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All ProductsENCODER DISCS AND ACTUATORS
Photofab has a wide experience in the manufacture of Encoder Discs and Actuators. For over 50 years, Photofab have worked closely with leading electrical and electronic manufacturers to adapt and perfect our processes, ensuring the highest standards in quality, precision, and consistency for the manufacture of Encoder Discs and Actuators, especially for optical use. We can offer thicknesses of ranging from 5 microns (0.005mm) to 1mm for these products.
All our Encoder and Actuator products are custom designed to meet the customers’ requirements, whether they are driven by motion control, positioning, sensors, or measurement. We understand the need for high accuracy, fine apertures, no burrs and often an additional coating. Due to the bespoke nature of each user’s requirement Photofab offer solutions customised to your individual requirements.
For more information on how we can reduce your costs & improve lead time contact our dedicated account managers on 01480 226699 or email enquiries@photofab.co.uk.
Metal Etching for Encoders and Actuators
Chemical etching is an ideal manufacturing process for the production of encoder discs and actuators. Requirements for each piece will depend on the environment the part is destined for, but Photofab can offer a range of finishes to meet the typical requirements our customers ask of us. We can offer a wide range of metals – see the full list here. If your material is not listed, please get in touch with us and we’d love to talk to you about your application and come to a solution.
In addition to attaining incredibly tight tolerances, metal etching carries the unique advantages of leaving the internal structure of the metal unchanged. In essence, the original conductivity, hardness, and grain structure remains unchanged throughout the entire process. The chemical etching process offers high precision parts, which have a burr free finish combined with low-cost tooling.
All our processes follow the high quality management standards set by the ISO accrediations, and we are proud to hold the bronze award for the SC21 continuous improvement programme for seven years running. Our experience in the electrical and electronics industry, coupled with our vast range of industry leading equipment and trusted partner network makes Photofab the perfect choice for precision manufacturing, whatever your requirements.
The Benefits of etching with Photofab
- Low-cost digital tooling
- Customised parts
- Over 50 years of experience in Photo etching metal
- Various surface finishes available
- High volume capabilities
- High accuracy
- Various apertures, shapes, and bar combinations
- Burr-free & Stress-free manufacturing method
- Prototypes – fast turnaround to meet your needs
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Forming available
- Technical expertise
- 24 hour rapid turnaround
- Subcontracted processes
- Multiple designs on single sheets
- High tolerances
- Various choices of metals
Optical Applications
Encoder Discs and Actuators are often used in optical applications. Therefore, we offer specific finishing processes to meet the requirements needed for optical use. This includes blackening to reduce reflection.
Custom-designed optical encoder discs are routinely manufactured by Photofab, ranging from prototypes all the way through to high-volume production, for a wide array of highly accurate motion control, positioning, and measurement applications.
At Photofab we understand that the degree of control required by the application determines the encoder disc’s slot count and slot precision, and ultimately the manufacturing technology choice. We believe metal etching is the perfect solution for most use cases.
Component designers require a process to provide custom made components to facilitate their designs. In these cases, a high degree of accuracy, along with both supreme quality and short lead times are required. These are three elements Photofab can deliver on.
If you need Encoder Discs or Actuators don’t hesitate to contact Photofab, and we will be happy to discuss your requirements and offer any guidance needed through one of our technicians or engineers.
Encoder Disc and Actuators from Photofab
- Cost-effective, accurate and durable solution
- Custom-made components
- Unrivaled quality
- Flexible design options
- Fine etched detail
- Blackened finish available for optical functionality
Photofab’s optical encoder and actuator components are made from various types and grades of metal depending on the requirement. To find out more about the metals available check our materials page.
DEDICATED engineering
Photofab understands the importance of skilled engineering when designing components and putting them into production. Therefore, we have heavily invested in a dedicated secondary engineering unit, the aim of this is to offer an even greater service and flexibility to our customers.
Originally set up to provide an in-house solution to support the etching division, it has proven so popular with our customers that Photofab are now offering toolroom, forming and finishing as stand-alone services. This means our customers now have access to a new level of flexibility – enjoying the convenience of full-service manufacture or pick and choose services to suit them. It truly is a complete service from Photofab.
Photofab continues to offer cutting-edge services and outstanding lead times, and we can do so because of continuous investment in our people and our processes, leading to class-leading output and lead times – including our rapid 24 hour turnaround service.
The benefits of
working with us
We are world leaders in the development of photochemical technology to produce intricately shaped components. We have produced over 80,000 different components over the years and are highly regarded for our chemical etching process. Our engineers offer many services that you can find here, and will offer advice to improve the product and reduce the costs.
24-hour quotation service
Dedicated account managers
Rapid manufacturing service
Cost saving stock of uni-tooling
Etched fold lines for tool-free forming
Full manufacturing service and supply chain management
Access to manufacturing and technical advice and expertise
Quality accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SC21 Bronze
The Photofab difference
One of the key reasons Photofab enjoy its customer retention and longevity is the team of dedicated account managers. This ‘single point of contact’ throughout the whole process, ensures a personal service, and pride in the quality and reliability of the entire Photofab service.
Customers rely on their dedicated contacts’ understanding and in-depth knowledge of their specific requirements and know the highest standards will always be met using the most efficient and cost-effective methods.
This consistent service is the foundation of our customer loyalty and is maintained throughout every department and every stage of production. Put us to the test for your next project and call one of our account managers on 01480 226699 or use our customer enquiry form.
start your production journey today
If you are looking to find a complete service include dedicated engineering to design and implement your solution, get in touch with us. You’ll be allocated your own dedicated account manager who is always on hand to advise and take care of everything for you. Call Photofab on 01480 226699 or contact us now to see how Photofab can add an extra dimension to your manufacturing project. Keep up to date by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
TAKE A LOOK AT OTHER
PRODUCTS FROM PHOTOFAB
Electrical Contacts & Connectors
Chemical Metal Etching is an ideal manufacturing process for electrical and electronic components requiring incredibly tight tolerances.
Formed and Flat Springs
We have produced springs in both strip and flat designs, with different sizes and materials such as Beryllium Copper, Phosphor Bronze, Carbon Spring Steel and Stainless Steel.
Metal Fuel Cell Plates
Our automotive unit work with many leading car manufacturers in the quest for zero emissions through fuel cell plate technology, helping to support innovations in PEM hydrogen fuel cells.
Masks and Stencils
We have been producing masks and stencils for industrial use for many years, backed by over 55 years of metalworking experience.
Encoder Discs and Actuators
We understand the need for high accuracy, fine apertures, no burrs and additional coatings.
Speaker Grilles
At our state-of-the-art facility, we employ cutting-edge chemical etching techniques to create custom speaker grilles for many different industries and applications, including automotive, stereos and other sound devices.
EMI / RFI Shielding Products
We can supply EMI / RFI Shielding cans and solutions using various intelligent design techniques.
Filters, Meshes, Screens & Grids
We have a wide experience in the manufacture of metal meshes, filters, screens and grids.
Gaskets & Seals
We can produce metal gaskets and seals, and regularly supply high precision custom gaskets and seals for use in multiple industries.
Metal Laminations
Photofab use their industry-leading chemical etching along with a range of post processes to supply metal laminations of the highest quality.
Metal Shims and Spacers
Our shims are often used to absorb tolerances between two components, reducing incompatibilities. The whole manufacturing process is managed in-house by one of our experienced and technically trained account managers.
To find out how we can help you
Get in touch today
