Research Article
Application Principle and Development Forecast of Photoelectric Sensors in High-Precision Machining Machines
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.24-4-2026.2364972, author={Dong Fang}, title={Application Principle and Development Forecast of Photoelectric Sensors in High-Precision Machining Machines}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Mechanics, Electronics Engineering and Automation, ICMEEA 2026, April 24-26, 2026, Singapore, Singapore}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICMEEA}, year={2026}, month={9}, keywords={photoelectric sensor real-time monitoring error compensation positioning accuracy}, doi={10.4108/eai.24-4-2026.2364972} }- Dong Fang
Year: 2026
Application Principle and Development Forecast of Photoelectric Sensors in High-Precision Machining Machines
ICMEEA
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.24-4-2026.2364972
Abstract
This paper systematically reviews the operating principles and applications of three key types of photoelectric sensors used in high-precision machining: grating scales/encoders, laser displacement sensors, and laser interferometers. It summarizes the development of their structures, measurement principles, and system integration. High-precision grating scales provide high-rigidity absolute position feedback through steel-strip substrates and single-field scanning technology; laser displacement sensors enable online high-precision detection through confocal principles and high-protection designs; and laser interferometers support dynamic diagnosis through coaxial optical paths and multi-degree-of-freedom integration. Together, these sensors form a closed-loop accuracy-assurance system for modern machine tools, covering motion-axis feedback, in-process measurement, and system-accuracy calibration. Based on this analysis, the paper discusses current challenges related to reliability under extreme operating conditions, multisource data fusion, and system cost.