Enclosed linear encoder
HEIDENHAIN LF 185 sealed incremental linear enclosed linear encoder
Sealed incremental linear encoder with a fine 4 µm signal period for high-accuracy axes.
Key specifications
| Interface | 1 Vpp |
|---|---|
| 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
Notes on this data
Signal period 4 µm. LF is not shown on heidenhain.com's current sealed-encoder overview (which lists LC 100/200/400, LB 383, LS 100/400) - possible phase-out, not confirmed; status left current. LF 485 not covered.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH. HEIDENHAIN and LF 185 sealed incremental linear are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
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 LF 185 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 LF 185 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
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 LF 185 sealed incremental linear
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LF 185 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 LF 185 sealed incremental linear: frequently asked questions
What is the HEIDENHAIN LF 185 sealed incremental linear?
Sealed incremental linear encoder with a fine 4 µm signal period for high-accuracy axes. It is made by DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the HEIDENHAIN LF 185 sealed incremental linear?
The HEIDENHAIN LF 185 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 LF 185 sealed incremental linear?
Yes. Our engineers can propose an equivalent built around 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
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of LF 185 sealed incremental linear
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the HEIDENHAIN LF 185 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.