Data sheet

L-9517-9418-07-A

RTLA high accuracy absolute linear encoder scale system

RTLA absolute linear encoder tape scale from • High accuracy (±5 µm/m)
absolute scale. Further
Renishaw combines ±5 µm/m accuracy with the
improvement possible with
ruggedness of stainless steel. Two versions are error correction
available: self-adhesive RTLA-S and RTLA for use
• Compatible with RESOLUTE
with the revolutionary FASTRACK ™ track system absolute readheads
from Renishaw.
• RTLA scale expands at its
Designed for applications that demand high-accuracy and an independent
expansion coefficient with tape scale convenience, RTLA-S and RTLA are
own low thermal coefficient
read by Renishaw’s ground-breaking RESOLUTE™ absolute readhead. (10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @ 20 °C)
1 nm resolution, 100 m/s maximum speed, ultra low SDE and jitter result in
• Use with FASTRACK for
a linear encoder system that outperforms any other encoder in its class.
very low hysteresis
RTLA-S is laid onto the substrate using its self-adhesive backing tape. A patented
application tool makes this a quick, simple and inexpensive process. A clamp is • FASTRACK guide rails are
fitted at a single point to lock the scale to the substrate. pre-aligned in reels for
RTLA (without self-adhesive) is used with FASTRACK. In this case, the scale is cut-to-suit flexibility
held securely in place by two miniature, yet rugged, guide rails. Again, the scale
• Quick installation. FASTRACK
is clamped in a single point to allow independent expansion with extremely low
hysteresis, even over wide temperature ranges. If damaged, the scale can be adds fast scale replacement
pulled out of the guide rails and quickly replaced, even where access is limited, capability
thus reducing machine downtime. This feature also makes the new linear encoder
• Scale can be locked to the
system ideal for large machines that need to be sectioned for transportation.
substrate at a single datum
RTLA-S and RTLA with FASTRACK are suitable for many applications, including point anywhere along the axis
FPD manufacturing and inspection machines, P-V manufacturing, linear motors
with aluminium substrates, axes that are exposed to potential damage, • RTLA scale can bridge gaps in
large CMMs and other machines that require the scale to be installed/removed the FASTRACK of up to 25 mm
for transit, or simply for any application where thermal expansion of the scale
must be independent of the machine structure. • High solvent immunity
 Data sheet
RTLA absolute high accuracy tape scale

System features

High accuracy RTLA and RTLA-S scale

Error plot
10

8
u ±5 µm/m accuracy@20 °C, including slope and linearity.
Further improvement possible with error correction
6

4
u Hardened stainless steel construction is rugged and
2
reliable, with high scratch and solvent resistance

±6.1 µm
Error (µm)

-2 u Independent expansion coefficient

-4
(10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @20 °C)
-6
u Very low hysteresis: sub-micron on a centre-clamped
-8
2 m axis over the entire operating temperature range,
-10
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 for example
Position (mm)

Example accuracy test result of 4000 mm u Nominal 30 µm absolute graduations

length of RTLA scale
u Scale can be cut to length using a guillotine for easy
customisation

u Track mounted using the revolutionary new FASTRACK

or self-adhesive mounted (RTLA-S)

Compatible with RESOLUTE readheads

u True absolute optical encoder: absolute position is determined

immediately upon switch-on, eliminating reference returns

u Unique single track nominal 30 µm pitch optical scale combines

absolute position and incremental phase information into one code

u Resolution to 1 nm

u Low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE ±40 nm)

and low jitter (to 10 nm RMS) for smoother velocity control and
rock-solid positional stability

u 100 metres/second maximum speed for all resolutions

u Wide set-up tolerances: ±150 µm rideheight,

±0.5° yaw, pitch and roll

u Other high-accuracy linear scales also available:

– RELA low expansion, high stability scale with

±1 µm accuracy on lengths up to 1 metre.
Available in lengths up to 1.5 metres.

