Mitutoyo releases the slim type Linear Scales with Absolute Encoder AT500 Series, the sectional area of which is 40% slimmer than conventional Linear Scales

Mitutoyo Corporation has developed the new high-speed, high-resolution Linear Scales with Absolute Encoder, AT500 Series. These new Linear Scales are slimmer than the conventional Linear Scales by 40% (comparison of the sectional areas) and yet are excellent against vibrations. The AT500 Series will be released for sale on March 31, 2001. In 1988 Mitutoyo released the world's first linear scales with absolute encoders, which maintained positional data even when power was turned off. In 1996, the current "AT300 Series" were released, followed by the "AT353/AT343", which boasted the world's highest resolution of 0.05μm, in 1999. In about 1995, as machine tools started to employ linear motors, the needs increased for linear scales to detect positions with high-accuracy. This created rapidly increasing needs for linear scales with absolute encoders, which would eliminate magnetic sensors. Furthermore, in recent years the demands for the slim type of linear scales with absolute encoders that could be installed in small spaces increased. This was due to the fact that the IT industry and the manufacturing equipment for electronics-related industries were doing well and that the smaller, better performing linear motors were developed. The newly developed "AT500 Series" are slimmer than the conventional Linear Scales by 40% (comparison of the cross-sectional areas of the scale unit and the detector head) and are highly resistant against vibrations up to 150m/sec2. They also maintain the high specifications of the conventional Linear Scales, such as the maximum response speed of 120m/min. and the world's highest resolution of 0.05μm. The AT500 Series come in 20 different sizes, from the effective measuring length of 100mm to 1,500mm, and there are two models available: the "AT553", which supports the Fanuc interfaces, and the "AT543", which supports Mitsubishi Electric's MELDAS interfaces. 3,000 scales are expected to be sold in the first year. [FEATURES] (1) Complete absolute type linear scales, which maintain positional data even after the power is turned off. (2) The sectional area is made 40% smaller than the conventional AT300 Series, to allow installation in smaller systems. (3) While maintaining a high response speed (maximum response speed of 120m/min.) and the world's highest resolution of 0.05m, the AT500 Series are attaining a high vibration-resistance of 150m/sec2. (4) Supports the Fanuc and Mitsubishi Electric's MELDAS high-speed serial interfaces. [SPECIFICATIONS] Model AT553 AT543 Detection method Electrostatic capacitance/photoelectirc combined absolute encoder Interfaces FANUC Mitsubishi Electric MELDAS Effective range 100/150/200/250/300/350/400/450/500/600/700/750/800/ 900/1000/1100/1200/1300/1400/1500 [ mm ] Accuracy (3+3L/1000)μm L: Effective range Max. response speed 120m/min. Alarm display function Yes (ALARM lamp lights) Vibration resistance ≤150m/sec2 (55-2000Hz) Shock resistance 200m/sec2 (1/2sin, 11ms) Resolution 0.05m Protection level Scale unit: IP-53, Interface unit: IP-64 Power supply/consumption DC5V/270mA Max. Operating temperature range 0oC-50oC [For more information on the AT500 Series, please contact the nearest Mitutoyo sales office.]

February 15,2001

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