Inside DADI Factory - Part 2: How Absolute Encoder Disks Are Inspected for Angle Measurement
30-second answer: DADI engineers inspect self-developed absolute encoder disks under a microscope before the component proceeds to surveying instrument assembly. The inspection focuses on the optical surface condition and the definition of the etched code patterns used in the angle-measurement system.
What Is an Absolute Encoder Disk Used For?
In DADI surveying instruments, the absolute encoder disk is part of the angle-measurement system. The encoded pattern on the disk is read by the instrument so the system can determine angular position. Because the disk is part of this measurement chain, its surface condition and code definition are inspected before assembly.
Microscopic inspection of a DADI absolute encoder disk before surveying instrument assembly.
How Is the Encoder Disk Inspected?
The engineer examines the encoder disk through an industrial microscope. The inspection described in this factory process focuses on two visible factors: the condition of the optical surface and the clarity of the etched code pattern.
The disk surface is checked for visible dust, smudges and other contamination that could interfere with optical reading.
The microscopic code pattern is examined for clear line definition before the disk moves forward in the assembly process.
Why Does This Inspection Matter for Angle Measurement?
The encoder disk is part of the instrument's angular-position sensing system. Inspecting the disk before assembly helps identify visible surface contamination or unclear code features before the component is installed. This inspection step is one part of the broader manufacturing, calibration and quality-control process for total stations and electronic theodolites.
What Does This Factory Image Show?
The image shows a DADI engineer using a microscope to inspect an absolute encoder disk. It documents a component-level quality-inspection step inside the angle-measurement manufacturing process rather than only showing the finished surveying instrument.
Which DADI Instruments Use Absolute Angle Encoding?
DADI uses absolute angle-reading technology in surveying instruments including total stations and electronic theodolites. The encoder disk is therefore part of the measurement architecture behind angular observation in these instrument categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inspected on an absolute encoder disk?
The factory process shown here checks the disk's surface condition and the definition of its etched code pattern under a microscope.
Why is a microscope used?
A microscope allows the engineer to examine small surface defects, contamination and code-line definition that are difficult to evaluate with the unaided eye.
Is the encoder disk developed by DADI?
Yes. In this factory process, DADI describes the absolute encoder disk as a self-developed component used in its angle-measurement system.
Which surveying instruments rely on angle encoders?
Angle encoders are used in surveying instruments such as total stations and electronic theodolites to determine angular position.
Continue the Inside DADI Factory Series
Part 2 focuses on the angle-measurement core. Explore DADI surveying instruments and other factory-process stories to see how components move from inspection to finished equipment.
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