Laser-cut code wheels for transmissive optical encoders—built from your drawing with clean slot geometry, controlled datums, and no dedicated tooling.
Process fit
Laser machining is a practical route when the pattern, disc geometry, and optical reading method can be reviewed together. It is not the right process for every encoder requirement. See the 0.15 mm slit stainless steel encoder disc case study for a project-level example.
Pattern examples
Choose the pattern that matches the sensor’s reading method, then define the physical relationships needed to make it repeatable.
Capability envelope
The values below are a starting point for engineering review. The usable limit is confirmed against the alloy, thickness, overall diameter, code pattern, and inspection requirement.
| Parameter | Process capability |
|---|---|
| Pattern types | Incremental, absolute, index, and multi-track code patterns |
| Minimum line / land | From 0.015 mm, subject to material and disc geometry |
| Minimum aperture | From 0.02 mm, subject to thickness and pattern |
| Datum-related positioning | To ±0.005 mm for qualified drawings and material |
| Typical disc thickness | 0.05–0.50 mm recommended for encoder-disc designs |
| Extended material thickness | 0.01–3.0 mm; special requirements reviewed by drawing |
| Edge condition | Low-burr process route and finishing specified for the optical path |
Material selection
The metal must work with the mounting concept, necessary rigidity, corrosion exposure, thermal behavior, and sensing method—not only with the smallest feature.
304 / 316 for corrosion resistance; spring grades for thin, stable discs.
Beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, or brass where spring response or conductivity matters.
Aluminum, titanium, nickel alloys, Kovar, and Invar for application-specific weight or thermal behavior.
From drawing to production
Inspection follows the functional datum chain rather than applying the same control to every contour. Critical outer and bore geometry, track locations, aperture size, and edge condition can be checked to the agreed plan.
For a fast review
Complete information lets us assess the process route against the real signal and assembly requirements.
Answers
Minimum line / land features begin at 0.015 mm and apertures at 0.02 mm, but usable resolution depends on the disc diameter, material, thickness, optical head, and required pitch uniformity. We review those together before release.
Yes. Incremental tracks, an index mark, and additional code tracks can be made from one CAD layout when the spacing, bridge geometry, and reading direction are practical for the selected material and disc diameter.
No. It is a practical route for rugged, low-to-moderate resolution transmissive optical encoders, prototypes, and changing geometries. Very high line counts or interferential optical systems generally require a photolithographic glass scale.
Yes. Start with the pattern type, PPR/CPR, outer and track diameters, bore or pilot, intended material and thickness, optical head context, and quantity. We can identify which relationships need to be controlled before the drawing is released.
Custom encoder discs
Share your drawing, material, thickness, critical datums, and quantity. We will review the process fit for a laser-machined metal encoder disc.
