Enclosed linear encoder
HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear enclosed linear encoder
Sealed incremental linear encoders in full-size (LS 100) and slimline (LS 400) housings with analog or TTL output.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
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Need HEIDENHAIN parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
- Original parts or a checked alternative
- Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
- Components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Interface | 1 Vpp, TTL |
|---|---|
| Measuring length max | 3,040 |
Summarised in our own words from DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
LS 100 up to 3,040 mm. LB 383 incremental (up to 72 m) also listed on the sealed page.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH. HEIDENHAIN and LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Engineer support
Speak to our engineers about your project
Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.
- Help sourcing LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
Typical applications
What an enclosed linear encoder is
An enclosed linear encoder, often called a sealed linear scale, protects a precision glass or steel scale inside an aluminium extrusion. A scanning carriage runs along the scale inside the housing, connected to the mounting block through a slot closed by sealing lips. The design keeps coolant, chips and dust away from the scale, and many housings can be purged with compressed air for extra protection. Outputs may be incremental or absolute, with accuracy typically in the micrometre range.
When engineers choose an enclosed linear encoder
Choose an enclosed linear encoder for machine tools and other harsh environments needing direct, high-accuracy position measurement on linear axes. It measures the axis directly, so it compensates for screw errors and thermal growth. The trade-offs are size, friction from seals, speed limits and cost. In clean environments where very high resolution and speed are needed, exposed optical encoders give better dynamics.
How to specify the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear variant or an equivalent:
- Measuring length (mm)
- Accuracy grade (µm)
- Resolution and signal period (µm)
- Absolute or incremental interface
- Traverse speed (m/s)
- Mounting space and alignment tolerances
- Compressed air purge requirement
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring thermal expansion between scale and machine
- Mounting where coolant hits sealing lips directly
- Leaving out compressed air purge in wet machining
- Exceeding traverse speed or acceleration limits
HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear?
Sealed incremental linear encoders in full-size (LS 100) and slimline (LS 400) housings with analog or TTL output. It is made by DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear?
The HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear is made by HEIDENHAIN (DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
Is there an alternative to the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear?
We can assess suitable replacement options. Our engineers can review the original model and propose options for your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Why use an enclosed linear scale on a machine tool?
A linear scale measures the actual position of the axis, so errors in the ball screw, thermal growth and backlash are compensated by the control loop. The enclosed housing protects the scale from coolant and chips. This improves accuracy compared with using motor encoder feedback alone.
What is compressed air purging on a linear encoder?
Purging feeds clean, dry compressed air into the encoder housing at low pressure, so air flows out through the sealing lips and keeps coolant mist and dust out. It is recommended in wet machining environments. Air quality must meet the manufacturer's requirements.
Further reading: How to select a linear encoder · How to select an encoder · Encoders and feedback
Other enclosed linear encoder series
Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the HEIDENHAIN LS 100 / LS 400 sealed incremental linear: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.