– RSLA stainless steel spars with ±4 µm

total accuracy over an entire 5 m length

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3
Overall length (L + 12)

1 min (gap) Scale length (L)

Measuring length ML = (L-10)

Data sheet

FASTRACK length (L - 24)*

10 max (gap)
0.75 ±1 0.5 B
F
FASTRACK 0.1/100
Dimensions and tolerances in mm

A
(A-9704-xxxx) F = axis of motion

5
RTLA absolute high accuracy tape scale

18 ±0.1 RTLA scale (A-9764-xxxx)

18
Optional end cover
(Pair A-9589-0058)
Detail A
Do not cut FASTRACK
Detail B over shaded area
RTLA with FASTRACK carrier installation drawing

Spot of Loctite® 435™ (2 positions)

to secure axis datum position
35 max
NOTE: All dimensions applicable when
Optical centreline using side cable outlet version.
For further details, please refer to RESOLUTE RTLA and FASTRACK installation guide (M-9533-9134)
(adhesive datum clamp)

0.05 F

Ra 3.2 F = axis of motion

*Assumes 1 mm gap between scale and end covers and zero gap between FASTRACK and end covers.
NOTE: Minimum recommended FASTRACK length = 100 mm
4
Overall length (L + 37)

START Scale length (L) FINISH

Data sheet

Measuring length ML = (L-17)

5 5
0.5
F
0.2/100 A
B 8
F = axis of motion
Dimensions and tolerances in mm

16.5

8.25 Optional end cover

Datum clamp
(Pair A-9585-0035)
RTLA-S installation drawing

A-9585-0028
RTLA absolute high accuracy tape scale

Readhead optical detector position at extent of travel

0.05 F
C

Ra 3.2 F = axis of motion

(mechanical datum clamp)

Optical centreline
Detail A
For further details, please refer to RESOLUTE RTLA-S installation guide (M-9553-9433)

Detail B Detail C

End cover
2.0 B 0.8
alignment
indicator 3.5
12.5

B
4.5 12
Data sheet
RTLA absolute high accuracy tape scale

RTLA-S, RTLA and FASTRACK specifications

Description RTLA-S Self-adhesive absolute high-accuracy hardened and tempered martensitic
stainless steel for use with RESOLUTE readheads.
RTLA Absolute high-accuracy hardened and tempered martensitic stainless steel
scale for use with FASTRACK and RESOLUTE readheads.
FASTRACK Hardened stainless steel guide rails with integral sacrificial spacers,
with self-adhesive backing tape for easy installation

Form RTLA-S
0.4 mm x 8 mm (H x W) including adhesive
FASTRACK 0.4 mm x 18 mm (H x W) including adhesive

Accuracy RTLA /RTLA-S ±5 µm/m @20 °C

Thermal expansion RTLA /RTLA-S 10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @20 °C

FASTRACK 10.1 ±0.2 µm/m/°C @20 °C

Temperature (system) Storage -20 °C to +80 °C

Operating 0 °C to +80 °C

Humidity (system) 95% maximum relative humidity (non-condensing) to EN 60068-2-78

Shock (system) Non-operating 1000 m/s2, 6 ms, ½ sine, 3 axes

Vibration (system) Operating 100 m/s2 max @ 55 to 2000 Hz, 3 axes

Mass RTLA-S 12.9 g/m

RTLA 12.2 g/m
FASTRACK 24 g/m

Minimum recommended length FASTRACK 100 mm

Maximum supplied length RTLA-S 21 m

RTLA 21 m
FASTRACK 25 m

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Data sheet
RTLA absolute high accuracy tape scale

Resolution and scale lengths

RESOLUTE is available with a variety of resolutions. The choice of resolution depends on the serial protocol being used.
RESOLUTE with BiSS-C serial comms is available with 1 nm, 5 nm and 50 nm resolution options.
The maximum scale length is determind by the readhead resolution and the number of position bits in the serial word.

