The precision beam module construction permits tight tolerance traversing at high speeds with minimum wear, Complete disassembly/ reassembly is made possible with no sacrifice in performance.

For protection from dirt and corrosion, all dynamic friction/bearing surfaces are protected from the environment by a unique cover/carriage assembly employing a creative labyrinth design. Exposed surfaces are corrosion resistant polyester powder coated aluminum or stainless steel. All components are designed for continuous operation and with a "mean time between failure" of greater than five (5) years.

Sensor and position outputs typically will terminate in the end column on designated terminal strips. These are available as inputs to host computers for measurement and display processing. Also available is an optional "smart output" module which preprocesses the sensor output, thereby minimizing the burden on the host computer.

In the event the carriages need to be separated to allow dust cover replacement or cleaning, or complete sensor removal, the upper and lower carriages can be separated by disengagement of a proprietary coupling assembly (patent pending). The carriages separate with respect to each other in the scan direction to facilitate the required service and are easily and precisely restored to proper alignment by manual re-engagement of the clutch assembly. All of this is done without the need of a service engineer or special tools, while the line is running.

For initial sensor alignment, and in the event that alignment should ever require adjustment in the future, means are provided to independently adjust the upper sensor(s) with respect to the lower sensor(s) in each of the X-, Y- and Z-axes by up to ±5mm (±0.200 in) without affecting belt tension.

Mechanical positive fail-safe end stops are provided at each extreme scan limit. Non-mechanical limit switches are also provided and are infinitely adjustable. The motor/drive system positively stops upon a 75 pounds (330N) force applied to either carriage in the opposite direction of scan. The stepper motor can maintain a stall indefinitely without experiencing wear.