Guide and measure linear position for ultra-high precision and expert workpiece quality Manufacturing productivity and quality absolutely depend on accurate production machine data - which is why Bosch Rexroth created the IMS Integrated Measuring System to enhance the value and performance of our linear rail technology. Seamlessly integrated into our ball rail and roller rail systems, Rexroth provides choices: The IMS-I incremental measuring system, or the IMS-A, an absolute length measuring system. Both linear encoders provide accuracy comparable to glass measurement systems (without requiring additional machine space) and are ideally suited for external measurement applications in systems such as machine tools.

Rexroth IMS

IMS-A absolute position measurement

IMS-A: Absolute measurement

The IMS-A integrated measuring system offers both absolute and incremental coded scales, with the absolute code band completely integrated into the rail. It provides:

Absolute position information immediately after system start-up

Cost and space savings, since no additional components such as batteries are required

Machine switch-on without a reference run, minimizing production ramp-up time

IMS-I incremental position measurement

IMS-I: Incremental measurement

The IMS-I integrated measuring system uses the inductive measuring principle for non-contact position measuring. It provides:

Precisely engineered incremental scale and integrated reference marks

Absolute positioning measured using inductive sensor to evaluate the incremental scale and individual reference marks

Wear-free due to the non-contact system design

Key IMS Benefits at a glance:

Inductive

All components made of steel

Scale and sensors are not corrupted by external magnetic fields

Wear and maintenance-free

Resistant to contamination and vibration

Not susceptible to EMV interference

Accurate

Repeatability: +/- 0.25µm

Position resolution: 0.025µm

System accuracy: +/- 4µm/m

Coefficient of linear expansion like steel: 11 x 10-6 K-1

Exact positioning even under dynamic load changes

Very good circuit dynamic due to high position resolution

Small rail deviation even with multi-axis interpolation

No thermal compensation necessary with processing steel

Integrated

Simplified design due to full linear guide integration; no attachments needed

Robust and insensitive to dirt and contamination (IP 67 protection type)

No sealing air necessary

Minimum mounting time: the guide assembly is mounted at the same time as the measuring system

Rexroth interchangeability: Comprehensive supply program for Rexroth ball and roller rail systems