility too. </p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML177890" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Renishaw makes a range of readhead cables that can be mated to extension cables that are already routed through the machine or provide new readhead or extension cables with connectors to plug straight into the controller.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML177730" class="sb-style-small-text grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>1. Industry standard resolution and accuracy options; 2. Bolt-hole compatible with industry standard encoders; 3. Industry standard measuring lengths and size format; 4. Pin compatible with popular CNC controllers</p></div></div></div></div><div id="Region108" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182118" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>Mitigate the effect of heat build-up in machine tools</h3></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182119" class="grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Heat build-up in ballscrews impacts the accuracy of CNC machine tools. While linear axis control with a semi-closed servo loop (using rotary encoders and ballscrews) can achieve high accuracy, thermal expansion of the ballscrew can cause significant errors. Using FORTiS linear encoders to create a full-closed servo loop can maintain a higher accuracy by mitigating the effects of thermal growth. </p><p>To demonstrate this on a vertical machining centre, we compared the linear accuracy of a semi-closed servo loop with a fully-closed servo loop that uses linear encoders for direct feedback. The data shows that using FORTiS encoders for linear motion control with a fully-closed servo loop maintains high accuracy even after extended machine tool operation — effectively mitigating the effects of thermal expansion.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182120" class="grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px auto 10px; float: none; display: block;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="440" alt="Ballscrew in machine tool" src="/media/img/gen/cfc67ec31f5f49f4bc0c53b466d31a40.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182121" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>For more details, read our <a href="/en/the-effect-of-heat-on-ballscrew-accuracy-in-a-cnc-machine-tool--49580" title="The effect of heat on ballscrew accuracy in a CNC machine tool">application note</a> to discover the advantages of using enclosed linear encoders in environments where the effects of heat are a concern.</p></div></div></div></div><div id="Region109" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region110" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region111" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region112" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region113" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region114" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region115" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region116" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region117" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div class="sb-style-element-separate-above-more"> </div><div id="Region18" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementNavigation151058" class="sb-style-element-separate-below grid g1 sb-element-type-navigation"><h2 class="nav-slideup-title">Optical encoder resources</h2><div class="nav-element nav-slideup nav-size-3"><div class="nav-item nav-first item-width-auto" style="background:url(/media/img/gen/48e763d36405469cbb967172c2bfe95d.jpg) no-repeat 50% 50%" aria-haspopup="true"><div class="nav-slideup-text"><div class="nav-title">Software downloads</div><p>Download the ADT View software to give comprehensive, real time feedback from the FORTiS encoder systems.</p><a href="/en/optical-encoders-diagnostic-tools--6435" class="nav-slideup-button" title="" target="_self" aria-haspopup="true">Software downloads</a></div></div><div class="nav-item item-width-auto" style="background:url(/media/img/gen/df8c051480644f6ab60c87d682d1e3db.jpg) no-repeat 50% 50%" aria-haspopup="true"><div class="nav-slideup-text"><div class="nav-title">Case studies and application notes</div><p>See how others have trusted Renishaw optical encoders.</p><a href="/en/optical-encoders-case-studies-and-application-notes--30995" class="nav-slideup-button" title="" target="_self" aria-haspopup="true">Case studies and application notes</a></div></div><div class="nav-item nav-last item-width-auto" style="background:url(/media/img/gen/10ac7c256b8d49e49ebb0daa71f5aaea.png) no-repeat 50% 50%" aria-haspopup="true"><div class="nav-slideup-text"><div class="nav-title">Knowledge and support</div><p>Access our latest videos and key documentation from the knowledge centre. Find out more about our company; our global support, quality controls, compliance and warranties.</p><a href="/en/optical-encoders-knowledge-and-support-centre--10124" class="nav-slideup-button" title="" target="_self" aria-haspopup="true">Knowledge and support</a></div></div></div></div> </div></div><div id="Region20" class="region sb-style-aside"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML151221" class="sb-style-heading-grey grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>Encoder technologies</h2><ul><li><a href="/en/open-optical-encoders-for-motion-control--6433">Open optical encoders</a></li><li><a href="/en/enclosed-optical-encoders--45273" title="Enclosed optical encoders" target="_blank">Enclosed optical encoders</a></li><li><a href="/en/magnetic-encoders--6437">Magnetic encoders</a></li><li><a href="/en/interferometric-laser-encoders--6404">Interferometric laser encoders</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></article><footer id="page-footer"><div class="footer-content"><div class="grid g3 one footer-news"><h2 class="footer-contact-heading"><a href="/en/position-encoders-news--6852"><span class="footer-section-icon"></span><span class="footer-section-label">Encoder news</span></a></h2><div class="rss-reader-control-main" pageid="6852" applicationid="1" maxresults="2" pageidstoignore="6852" pagelanguage="2" languagecodestoaccept="en" showlargeimage="false" rendertype="footer" ordertype="" hidelanguagelinked="True"></div></div><div class="grid g3 one footer-contact"><h2 class="footer-contact-heading"><a href="/en/contact-us--7400?productname=Enclosed%20optical%20encoders&productline=5&pageorigin=footer"><span class="footer-section-icon"></span><span class="footer-section-label">Contact Renishaw</span></a></h2><p><a href="/en/contact-us--7400?productname=Enclosed%20optical%20encoders&productline=5&pageorigin=footer" class="contact-online"><span class="footer-item-icon"></span>Online form</a></p><p><a href="/en/worldwide-offices--6438?productname=Enclosed%20optical%20encoders&productline=5&pageorigin=footer" class="contact-details"><span class="footer-item-icon"></span>Worldwide offices</a></p><h2 class="footer-myrenishaw"><a href="https://www.renishaw.com/my/" class="contact-online"><span class="footer-section-icon"></span><span class="footer-section-label">MyRenishaw</span></a></h2><h2 class="footer-webshop"><a href="https://www.renishaw.com/shop/home.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="footer-section-icon"></span><span class="footer-section-label">Online store</span></a></h2></div><div class="grid g3 one footer-events"><h2 id="footer-events-heading"><a href="/en/encoder-events-and-exhibitions--34663"><span class="footer-section-icon"></span><span class="footer-section-label">Events and exhibitions</span></a></h2><div id="EventsControl"><ul class="calendar mini" aria-live="polite"></ul></div><script> var url='/api/events/events/calendar/5/2/2?HideDivisions=38'; /**/ function createLi(it){ var tpl=$('<li><div class="calendar-date"><span class="calendar-day"></span> <span class="calendar-month" style="display:block;"></span></div><div class="calendar-event"><span class="calendar-event-title"></span><a class="calendar-event-ical" type="text/calendar" download="event.ics"></a></div></li>'), d=it.DateText.split(' '); tpl.find('.calendar-day').text(d[0]); tpl.find('.calendar-month').text(d[1]); tpl.find('.calendar-event-title').text(it.EventName); tpl.find('.calendar-event-ical').attr('href','/api/events/events/calendarItem/2/'+it.EventId); return tpl; } head.ready(function(){ $.getJSON(url).done(function(data){ var cal=$('ul.calendar.mini'); cal.find('li').remove(); $.each(data,function(k,it){createLi(it).appendTo(cal);}); });});/**/ </script><a href="/en/encoder-events-and-exhibitions--34663" class="all-events-link">View all events and exhibitions</a></div></div><div class="footer-legal"><div class="grid g1"><nav class="legal-links"><p>© 2001-2025 Renishaw plc. 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