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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">Open optical encoders</strong></div></nav><article id="main"><h1 id="page-title">Open optical encoders for motion control</h1><div id="Region64" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML162932"></div><div id="ElementHTML164887" class="sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above sb-style-hero-text grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>Renishaw provides an extensive range of open optical encoder systems. Learn how our absolute and incremental technology, along with a non-contact design, plays a key role in precision measurement manufacturing.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML82175"></div></div></div><div id="Region63" style="background-image:url(/media/img/gen/a3f622300e6d4bd38b05130ef0cbb60c.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:50% 50%;min-height:350px;*height:350px" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></div></div><div id="Region17" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182000" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>Find your Renishaw open optical encoders</h2><p>Renishaw's open optical encoders provide robust and high-performance position measurement. A compact optoelectronic readhead senses motion relative to a scale with regularly-spaced markings.</p><p>Our selection of linear, partial arc and rotary encoders are suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, variants such as <a href="/en/functional-safety-optical-encoders--39820">Functional Safety</a>, <a href="/en/ultra-high-vacuum-uhv-optical-encoders--38007">Ultra-High Vacuum</a> and <a href="/en/extended-temperature-range-optical-encoders--48557" title="Extended Temperature Range optical encoders">Extended Temperature Range</a> encoders are available.</p><p>To assist you in selecting an encoder, our comparison tables and encoder product configurator highlight the variety of compatible readheads and scales. You can also find details of the industries that benefit from optical encoders, with our wide range of case studies and application notes. </p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML155262" class="sb-style-heading-orange grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>What form of motion do you need to measure?</h2></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182003" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-element-separate-below 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="RTLF, RKLA, RKLC linear scales for incremental optical encoder" src="/media/img/gen/377e32a48d8b451aa72233c9378480e3.jpg" /><p>Straight-line position information is needed - usually X, Y or Z axes.<br /></p><p><a href="/en/linear-optical-encoders--48502" title="Linear optical encoders">Linear</a></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182005" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-end-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="RKL partial arc scale for optical encoders" src="/media/img/gen/d0546b0b856946208fec85f75e3dbf0c.jpg" />Measuring a partial arc rotation by wrapping the scale around drums, shafts or arcs.<p><a href="/en/partial-arc-optical-encoders--48560" title="Partial arc optical encoders">Partial arc</a></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182004" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-element-separate-below 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="RCDM rotary scale for optical encoders" src="/media/img/gen/e8fc45ef4bea4214b1ff6892e18be30a.jpg" />For angular position measurement and the motion control of rotating elements.<p><a href="/en/rotary-optical-encoders--48559" title="Rotary optical encoders">Rotary (angle)</a></p></div></div></div></div><div id="Region19" style="background-image:url(/media/img/gen/70f2ee39bca641bf97897d6a3f771f34.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:50% 50%;min-height:270px;*height:270px" class="region sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182102" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-block-text-dark sb-style-element-separate-above grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3><span dir="ltr">Already familiar with Renishaw encoders? </span></h3><p> </p><a href="/en/range-of-renishaw-open-optical-encoders--48432" title="Range of Renishaw open optical encoders">Choose your encoder</a></div></div></div></div><div id="Region108" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182103" class="sb-style-testimonial sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>We were impressed by the capabilities of the RESOLUTE UHV encoder system, it fully meets our requirements including robust mechanical design, suitability for high-temperature bake-outs and resistance to radiation ageing. Renishaw's encoder really does the job. </p><p style="text-align: right;"><strong>IRELEC Alcen (France)</strong></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182107" class="sb-style-element-separate-above grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>What is an open optical encoder?</h2></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182104" class="sb-style-element-separate-above grid g3 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner">An optical encoder is an electromechanical device which produces an electrical signal output proportional to the linear displacement of a linear guide or the angular position of an input shaft. <p>Open encoders are exposed and feature no external integrated enclosure. The advantages of open optical encoders include the effective elimination of backlash, shaft wind-up (torsion) and other mechanical hysteresis errors.</p><p>A rotary open optical encoder consists of a position measurement readhead and an accurate rotary scale marked either on the periphery of a ring or on the face of a disc. </p><p>The readhead measures position by optically sensing the regularly-spaced scale markings. It then outputs this information as an analogue or digital signal. </p><p>The signal is subsequently converted into a position reading by a digital readout (DRO) or motion controller.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182106" class="grid g3 one sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="595" alt="TONiC™ QUANTiC™ optical scheme with annotations" src="/media/img/en/61dd1209b18f4da58e29ebd1aeba6860.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182105" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><p>By <a href="/en/understanding-renishaws-optical-encoder-technology--47885" title="Understanding Renishaw's optical encoder technology">understanding Renishaw's encoder technology</a>, you will be able to compare our systems to determine what is right for your application.