Copper Etching Custom Service Etched Encoder Disc for Optical Sensor

What is a Copper Etched Encoder Disk?

A Copper Etched Encoder Disk is a high-precision rotary sensing component made from a thin copper sheet using photochemical etching (PCE). It’s used in rotary encoders to accurately measure position, speed, and direction of a rotating shaft. What it looks like A thin copper disk Precisely etched slots, lines, or patterns arranged radially Patterns can be incremental (evenly spaced lines) or absolute (unique codes) When the disk rotates, sensors read these patterns to generate signals.

Except Copper, What Materials We Use

We manufacture metallic encoder disks using high-quality materials to ensure stability, durability, and excellent corrosion resistance:

Specifications of Copper Etched Encoder Disk

How Copper Etched Encoder Disc Works

1. The disk is mounted on a rotating shaft

2. As it spins, light (optical encoder) or magnetic/electrical sensors detect the etched patterns

3. The encoder converts these signals into data such as:

• Rotation angle
• Speed (RPM)
• Direction of movement

Common Applications of Copper Etched Encoder Disc

• Industrial rotary encoders

• Servo motors & stepper motors

• Robotics and automation systems

• CNC machinery

• Medical and precision instruments

• Aerospace & defense positioning systems

Why Copper?

Copper is often chosen because it offers:

• Excellent electrical conductivity

• Good dimensional stability in thin gauges

• Easy, precise etching for fine features

• Cost-effective production for complex geometries

It’s especially suitable for photo-etched encoder disks with very fine line widths.

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Why photochemical etching?

Photochemical etching allows:

• Burr-free and stress-free edges

• Extremely fine features (down to tens of microns)

• No tool wear (unlike stamping or laser cutting)

• High repeatability for mass production

This is critical for encoder accuracy.

Customization & OEM Service

We support custom metallic encoder disks based on your CAD drawings or design files (DWG, DXF, AI, PDF).
Our engineering team will assist in optimizing your design for etching efficiency and precision.

Send us your drawings or specifications today for a detailed quotation and free DFM evaluation.

For over 13 years Xinhaisen has pioneered developments in photochemical etching, achieving standards admired by the industry and appreciated by a global customer base from a wide range of high-tech engineering markets.

Since found in 2012, in affiliating with our customers we have pioneered many new production techniques and methodologies in order to better serve their needs. It is these techniques that have advanced our capabilities further, enabling us to take what was once considered art and turn it into a science.

Now, we became China's leading photochemical etching specialist, with also the capacity of offering stamping and laser-cutting service. Our products include etching bipolar plates for fuel cell, speaker grills,  micro meshes&filters, tea&coffee infusers, shims&gaskets, Optical encoderdisk&strip, EMI/RFI shielding, Leadframes, connectors&contacts, printingstencils&foils and metal crafts.

Quality and service is our mission, Xinhaisen is committed to pursuing the highest standards of environmental performance. Responsibility for sustainability resides with all employees. The company has achieved ISO 14001 and IS0 9001 and IATF 16949 and is committed to maintaining that standard. With a fast response, high quality, best service and fair price, we have gained high reputation from our customers all over the world.