Maximum scale length (m)

Resolution
36 bit position word 32 bit position word 26 bit position word
1 nm 21 4.295 0.067
5 nm 21 21 0.336
50 nm 21 21 3.355

RESOLUTE with Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ serial comms is available with 1 nm and 50 nm resolution options.
The maximum scale word length is determined by the readhead resolution and the number of position bits in the serial word.

Maximum scale length (m)

Resolution
34 bit position word 28 bit position word
1 nm 17.18 N/A
50 nm N/A 13.42

RESOLUTE with Mitsubishi serial comms is available with 1 nm and 50 nm resolution options.
The maximum scale word length is determined by the readhead resolution and the number of position bits in the serial word.

Resolution Maximum scale length (m) with 40 bit position word

1 nm 2.1
50 nm 21

RESOLUTE with Yaskawa serial comms is available with 1 nm and 50 nm resolution options.
The maximum scale word length is determined by the readhead resolution and the number of position bits in the serial word.

Resolution Maximum scale length (m) with 36 bit position word

1 nm 1.8
50 nm 21

RESOLUTE with FANUC serial comms is available with 1 nm and 50 nm resolution options.
For FANUC protocol, maximum scale length is available at all resolutions.

RESOLUTE with Panasonic serial comms is available with 1 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm resolution options.
For Panasonic protocol, maximum scale length is available at all resolutions.

Speed
For the maximum speed of the various serial protocols please refer to the relevant RESOLUTE protocol Data sheet.

6
Renishaw plc T +44 (0)1453 524524
New Mills, Wotton-under-Edge, F +44 (0)1453 524901
Gloucestershire GL12 8JR E uk@[Link]
United Kingdom [Link]

RTLA-S, RTLA and FASTRACK part numbers

Scale type Length Available in Part number
increments of: (where xxxx is the length in cm)

RTLA-S 100 mm to 21 m 10 mm A-9763-xxxx

RTLA 100 mm to 21 m 10 mm A-9764-xxxx

FASTRACK 100 mm to 25 m 25 mm* A-9704-xxxx

*NOTE: Part numbers for FASTRACK lengths ending in 25 mm are: A-9704-xxx3

Part numbers for FASTRACK lengths ending in 75 mm are: A-9704-xxx8

Accessories
Datum clamp
Adhesive datum clamp (RTLA-S only) A-9585-0028
Adhesive for clamp (Loctite 435) P-AD03-0012
Bolted datum clamp (FASTRACK only) A-9589-0096

Setting gauge
RTLA with FASTRACK 0.6 mm setting shim (red) M-9589-0090
RTLA-S 0.8 mm setting shim (blue) M-9517-0122

Separator kit (FASTRACK only)

RTLA/RESOLUTE - centre section removal tool A-9589-0066

End cover
End cover kit (FASTRACK only) A-9589-0058
End cover kit (RTLA-S only) A-9585-0035

Scale/track cutting jig

Guillotine kit A-9589-0071

FASTRACK compatible products

RESOLUTE
FASTRACK/RTLA Installation guide M-9553-9134
Data sheet BiSS L-9517-9448
FANUC L-9517-9442
Mitsubishi L-9517-9454
Panasonic L-9517-9460
Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ L-9517-9524
Yaskawa L-9517-9436
RESOLUTE UHV
Data sheet L-9517-9530

RTLA-S
Installation guide M-9553-9433

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BUT MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE CONTENT. RENISHAW EXCLUDES LIABILITY, HOWSOEVER ARISING,
FOR ANY INACCURACIES IN THIS DOCUMENT.
RENISHAW and the probe symbol used in the RENISHAW logo are registered trade marks of Renishaw plc
in the United Kingdom and other countries. apply innovation and names and designations of other

*L-9517-9418-07*
Renishaw products and technologies are trade marks of Renishaw plc or its subsidiaries.
DRIVE-CLiQ is a registered trademark of Siemens. BiSS is a registered trademark of iC-HAUS GmbH.
Loctite® is a registered trademark of the Henkel Corporation.
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