The Integrated Measuring System (IMS) available for Rexroth Ball Rail® and Roller Rail™ systems offers machine designers cost- and space-saving options in applications requiring continuous, precise measurement. The combination of guided motion and measurement into a single compact system provides a reliable feedback signal to machine controllers, while eliminating the need for externally mounted scales. The robust design of the IMS also makes it appropriate for harsh environments, where it is often difficult and expensive to ensure the proper function of external scales.
The integrated measuring system (IMS) from Rexroth makes use of a precision steel scale integrated into the guide rail, while the read head is integrated into the Ball Rail or Roller Rail runner block. Measurement is provided by an inductive sensor, which eliminates the problems of particulate attraction and optical contamination associated with conventional magnetic and optical scales. A laser-welded stainless steel strip protects the scale, and the exceptional sealing system of both the Ball Rail and Roller Rail runner blocks makes the unit maintenance-free and virtually indestructible. Rexroth profiled rail products equipped with the IMS are particularly suitable for harsh environments in which metal shavings are produced, or in which difficult materials such as graphite or ceramics are used. And since it is unaffected by magnetic fields, it can be combined with linear motors in high-speed applications.
Continuous innovation with the IMS has led to a new breakthrough: the interpolation unit is now integrated into the read head, thus putting all of the key IMS components into a single compact package, while at the same time improving the signal/noise ratio. Four models are available, with resolutions of 10 µm, 5 µm, 1 µm and 0.25 µm. The unit's compact design further reduces the effort and expense associated with wiring and mounting.
The IMS is available with Ball Rail and Roller Rail systems up to 4 meters in length, with all of the standard profiled rail options: standard or slimline runner blocks, RailSeal™ cover strip, or plastic mounting hole plugs. It's ideal for applications such as metal removal, graphite or ceramic machining, welding, or high-speed transport and positioning systems.
