HEIDENHAIN Exposed Linear Encoders
Touch-free measurement for high-precision motion
An exposed linear encoder is a scale or scale tape plus a separate scanning head. HEIDENHAIN's photoelectric scanning is touch-free and wear-free, reading graduation lines just micrometers wide for very short signal periods and high accuracy.
Browse exposed linear encodersCall 1-888-354-2525
Very high accuracyLIP and LIF series for the most demanding positioning.View high-accuracy encoders →
Large measuring lengthsLIC 4100 and LIDA 400 on glass, steel tape, or glass-ceramic.View long-length encoders →
Simple applicationsLIC 2100 and LIDA 200 with wide mounting tolerances.View easy-install encoders →
How to choose

Absolute or incrementalAbsolute encoders (LIC) know their position at power-up. Incremental encoders (LIP, LIF, LIDA) count from a reference mark.AbsoluteIncremental

AccuracyLIP 200 and LIP 6000 offer very high accuracy and high traversing speeds; LIF 400 adds adhesive scale fastening with limit switch and homing track.Very high accuracy

Length and mountingLIC 4100, LIC 3100 and LIDA 400 cover long measuring lengths with different mounting options.Long measuring lengths

Easy installationLIC 2100 and LIDA 200 have wide mounting tolerances; LIDA 200 has an integrated signal-quality indicator.Easy installation

Special tasksPP 281 measures position within a plane (two coordinates). Vacuum and functional safety versions are available for some series.PP 281 →
Replacing an encoder? Send us the ID number from its label with a quote request, or call 1-888-354-2525.
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