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Laser encoder measurement system for OEM integration

Laser encoder for CNC machines and stands

Designed for integration

A version of the HPI-3D linear laser encoder designed for integration. The laser encoder for CNC machine can replace build-in encoder or implemented as a part of a measurement stand. The device is especially useful when high velocity operations is required. The HPI-3D  lite can return good result while operated at velocities up to 7 m/s. Being a heterodyne system, the interferometer is well protected from light interference so it can be used in bright light or even laser cutting machines. The device implements years of experience in of high-precision laser interferometry field. The interferometer represents a “know-how” in the field of laser measurements and with the best parameters. The device can be upgraded later to basic or standard version, is compatible with a very rich set of accessories and options. HPI-3D lite can be integrated via AUX and using HPI Software. Instructions and full version of the software are available in our download page.

Interferometer features

Basic resolution of the laser interferometers based on He-Ne laser is 158.2 nm. The HPI-3D uses a special combination of heterodyne and homodyne optical configurations to achieve a basic resolution of 100 pm for single-pass optics and 50 pm for double-pass optics with excellent sub-nanometric measurement linearity. HPI-3D signal processing path provides the highest resolution at any measured speed.

When connecting HPI-3D over USB port it is possible to monitor vibrations of a measured object at frequencies up to 100 kHz with resolutions down to pico-meters. Such parameters allow using the instrument in the field so far reserved for specialised laser vibrometers. Special optics with very light reflection index can be used additionally to improve accuracy.

CNC or CMM machine are mechanical devices that requires calibration from time to time. Proper tools like HPI-3D offer unique machine tools analysis capability. Parameters like positioning, velocity or acceleration are picked at really high rate. The information gathered by HPI-3D can be used for further analysis with specialised mathematical software or for machine calibration.

In today’s industry exists a clear trend of increasing processing speed of CNC machines. Testing of such machines requires an instrument capable to handle high or very high velocity. HPI-3D with its unrivalled high frequency architecture offers a standard measurable velocity of ± 7 m/s and an option of an unimaginable ± 20 m/s!
An inherent and very unique part of the HPI-3D is the subsystem for of the laser beam position measurement in space. The instrument is capable of simultaneous measurements of the retroreflector position change in all three directions making rapid estimation of machine geometry possible with the use of simple linear optics. Machine tool geometry parameters like straightness, squareness or parallelism can be easily assessed.
High precision laser interferometry requires air temperature, pressure and humidity sensors. Additionally a few base temperature sensors are also recommended. HPI-3D integrates, in standard configuration, an environment compensation unit together with maintenance free wireless sensors.

Compact laser head is a self-contained unit. Just content it via USB or AUX and a power line. Mount the optics, adjust the output with over a dozen pin user configurable digital input/output port and the system is ready to go. Thence, laser head pins сan be used e.g. to drive stepping motor or to monitor external sensors state.

Advantages of using a laser encoder for CNC machine

Laser interferometer encoder is a great device to be used in CNC machines to get a position feedback due to some advantages, that the laser interferometer encoders can provide on a machine:

  1. High accuracy: Encoders based on laser interferometry technology can achieve a really high accuracy that comes with resolutions up to 0.4 µm/m. Accuracy is essential for precision machining applications where even small errors can accumulate and result in significant deviations, that won’t satisfy quality control requirements.
  2. High resolution: Laser interferometers provide high resolution up to 100pm during measurements, which means they can detect really tiny movements of the machine. This can be particularly important for high-precision machining applications.
  3. High speed: in some applications operating at high velocities is needed. Laser cutting machines is such a case. Lasertex laser encoder can provide real-time position feedback at speeds up to 0 – 7m/s, letting the CNC machines to operate at very high velocities without sacrificing accuracy.
  4. Non-contact measurement: Laser interferometer encoder uses coherent light to perform positioning measurements, which means they do not physically touch the moving parts of the machine. This means that there is no risk of wear and tear encoder mechanical parts or damage to the encoder in case of a collision. There is also no risk of of introducing measurement errors due to mechanical friction of the encoder’s moving parts.
  5. Low maintenance: Laser encoder is a non-contact device, so it requiress very low maintenance. This reduces the machine’s downtime and its maintenance costs as the result.
  6. Flexibility: Laser encoders based on laser interferometry technology can be easily integrated into different CNC machine types, regardless of the length. The installation is faster, as all you need is to install three small perts instead of high demanding glass rails of mechanical encoders. Laser encoder integration allows for greater flexibility in retrofit projects to various machine designs and freedom while designing a new one.Flexibility: Laser encoders based on laser interferometry technology can be easily integrated into different CNC machine types, regardless of the length. The installation is faster, as all you need is to install three small perts instead of high demanding glass rails of mechanical encoders. Laser encoder integration allows for greater flexibility in retrofit projects to various machine designs and freedom while designing a new one.

Overall, the laser interferometer encoders usage in CNC machines offers significant advantages in terms of accuracy, resolution, speed, and reliability. This will improve the quality and efficiency of the machine operations that will lead to better products and lower costs for manufacturers by reducing the defective parts percentage.

Encoder application
  • Replacement of the build-in encoder
  • Part of a measurement stand