Film Code Disk

A film code disk is an encoding disc made of transparent plastic film or similar material, commonly used as the core component of position and speed sensors in photoelectric encoders. Similar to glass code disks, it encodes signals through precise patterns or engraved lines. Due to its lightweight and cost-effective nature, it is widely employed in applications requiring high precision but with budget constraints.

Common specifications (supports professional customization)

Basic Structure of Film Code Disc

The structure of a film code disc mainly consists of two parts:

1. Film Material:Film is a transparent plastic film,usually polyester film(e.g.,PET),with good transparency and adaptability.It has a thin thickness and is relatively lighter in weight.

2. Coding Patterns or Engraved LinesOptical patterns or stripes are engraved on the film surface through precision processing.These patterns can appear as alternating black and white blocks,barcodes,matrix codes,etc.,representing different coding information.

Working Principle of Film Code Disc

Film code discs work in conjunction with photoelectric sensors.A light source projects light through the transparent film material,and the photoelectric sensor receives the optical signals generated after passing through the engraved lines or patterns on the code disc.

These changes in optical signals(such as light transmission or blocking)are converted into electrical pulses,which in turn generate position,angle or speed information for measurement purposes.

Features of Film Code Disc

1. Lightweight Design for Diversified Scenario Applications

Adopting film material with a lightweight design,compared to the ultra-high precision of glass code discs,film code discs have moderate precision.They are usually used in applications with less stringent precision requirements and can provide sufficient resolution.

2. Good Light Transmittance and Anti-interference Ability

Film materials generally have good light transmittance and can provide clear signals.In addition,film code discs have good electromagnetic interference resistance,making them suitable for complex industrial environments.

3. Easy to Manufacture and Process

The processing technology of film materials is relatively simple.Coding patterns can be produced through printing,laser etching or photographic technology,enabling it to flexibly adapt to different application requirements.

4. Poor High Temperature Resistance and Wear Resistance

Compared with code discs made of glass or metal materials,film code discs have inferior temperature resistance and wear resistance.They cannot be used for a long time in extreme environments,especially under high temperature or high load conditions.

Application Fields

Film code discs are suitable for the following occasions:

1. Photoelectric Encoders:

Due to their low manufacturing cost, film code discs are often used in price-sensitive application fields.

2. Automation Equipment:

Such as low-precision CNC equipment, conveyor belt systems, machine vision systems,etc.

3. Consumer Electronics:

Printers, scanners, office equipment,etc.

Dongguan Dafan Optical Technology Co., Ltd.(DFOPTIX) was founded in 2018, its headquarters located in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China. DFOPIX is a system-level calibration solutions service provider with engineering culture as its cornerstone and technological innovation as its core.

Currently, DFOPTIX has nearly 150 employees, with R&D personnel consistently accounting for over 30% of the workforce each year — a professional team combining deep engineering expertise with sustained innovation capability.

DFOPTIX has established an advanced R&D and manufacturing base spanning nearly 20,000 square meters, equipped with high-standard precision workshops such as class-100 lithography workshop and class-1000 vacuum lamination workshop, as well as various well-equipped professional laboratories. It has also introduced internationally advanced manufacturing and testing equipment, systematically establishing an industry-leading R&D and manufacturing system.

DFOPTIX specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of a full category of calibration products — including integrated light-source calibration targets and LiDAR calibration boards, while also providing customized calibration product services tailored to customers’ requirements. To date, our company's products and solutions have been widely deployed across sectors including medical, semiconductor, robotics, consumer electronics, intelligent vehicles, aerospace, 3D scanning, and industrial automation. DFOPTIX has served over 3,000 clients, including several Fortune 500 companies.