Nidec Machine Tool Corporation Designs and Develops a New Linear Position Detector, Coming This Fall

April 5, 2022

 

Nidec Machine Tool Corporation (the “Company” or “Nidec Machine Tool”) recently announced that it has newly developed an “MPLW series,” an electromagnetic-induction-type linear position detector that digitally detects machines’ positioning, feed, and other information. While maintaining the resolution*1 and accuracy equal to those of the conventional model, MPLZ series, the MPLW series, which uses a newly developed signal detection method and a highly integrated substrates, has successfully eliminated the need of scale wiring and an analogue-digital converter (an “A/D converter”), and achieved a new, multiple-slider function and a low price. This new model will be launched in the machine tool and other industrial machine markets this fall.

The MPLW series is a high-accuracy scale with a resolution of 0.01μm and a pitch accuracy*2 of 5μm, and it is used to detect the positions of general machinery’s linear axes. The conventional model, MPLZ series, would install a scale and a slider to a machine to connect a wire from the two, and transmit and receive electric signals with an NC (numerical control) device. However, the Company’s newly developed detection pattern, *3 which receives signals from a scale without mutual interference, has eliminated the need of scale wiring. In addition, to build inside the slider the function for an A/D converter to change electric signals from a scale into digital signals, the Company has developed a highly integrated substrate structure, enabling transmission and reception of signals with a machine’s control unit by using a scale and a slider only.

MC Nidec achine Tools Designs New Linear Position Detector 2 400

The development of these technologies has eliminated the need of using scale wiring and an A/D converter, reduced the number of required components, and shortened the manufacturing process, while significantly simplifying the installation work at our customers. Furthermore, the newly added function of installing multiple sliders into a single scale makes the MPLW series available for a wide variety of applications.

The electromagnetic induction method, the MPLW series’ most prominent feature, possesses excellent durability that keeps detection accuracy from being affected by dust, oil, or condensation. Combined with other characteristics such as long and stable accuracy maintenance and thermal resistance based on a complete non-contact structure, this method is supported by various fields of industry.

The Company stays committed to utilizing its machine tool-related technologies and the Nidec Group’s motor-related technologies and global network to advance the development of new products and meet the diversifying needs of its customers.

MC Nidec achine Tools Designs New Linear Position Detector 3 400

 

 

To learn more about the MPLW series from Nidec, click here

 

Related Articles

Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Case Study: Optimizing Harmonic Mitigation in Wastewater Treatment

    June 22, 2026 Segment and Application In a municipality, wastewater treatment plants typically stand out as the main consumers of electricity. The operational processes exhibit significant load variations throughout a 24-hour cycle, necessitating the use of AC drives to regulate pumps, blowers, and other motorized equipment in response to fluctuating demand. In one wastewater treatment… Read More…

  • Why Do Mission-Critical Facilities Need Seismic-Rated Server Racks?

    June 17, 2026 When organizations think about seismic preparedness, they typically focus on buildings, backup generators, and emergency response plans. However, one critical component is often overlooked: the rack supporting the network infrastructure. For hospitals, emergency operations centers, municipal facilities, utilities, and public safety agencies, network connectivity is essential during and after a seismic event.… Read More…