Product Overview
AMSABS 4B is SCHNEEBERGER's precision linear guideway series with an integrated absolute position measuring system. Based on the proven MONORAIL BM four-row ball guideway, it combines a compact housing design with high-precision magneto-resistive measuring technology. This system provides the perfect combination of high-speed motion and precise position feedback for automation engineering, material handling technology and machine tool applications.
Absolute Measuring Advantages
Unlike incremental systems, absolute measuring systems provide precise position information immediately upon power-up, without requiring a homing procedure. This significantly reduces machine startup time and ensures immediate resumption of machining operations after power interruption, substantially improving production efficiency.
AMSABS 4B employs the magneto-resistive measuring principle, with the read head directly integrated into the carriage housing for a compact system design. The system offers a range of configurations, including SSI (cycle synchronous serial), hybrid serial + analogue 1 Vpp, FANUC, Mitsubishi and Siemens Drive CLiQ®, allowing easy integration with all common control systems. All sizes use identical replaceable read heads, simplifying spare parts management.
AMSABS 4B System Features
- Based on MONORAIL BM Guideway - Four-row ball design, low friction, high-speed motion up to 3 m/s
- Absolute Magneto-resistive Measuring - Precise position known at power-up, no homing required, reduced startup time
- High-precision Position Feedback - Resolution up to 0.244 µm, accuracy class ± 5 µm / 1000 mm
- Integrated Read Head Design - Read head embedded in carriage housing, no increase in system volume
- Multiple Configuration Options - SSI, hybrid serial + 1 Vpp, FANUC, Mitsubishi, Siemens Drive CLiQ®
- Universal Read Head Design - Same read head for all sizes, simplified spare parts management
- Maximum Measuring Length 6000mm - Suitable for long stroke, high-speed applications
- IP68 Protection Rating - Suitable for harsh industrial environments
Measuring System Specifications
| Measuring Principle | Magneto-resistive absolute encoding (magnetically hard periodic N-S scale) |
|---|---|
| Signal Period | 200 µm |
| Accuracy Class | ± 5 µm / 1000 mm; ± 2 µm / 40 mm |
| Cyclical Error | ± 0.7 µm |
| Resolution | max. 0.09765625 µm (TM1 configuration 0.05 µm; TS2 configuration 0.050 µm) |
| Hysteresis | < 0.5 µm |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V ± 10% or 24 V ± 10% (24 V for TS2 configuration, PELV EN 50178) |
| Maximum Speed | 3 m/s |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C ~ +70 °C |
| Protection Rating | IP68 |
Source: MONORAIL and AMS Product Catalogue §4.6 General technical data (p.39).
Guide Rail Types
AMSABS 4B guide rails are based on the MONORAIL BM design, with a built-in magnetic scale tape for absolute position measurement.
| Illustration | Type | Description | Available Sizes | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | N | Standard | 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 | — |
 | ND | Through-hardened standard | 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 | — |
 | C | Cover strip | 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 | — |
 | CD | Through-hardened cover strip | 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 | — |
ND/CD Type Description
Rails with the "D" suffix are through-hardened versions with fully quenched raceways, suitable for high-load or impact environments.
Carriage Types
AMSABS 4B carriages feature built-in read heads and share the same load capacity and mechanical characteristics as MONORAIL BM carriages.
| Illustration | Type | Description | Available Sizes | Fastening | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A | Standard | 15-45 | Top | High load and moment, with read head |
 | B | Standard long | 15-45 | Top | Extended design, higher moment, with read head |
 | C | Narrow | 15-45 | Top | Narrower design, space-saving, with read head |
 | D | Narrow long | 15-45 | Top | Extended narrow type, higher moment, with read head |
 | E | Medium, side fastening | 25-35 | Side | Side mounting holes, special installation, with read head |
 | F | Mini | 15-45 | Top | Most compact design, with read head |
 | G | Mini long | 15-45 | Top | Extended mini design, with read head |
Integrated Read Head Design
AMSABS 4B carriages integrate the read head inside the carriage housing, with the read head output cable routed from the carriage side. The carriage body is identical to MONORAIL BM, with the same load capacity and mechanical characteristics. Available carriage types vary by size; please refer to the individual size specification pages.
Size Series
Size 15
Rail width 15mm
Max. measuring length 1500mm
Size 20
Rail width 20mm
Max. measuring length 3000mm
Size 25
Rail width 23mm
Max. measuring length 6000mm
Size 30
Rail width 28mm
Max. measuring length 6000mm
Size 35
Rail width 34mm
Max. measuring length 6000mm
Size 45
Rail width 45mm
Max. measuring length 6000mm
Size Specification Comparison
| Specification | Size 15 | Size 20 | Size 25 | Size 30 | Size 35 | Size 45 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Width B1 (mm) | 15 | 20 | 23 | 28 | 34 | 45 |
| Rail Height J1 (mm) | 15.7 | 19 | 22.7 | 26 | 29.5 | 37 |
| Max. Measuring Length (mm) | 1500 | 3000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 |
| Mounting Hole Pitch L4 (mm) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 80 | 80 | 105 |
| Measuring Accuracy (µm) | ± 5 | ± 5 | ± 5 | ± 5 | ± 5 | ± 5 |
| C₀ Static Load (N) * | 19,600 | 31,400 | 46,100 | 63,700 | 84,400 | 134,800 |
| C₁₀₀ Dynamic Load (N) * | 9,000 | 14,400 | 21,100 | 29,200 | 38,700 | 61,900 |
* Based on A/C/E/F type carriages
Available Accessories
Guide Rail Accessories
| BRK | Plugs |
|---|---|
| BAC | Cover strips |
| EST | Cover strip end pieces |
| BSC | Cover strip fixing bands |
| BWC | Cover strip mounting tool |
Carriage Accessories
| ZBV | Additional wipers |
|---|---|
| ABM | Metal wipers |
| FBB | Bellows |
| ZFB | Bellows connection plates |
| EFB | Bellows end plates |
| MRS | Assembly rails |
Measuring System Accessories
| SABS XB-MH | Read head spare part |
|---|---|
| 17-pole connection cables | |
| Extension cables | |
Lubrication Accessories
| Lubrication fittings M6/M8 | |
| Grease nipples | |
| Hose connectors | |
| Lubrication plates |
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 side
 | R11 | Ref. bottom, scale bottom |
 | R12 | Ref. bottom, scale top |
 | R21 | Ref. top, scale bottom |
 | R22 | Ref. top, scale top |
Carriages
Preload class
 | V0 | Very low |
 | V1 | Low |
 | V2 | Medium |
 | V3 | High |
Reference edge
 | 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 face (independent lubrication both sides) |
 | S42 | Right side face (independent lubrication both sides) |
 | S49 |
Factory lubrication
 | LN | Oil protect |
 | LG | Grease protect |
 | LV | Full greasing |
Interface (read head connector)
 | TMH | absolute, 0.3 m |
 | TRH | absolute, 3 m |
 | TDC | absolute |
Configuration (signal protocol)
| TSS | Cycle synchronous serial interface (SSI) | |
| TS1 | Hybrid: cycle synchronous serial + analogue 1 Vpp | |
| TS2 | Siemens Drive CLiQ® communications protocol | |
| TF1 | FANUC Serial Interface | |
| TM1 | Mitsubishi Serial Interface |