</p></div></div></div></div><div id="Region109" class="region sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182108" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-new-row grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" class="media-inline jpg" width="660" height="440" alt="Optical encoders comparison table on a tablet screen with a hand scrolling" src="/media/img/gen/f0187b2c46124f22b36cf9c1d78b228e.jpg" /><p>Compare Renishaw's vast range of absolute and incremental encoder systems, depending on your linear, partial arc or rotary requirements. Our tables detail output, accuracy, speed and size, and will guide you towards the most appropriate systems.<br /></p><p><a title="Welcome to Heaven" href="https://www.renishaw.com/en/product-comparison-table--6789">Optical encoders comparison table</a></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182109" class="sb-style-cta 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="660" height="440" alt="Two hands holding a TONiC™ optical encoder with a cable" src="/media/img/gen/72ebf369f52247b8b52d5ebdf0c92daf.jpg" /><p>Build an encoder system and generate a part number with our encoder product configurator. With this information, easily send a request for a quote and determine the most relevant product for your requirements. <br /></p><p><a title="Welcome to Heaven" href="https://www.renishaw.com/epc/en/--6474">Encoder product configurator</a></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182110" class="sb-style-cta sb-style-element-separate-below sb-style-element-separate-above sb-style-new-row 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="660" height="440" alt="Tablet held by two hands and displaying a Renishaw encoders installation guide" src="/media/img/gen/7c4edd575f6d4b06a701cf224844dc1d.jpg" /><p>Find out the technical specifications for our optical encoder series, their options and variants, via our technical documents downloads. Our compliance certificates will give you an additional guarantee of Renishaw's commitment to quality. <br /></p><p><a title="Welcome to Heaven" href="/en/technical-document-downloads-for-optical-encoders--30979">Technical documents downloads</a></p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182111" class="sb-style-cta 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="660" height="440" alt="Side view of FORTiS™ enclosed optical encoder inside a machine tool" src="/media/img/gen/f0958103ece44b1db7ab9ca7455bb7a9.jpg" /><p>Discover which industries use optical encoders and how Renishaw's encoder technology and extensive expertise benefit manufacturers globally. See real-life examples of how customers have gained from Renishaw encoder systems.<br /></p><p><a title="Welcome to Heaven" href="https://www.renishaw.com/en/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-encoders-in-motion-control--47886">Encoder benefits for motion control</a></p></div></div></div></div><div id="Region110" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182130" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-above sb-style-new-row grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>How can we help you? </h3><p>View the <a href="https://www.renishaw.com/en/optical-encoders-frequently-asked-questions--34674">frequently asked questions</a> for topics covering incremental and absolute encoder systems, scales, installation and sales support. We aim to help you understand the features and benefits of Renishaw encoder systems, and make selecting and installing our products easy. </p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182131" class="grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><img style="margin: 20px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" class="media-inline jpg" width="491" height="222" alt="Drawing illustrating serial communications for incremental encoders" src="/media/img/gen/e262870442014beda34aa5faf2d3e50d.jpg" /><h2><br /></h2></div></div></div></div><div id="Region111" class="region"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML182133" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-below grid g4 two sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>What does reliability mean to us?</h2><p>Every encoder we design is built with <a href="/en/reliability--30990">reliability</a> at its core, ensuring it is built to last. We put the product through tests that go far beyond normal operating conditions and prove the mechanical and design integrity of the product.</p><p>Renishaw maintains complete in-house production of all key manufacturing stages, including printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, machining, cable assembly, readhead assembly and readhead testing. This approach is extended to the production of scales, setting them apart from other encoder companies. By keeping these processes internal, the company ensures stringent quality control at every stage of product development.</p></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182134" class="sb-style-element-separate-below 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="660" height="440" alt="Operators on testing benches at Renishaw" src="/media/img/gen/c80e17dd41e24c51ac6a5484887a689c.jpg" /></div></div><div id="ElementHTML182132" class="sb-style-heading-orange sb-style-element-separate-below grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h3>Upgrade your legacy Renishaw optical encoder systems</h3><p>Some of our older, legacy products are either not recommended for new designs, are available on last-time-buy or are being made obsolete.</p><p>Renishaw is constantly developing new technology which means systems can be upgraded with an array of alternative high-performance Renishaw encoders. </p><p>Find our <a href="https://www.renishaw.com/en/upgrade-your-legacy-renishaw-optical-encoder-systems--37826">alternative solutions</a> and contact us today for manufacturing support. </p></div></div></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" style="background-image:url(/media/img/gen/ce54494fcc914c588f112a6e773fd9a6.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:50% 0;" class="region sb-style-element-separate-above"><div class="region-inner"><div id="ElementHTML173699" class="sb-style-invert-text grid g1 sb-element-type-html"><div class="htmlInner"><h2>Contact our sales team today</h2><p>Get in contact with your local office to find out more information and speak to an expert. </p></div></div><div id="ElementNavigation174722" class="grid g1 sb-element-type-navigation"><div class="page-embed-control" id="41ae7f71-7c5c-4a36-9056-79e311143777" languagecode="en"></div></div> </div></div><div id="Region20" class="region"><div class="region-inner"></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=Open%20optical%20encoders%20for%20motion%20control&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=Open%20optical%20encoders%20for%20motion%20control&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=Open%20optical%20encoders%20for%20motion%20control&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'; 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