Product Overview
MONORAIL AMS 4B is a high-precision ball linear guide with integrated magneto-resistive measuring system. Combining the high-speed smooth characteristics of the BM series ball guides with incremental position measurement functionality, it is suitable for high-speed applications requiring precise positioning.
System Features
- Integrated Guidance and Measurement - Guide and measuring system combined, no external linear encoder required
- Ball Guide Technology - Uses BM series ball guide technology for smooth high-speed operation
- Magneto-Resistive Measuring Principle - Contamination resistant, maintenance-free, suitable for harsh environments
- Incremental Output - Provides 1 Vpp analog or TTL/RS422 digital signals
- High Resolution - Basic signal period 200 µm, can be interpolated to sub-micrometer level
- Compact Size - Available from Size 15 for small footprint applications
Carriage Types
| Illustration | Type | Description | Width | Length |
 | A | Short Carriage (Wide) | Wide | Short |
 | B | Long Carriage (Wide) | Wide | Long |
 | C | Short Carriage (Narrow) | Narrow | Short |
 | D | Long Carriage (Narrow) | Narrow | Long |
Measuring System Specifications
| Measuring principle | Magneto-resistive incremental encoding (magnetically hard periodic N-S scale) |
| Signal period | 200 µm |
| Accuracy grade | ± 5 µm / 1000 mm; ± 2 µm / 40 mm |
| Cyclical error | ± 0.7 µm |
| Hysteresis | < 0.5 µm (digitally adjustable on AMSD) |
| Resolution | AMSA up to 0.0625 µm; AMSD 0.2 / 1.0 / 5.0 µm |
| Output interface | AMSA: analogue 1 Vpp; AMSD: digital quadrature signals RS 422 (incl. reference and error signals) |
| Current consumption | AMSA 40 mA; AMSD 110 mA |
| Maximum speed | AMSA 5 m/s; AMSD 3 m/s (up to 1 m/s at 0.2 µm resolution) |
| Reference marks | Every 50 mm, or distance-coded |
| Supply voltage | 5 V ± 0.25 V |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Protection class | IP68 |
Source: MONORAIL and AMS Product Catalogue §4.6 General technical data (p.39).
Output Interface Options
| Interface Type | Output Signal | Resolution | Description |
| 1 Vpp Analog | Sine/Cosine 1 Vpp | Depends on interpolation | Requires external interpolator, achieves highest resolution |
| TTL | Square wave 5V | 5 / 2 / 1 / 0.5 µm | Direct connection to controller |
| RS422 | Differential square wave | 5 / 2 / 1 / 0.5 µm | Long distance transmission, noise resistant |
Analog Output Advantage: Combined with high multiplication interpolators, nanometer-level resolution can be achieved. Digital outputs can be directly connected to PLCs or motion controllers, simplifying system architecture.
AMS 3B vs AMS 4B Comparison
| Characteristic | AMS 4B | AMS 3B |
| Rolling Elements | Balls | Rollers |
| Available Sizes | 15 ~ 45 | 25 ~ 65 |
| Load Capacity | Medium | High |
| Running Smoothness | Excellent | Good |
| Rigidity | Medium | High |
| Suitable Applications | High speed, light load | Heavy load, high rigidity |
Selection Guide: AMS 4B is based on the MONORAIL BM ball guideway and suits applications with major demands on travelling speed that require good resistance to acceleration and vibration. AMS 3B is based on the MONORAIL MR roller guideway and suits machine tool applications with higher demands on load capacity and rigidity.
Typical Applications
- Applications with major demands on travelling speed - based on the MONORAIL BM ball profile guideway
- Applications requiring good resistance to acceleration and vibration - AMS 4B products are preferred here
- Integrated measurement - no additional assembly or adjustment, saving cost in machine design, manufacture and servicing
Available Options
Per the "Available options" icon bar in the product catalogue.
Common to rails and carriages
Accuracy class
 | G0 | Highly accurate |
 | G1 | Very accurate |
 | G2 | Accurate |
 | G3 | Standard |
Coating
 | CN | None |
 | CH | Hard chromium |
Guide rails
Straightness
 | KC | Standard |
Locating sides
 | R11 | Ref. bottom, scale bottom |
 | R12 | Ref. bottom, scale top |
 | R21 | Ref. top, scale bottom |
 | R22 | Ref. top, scale top |
Type of magnetisation
 | TR50 | 50 mm Raster |
 | TD20 | 20 mm Code |
 | TD50 | 50 mm Code |
Carriages
Preload class
 | V0 | Very low |
 | V1 | Low |
 | V2 | Medium |
 | V3 | High |
Reference side
 | R1 | Reference bottom (below or right) |
 | R2 | Reference top (top or left) |
Reading head position
 | P1 | Right top |
 | P3 | Left bottom |
Lubrication connection
 | S10 | Left center |
 | S20 | Right center |
 | S11 | Top left |
 | S21 | Top right |
 | S12 | Lower left side |
 | S22 | Lower right side |
 | S13 | Upper left side |
 | S23 | Upper right side |
 | S32 | Left side (separate lubrication of both sides) |
 | S42 | Right side (separate lubrication of both sides) |
 | S49 | |
Factory lubrication
 | LN | Oil protect |
 | LG | Grease protect |
 | LV | Full greasing |
Interface (read head cable outlet)
 | TMU | analog, 0.3 m |
 | TRU | analog, 3 m |
 | TSU | analog, 3 m |
 | TMD | digital, 0.3 m |
 | TRD | digital, 3 m |
 | TSD | digital, 3 m |
