Integrated Measuring Solutions
MONORAIL AMS System
Integrated Measuring Solutions — MONORAIL AMS System
The Schneeberger AMS system integrates magnetoresistive position measurement directly into the MONORAIL guide rail, achieving a measurement resolution of 0.0625 µm and accuracy of ±5 µm/m. The guide rail and measurement integration design saves installation space, while the magnetoresistive principle offers superior contamination resistance against cutting fluid and dust compared to optical systems, supporting FANUC, Siemens DRIVE CLiQ, Mitsubishi and other major CNC controller interfaces.
Core Requirements for Integrated Measuring Systems
Closed-loop positioning control in machine tools and automation equipment requires measuring systems with high resolution, high accuracy and resistance to harsh industrial environments.
High-Resolution Measurement
Closed-loop positioning control in precision machine tools requires extremely high measurement resolution. The AMS system achieves a measurement resolution of 0.0625 µm and accuracy of ±5 µm/m, meeting the measurement feedback requirements for high-precision machining and precision positioning. Note: 0.0625 µm is the measurement resolution, not positioning accuracy.
Controller Compatibility
Machine tools use diverse CNC controller brands, and the measuring system must provide corresponding communication interfaces. AMS supports SSI, BiSS, FANUC, Siemens DRIVE CLiQ, Mitsubishi and other major interfaces, enabling direct integration into existing control systems.
Unlimited Length
Large gantry machining centers and long-travel equipment may have axis lengths exceeding the 6 m single guide rail limit. The AMSABS 3L special jointed rail design enables absolute measurement even after guide rail joining, with no length limitation, ideal for closed-loop control of long axes on large equipment.
Contamination Resistance
Measuring axes on machine tools and automation lines are frequently exposed to cutting fluid, oil mist and metal dust. AMS uses magnetoresistive measurement principle, independent of optical reading surfaces, offering far superior contamination resistance compared to conventional optical scales. The measuring scale is integrated inside the carriage for physical protection, combined with the 4S design's reinforced front plate and multi-layer sealing wipers for stable measurement in harsh industrial environments.
AMS Measuring System Variant Overview
AMS offers incremental and absolute variants, corresponding to roller (MR) and ball (BM) guideways respectively.
| Model | Type | Rolling Element | Output Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMSA 3B | Incremental Analog | Roller | 1 Vpp Sine/Cosine |
| AMSD 3B | Incremental Digital | Roller | TTL / RS422 |
| AMSABS 3B | Absolute | Roller | SSI / BiSS / FANUC / Siemens |
| AMSABS 3L | Absolute Long-Axis | Roller | SSI / BiSS (supports jointed rail unlimited length) |
| AMSA 4B | Incremental Analog | Ball | 1 Vpp Sine/Cosine |
| AMSD 4B | Incremental Digital | Ball | TTL / RS422 |
| AMSABS 4B | Absolute | Ball | SSI / BiSS / FANUC / Siemens |
AMS Integrated Measuring Product Solutions
Select incremental or absolute based on measurement needs, and standard or long-axis based on axis length. All variants are based on the magnetoresistive principle, resistant to cutting fluid and dust contamination.
Incremental Measuring System
AMSA provides 1 Vpp analog sine/cosine output, AMSD provides TTL/RS422 digital output. Suitable for general positioning closed-loop control, requires homing after power-on. AMSD reading head can be quickly replaced, with minimal installation and engineering time.
- AMSA: 1 Vpp analog sine/cosine output
- AMSD: TTL / RS422 digital output
- 3B series for roller guideways, 4B series for ball guideways
- Measurement resolution 0.0625 µm
- Accuracy ±5 µm/m
- Magnetoresistive principle, superior contamination resistance vs. optical
Absolute Measuring System
Absolute measurement provides position on power-up without homing, reducing startup time. Supports SSI, BiSS, FANUC, Siemens DRIVE CLiQ, Mitsubishi and other major CNC controller interfaces, enabling direct integration into existing control systems.
- No homing required on power-up, reduces startup time
- Interfaces: SSI / BiSS / FANUC / Siemens DRIVE CLiQ / Mitsubishi
- 3B series for roller guideways, 4B series for ball guideways
- Measurement resolution 0.0625 µm
- Accuracy ±5 µm/m
- Magnetoresistive principle, superior contamination resistance vs. optical
Long-Axis Absolute Measuring System
AMSABS 3L is specifically designed for long-travel equipment. The special jointed rail design enables absolute measurement even after guide rail joining, not limited by the 6 m single guide rail length, allowing construction of measurement axes of any length. Ideal for large gantry machining centers and long-travel automation lines.
- Jointed rail design supports unlimited axis length
- Absolute measurement maintained after jointing
- Paired with roller guideways (MR series)
- Interfaces: SSI / BiSS
- Ideal for large gantry, long-travel equipment
Real-World AMS Integrated Measuring Applications
The following showcases typical application scenarios for the AMS integrated measuring system in various equipment, including replacing standalone optical scales and long-axis measurement needs.
Explore Related Applications
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