Transparent Plastic Film Code Disk Lightweight Film Encoder Disk 2-700mm Optical Encoder Film

A film code disk is an encoding disc made of transparent plastic film or similar material, commonly used as the core component of position and speed sensors in photoelectric encoders. Similar to glass code disks, it encodes signals through precise patterns or engraved lines. Due to its lightweight and cost-effective nature, it is widely employed in applications requiring high precision but with budget constraints.

Standard configurations are listed below; professional customization is supported.

The structure of a film code disk mainly consists of two parts:

1. Film Material: Film is a transparent plastic film, usually polyester film (e.g., PET), with good transparency and adaptability. It has a thin thickness and is relatively lighter in weight.
2. Coding Patterns or Engraved Lines: Optical patterns or stripes are engraved on the film surface through precision processing. These patterns can appear as alternating black and white blocks, barcodes, matrix codes, etc., representing different coding information.

Film code disks work in conjunction with photoelectric sensors. A light source projects light through the transparent film material, and the photoelectric sensor receives the optical signals generated after passing through the engraved lines or patterns on the code disk.

These changes in optical signals (such as light transmission or blocking) are converted into electrical pulses, which in turn generate position, angle, or speed information for measurement purposes.

• Lightweight Design for Diversified Applications Adopting film material with a lightweight design, film code disks offer moderate precision compared to the ultra-high precision of glass code disks. They are usually used in applications with less stringent precision requirements and can provide sufficient resolution.
• Good Light Transmittance and Anti-interference Ability Film materials generally have good light transmittance and can provide clear signals. In addition, film code disks have good electromagnetic interference resistance, making them suitable for complex industrial environments.
• Easy to Manufacture and Process The processing technology of film materials is relatively simple. Coding patterns can be produced through printing, laser etching, or photographic technology, enabling flexible adaptation to different application requirements.
• Limited High-Temperature and Wear Resistance Compared with code disks made of glass or metal materials, film code disks have inferior temperature resistance and wear resistance. They cannot be used for a long time in extreme environments, especially under high temperature or high load conditions.

Film code disks are suitable for the following occasions:

• Photoelectric Encoders: Due to their low manufacturing cost, film code disks are often used in price-sensitive application fields.
• Automation Equipment: Such as low-precision CNC equipment, conveyor belt systems, machine vision systems, etc.
• Consumer Electronics: Printers, scanners, office equipment, etc.