{"id":21613,"date":"2026-05-08T15:33:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T21:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/support.epiloglaser.com\/staging\/?p=21613"},"modified":"2026-05-08T15:39:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T21:39:01","slug":"magnetic-encoder-strip-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/support.epiloglaser.com\/staging\/laser-machine\/fusion-ascent\/service-and-repair\/magnetic-encoder-strip-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnetic Encoder Strip Replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Estimated Time: 10\u201315 Minutes
\nSkill Level: Basic<\/p>\n

\nThe encoder strip is a magnetic positioning strip mounted along the X-Axis rail. It allows the laser system to accurately track the carriage position during operation. Because the strip is magnetic, it is important to avoid exposing it to strong magnets or tools that could damage or interfere with the encoded pattern.\n<\/p>\n

\nPeriodically wipe the encoder strip down with isopropyl alcohol. The encoder strip is highlighted in green below. The magnetic strip isn’t sensitive to dirt and debris in the same way that an optical encoder would be. If the strip becomes damaged or worn, it should be replaced following the procedure below.\n<\/p>\n

\n\"Encoder
Figure 1:<\/strong>Encoder Strip Location Highlighted in Green.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Important:<\/strong> Do not place magnets or magnetized tools near the encoder strip. Doing so may damage the magnetic encoding and cause positioning errors.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Removing the Encoder Strip<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \nPower OFF<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nPower down the machine before beginning any maintenance.\n<\/p>\n

  2. \nRemove the End Clamps<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nRemove the encoder strip end clamps from both ends of the rail. Set the hardware aside for reinstallation later.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Removing
    Figure 2:<\/strong> Remove the encoder strip end clamps from both ends of the rail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \nMark the Encoder Position<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nMake a small alignment mark on one end of the rail where the encoder ends. This mark will help ensure the replacement encoder strip is installed in the correct position.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Making
    Figure 3:<\/strong> Make a small alignment mark to reference during installation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \nMove Carriage<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nPosition the carriage to one side of the rail.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Moving
    Figure 4:<\/strong>Position the carriage to one side of the rail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \nPry Up the Encoder Strip<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nGently pry up one end of the encoder strip from the rail slot.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Using
    Figure 5:<\/strong>Carefully lift one end of the encoder strip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
  6. \nPeel and Cut the Strip<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nCarefully peel back approximately half of the encoder strip and cut it in half with scissors or snips.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Peeling
    Figure 6:<\/strong>Peel the encoder strip away from the rail and cut it in half.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
  7. \nMove the Carriage and Peel the Remaining Strip<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nMove the carriage to the opposite side of the rail to expose the remaining portion of the encoder strip and peel it off.\n<\/p>\n

    \n\"Peeling
    Figure 7:<\/strong>Peel the remaining encoder strip away from the rail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n

    \n<\/ol>\n

    \n

    Installing the Replacement Encoder Strip<\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. \nPosition the Encoder Strip<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \nPlace the replacement encoder strip into the rail slot and align it with the mark made earlier.\n<\/p>\n

      \n\"Positioning
      Figure 8:<\/strong>Align the replacement encoder strip with the reference mark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
    2. \nSecure the Center<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \nUse a small piece of tape to hold the encoder strip in place at the center of the rail.\n<\/p>\n

      \n\"Using
      Figure 9:<\/strong>Use tape to hold the strip in position during installation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
    3. \nInstall the First Half<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \nPeel the adhesive backer off approximately half of the encoder strip. Press the strip firmly into the slot to secure it.\n<\/p>\n

      \n\"Peeling
      Figure 10:<\/strong>Remove half of the adhesive backer and press the strip firmly into place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
    4. \nMove the Carriage and Install the Second Half<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \nMove the carriage to the opposite side of the rail to expose the remaining portion of the encoder, peel the backer, and install the second half.\n<\/p>\n

      \n\"Moving
      Figure 11:<\/strong>Move the carriage to expose the remaining section of the strip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n
    5. \nReinstall the End Clamps<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \nReinstall the encoder strip end clamps removed earlier to secure the strip in place.\n<\/p>\n

      \n\"Reinstalling
      Figure 12:<\/strong>Reinstall the end clamps to secure the encoder strip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/article>\n\r\n\t\t\t
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