Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2022 - MD9

Benefits of IMS
System designers and end users want
linear motion solutions that are easy
to assemble and keep components to a
minimum. Consolidating two functions
- measuring and guiding - into one
component offers many benefits, including
faster commissioning, lower design
costs and less maintenance.
From a performance perspective, integrated
measuring systems can measure
position at speeds up to 5 m/s, which
is ideal for high-speed applications, for
example, when using linear motors.
Machine designers also want solutions
that are compact to save space for other
added functionality or to reduce the overall
size of an assembly or piece of equipment.
Some companies offer compact
IMS models for ball rail systems in sizes
15, 20, and 25. For inductive measuring
systems, integrated measuring is available
for sizes 20 to 45 for ball rail systems and
sizes 35 to 65 for roller rails.
Another benefit of integrated measuring
systems is EMC shielding, which is
particularly beneficial in harsh environments
with magnetic fields or electrostatic
discharge. Sensors reside inside a metal
housing or, in compact models, inside the
steel body of the runner block. Both locations
function like a Faraday cage, protecting
the encoder from disturbances.
Integrated measuring systems check off
all these boxes while also improving precision
and eliminating waste and maintenance
costs for the end user. These measuring
systems address many issues that
arise from using optical position sensors
(glass scales), including exposed linear
Integrated measuring systems allow system designers to employ closed-loop control for greater positioning
precision. The IMScompact features a measuring sensor integrated in the runner block that replaces an externally
mounted linear encoder. (Image: Bosch Rexroth)
encoders that are susceptible to dirt, or
limited speed if the glass scales are part of
a sealed linear encoder system.
Improving Linear Motion
Precision and Uptime
To better understand the benefits of
using an IMS, let's look at the machining
industry. By placing the encoder in parallel
with the linear guide rail, the actual
position of a workpiece is recorded instead
of an indirect measurement, resulting in
increased precision and more uptime. The
closed-loop control enables correction of
positioning errors and greater placement
precision before machining begins, resulting
in little or no start-up waste (re:
uptime), fewer production defects, and
overall higher quality parts.
Also, the IMS does not require the
high level of maintenance or frequent
replacement costs commonly associated
with an external encoder component.
Eliminating the external encoder effectively
eliminates the opportunity for
dust, shavings, or other particles to enter
the motion process and disrupt the function
and accuracy of the system.
To increase the accuracy and uptime
of linear motion systems for its machine
tools and metal machining equipment,
one manufacturing company decided
to forgo optical position sensors and
use integrated measuring systems in all
Integrated measuring systems require no maintenance and are impervious to dirt, dust, and shavings produced by machining or other industrial processes.
(Image: Bosch Rexroth)
Motion Design, December 2022
9

Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2022

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