Enclosed linear encoder
Renishaw FORTiS-S
Standard-width (37 mm extrusion) enclosed absolute linear encoder built for contaminated machine tool environments, with lip seals and optional air purge. Uses non-contact absolute readhead technology and drive-specific serial protocols.
Key specifications
| Ingress protection | IP53 installed; IP64 with air purge |
|---|---|
| Linear speed (max) | 4 m/s |
| Resolution (finest) | 0.5 nm |
| Accuracy | Standard ±5 µm; High ±3 µm (high grade up to 3040 mm) |
| Interface | BiSS C, BiSS Safety, FANUC, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Siemens DRIVE-CLiQ, Yaskawa |
Summarised in our own words from Renishaw plc's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3
Notes on this data
Measuring lengths 140-4240 mm. Resolutions 0.5, 1, 1.25, 10, 12.5, 25, 50 nm. Vibration <300 m/s² (IEC 60068-2-6), shock 11 ms <300 m/s². Operating 0 to 50 °C. FS variant: ISO 13849 PLd, IEC 61508 SIL2. BiSS Safety on FS variant; DRIVE-CLiQ via external interface.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Renishaw plc. Renishaw and FORTiS-S are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Renishaw part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Absolute linear magnetic read head for LMSA scales, 1 µm resolution, IP67.
| Published maximum | FORTiS-S | ALS21 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 m/s | 15 m/s meets or exceeds |
Rugged incremental head with RS422 or HTL output and 10-30 VDC supply option. Works on linear and rotary scales.
| Published maximum | FORTiS-S | IKS23 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 m/s | 16 m/s meets or exceeds |
Capacitive absolute linear encoder with a passive 3 g read head and no moving cables; several heads can share one scale.
| Published maximum | FORTiS-S | FREEe |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 m/s | 6 m/s meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Other enclosed linear encoder series
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