AMS Integrated Measurement System
AMS Measurement System — Integrated Distance Measuring for MONORAIL
Incremental and absolute magnetoresistive measurement · Integrated into MONORAIL guideways · Resolution down to nm level
Schneeberger provides complete position feedback solutions for precision machinery
Covering Incremental and Absolute Measurement Needs
From incremental to absolute, from roller to ball type — complete position feedback solutions
Absolute
AMSABS 3L
Absolute infinite joint measurement system
Designed for ultra-long travel with multi-segment guideway joints. The measuring carriage maintains signal continuity across guideway joints, with single guideway segments up to 6 m.
AMSABS 3B
Absolute roller-type measurement system
Integrated into MONORAIL MR roller guideways. Position is known immediately at power-on — no homing run required, improving safety and production efficiency.
AMSABS 4B
Absolute ball-type measurement system
Integrated into MONORAIL BM ball guideways, combining absolute measurement with low friction characteristics — ideal for automation, handling, and machine tools.
Incremental
AMSD 3B
Incremental roller-type / Digital output
TTL / RS422 digital interface for tight-tolerance precision path control, paired with high-rigidity roller guideways.
Technical Documents →
AMSD 4B
Incremental ball-type / Digital output
Integrated into MONORAIL BM ball guideways with TTL / RS422 digital interface for low-friction high-speed positioning.
Technical Documents →
AMSA 3B
Incremental roller-type / Analog output
1 Vpp analog voltage interface with downstream electronic subdivision achieving nm-level resolution — designed for precision machine tools.
Technical Documents →
AMSA 4B
Incremental ball-type / Analog output
Integrated into MONORAIL BM ball guideways with 1 Vpp analog voltage interface — ideal for high-speed low-friction positioning.
Technical Documents →| AMSABS 3L | AMSABS 3B / 4B | AMSD 3B / 4B | AMSA 3B / 4B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Absolute | Absolute | Incremental | Incremental |
| Guideway Type | Roller (Infinite Joint) | Roller (3B) / Ball (4B) | Roller (3B) / Ball (4B) | Roller (3B) / Ball (4B) |
| Output Interface | SSI / Fanuc / Siemens | SSI / Fanuc / Siemens | TTL / RS422 | 1 Vpp Analog |
| Homing at Power-On | Not Required | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Key Advantage | Ultra-long travel, continuous measurement across joints | Instant-on, high safety | High resolution, stable digital signal | nm-level subdivision, cost-effective |
| Typical Applications | Large gantry, ultra-long travel equipment | CNC machining centers, automation lines | Precision machine tools, semiconductor equipment | Precision grinders, measurement equipment |
Measurement System Features
Guidance and measurement combined in one — simplifying machine design and improving positioning accuracy
Integrated Guidance and Measurement
The measurement system is directly integrated into the MONORAIL guideway, requiring no additional mounting space or alignment work — greatly simplifying machine design.
Magnetoresistive Measuring Principle (AMR)
Measurement based on the magnetoresistive effect — resistant to contamination, vibration, and highly reliable. Function is position-independent; no adjustment needed after replacing scanning heads.
Protected Measuring Scale
An externally hardened, non-magnetic cover is welded to the guideway, tightly protecting the measuring scale from chips and coolant — robust and reliable.
Steel-Like Thermal Expansion
The magnetic measuring scale has the same coefficient of expansion as the guideway — no temperature compensation is needed when replacing mating steel components.
One Scanning Head for All Sizes
The measuring scale position is identical across all product groups. Next-generation scanning heads offer enhanced vibration resistance and EMI shielding, simplifying spare parts management.
Close-to-Process Position Measurement
The measuring scale is closely connected to the guideway — machine temperature changes are directly transferred to the measurement system, maintaining excellent process stability without reference points or temperature sensors.
Technical Documentation Center
Complete selection guides, dimension specifications, and installation instructions
Product Series
AMS 3B
Incremental roller-type — high rigidity, high resolution
AMS 4B
Incremental ball-type — high speed, low friction
AMSABS 3B
Absolute roller-type — position known at power-on
AMSABS 4B
Absolute ball-type — high-speed absolute positioning
AMSABS 3L
Absolute infinite joint type — ultra-long travel
Engineering Reference
Need Measurement System Technical Support?
Complete selection guides, dimension tables, and interface specifications are available in the Technical Documentation Center.