(PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Schneeberger, Inc., a leading global provider of linear guide technology announced that it is the first supplier of linear motion systems to be able to ship a profiled linear guideway with an integrated linear encoder within 48 hours. Within two days from receipt of order for either analog or digital versions of an AMS linear encoder profiled guideway, Schneeberger can ship a customized version to customers anywhere in North America. Compared to the industry standard delivery time of two-to-three weeks, this dramatically reduces the wait before users can begin enjoying the benefits of an integrated encoder on their linear motion system.

“Linear guideways with integrated encoders save time, space and eliminate the risk of damage by contaminants. To meet the increasing demand for these systems and customer requests for rapid delivery, we have advanced our production, assembly and logistics systems to the point that we can now guarantee shipment of profiled linear guides with an integrated encoder within 48 hours. We know of no other supplier of positioning or measurement systems that can come close do doing this,” said Adrian Fuchser, Schneeberger, executive vice president and general manager.

Schneeberger (www.schneeberger.com) has expanded system manufacturing capabilities at its Bedford, Mass., facility to accommodate the 48-hour turnaround of precision linear guideways with integrated encoders systems. The process involves streamlined order entry and inventory control, and an engineering review of the order. The approved linear guideway system is then fabricated, assembled and acceptance tested to specification on site, and shipped anywhere in North America.

Schneeberger is a pioneer in linear motion systems technology, having introduced the first integrated guide system. Its latest systems, the analog AMSA-3A and AMSA-4A, and digital versions AMSD-3A and AMSD-4A represent advances that enable the system to be implemented in an even smaller envelope, barely more than the guideway itself. All versions allow the addition of the SPL Lubrication cartridge and extra wipers, which minimize potential of contamination from oils, greases, coolants, machining chips, and grinding swarf.

Schneeberger AMS linear guides allow designers to specify two critical machine components -- guideway and encoder -- with a single Schneeberger part number. Moreover, it saves hours of time normally required for the alignment of a linear scale, as the integration of scale and guide in a single piece allows simultaneous installation and alignment of the scale as the linear guide is installed. Unlike external optical linear encoders, Schneeberger AMS linear guides do note require additional precision ground surfaces or bracketry, nor do they need to be protected by an air purge system.

AMS uses an electronic scan head that attaches to the Schneeberger guideway carriage. The linear profiled guideway has a magnetic scale embedded in it without altering its normal cross-section. This allows drop-in replacement of most standard, anti-friction profiled linear guideways. The Schneeberger AMSA-3A and AMSD-3A are available in roller guideway sizes MR25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 and the AMSA-4A and AMSD-4A are available in ball guideway sizes BM15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45.

Electronically, analog versions AMSA-3A and -4A offer a resolution of 0.0625 to 4.0 microns with interpolation by controller or Schneeberger SMEA interpolation electronics. Digital versions AMSD-3A and -4A are offered with choice of 5 µm, 1 µm, or 0.2 µm resolution. Scales for both versions available for 48 hour delivery feature distance coded reference marks at 20mm intervals, a signal period of 200 microns and a protection class of IP67. Operating temperatures of up to +70° C and storage temperatures of –20 to +70° C are possible. AMSA-3A offers compact scan head lengths of 75 to 90mm and AMSA-4A between 66 and 78 mm. In both versions, the sensor cable attaches from the back of the scan head to the front of the electronic housing unit, thus further reducing space requirements. Maximum rail lengths of 3,000mm are available within 48 hours, and up to 6,000mm length with standard factory lead times.

More than 20,000 Schneeberger guideways with integrated linear encoders have been installed throughout the world. Machine tools are the most popular application for the integrated linear scale because of its greater durability and smaller space requirements than glass scales. AMS is impervious to oil, grease, and coolants, and is unaffected by vibrations from machining operations. In extremely contaminated environments the AMS linear encoder system is as rugged as the guideways themselves -- an air purge system is not required. For extra protection, additional wiper seals are available to sweep away swarf, larger metal chips, and other types of debris.

Schneeberger, Inc., one of four subsidiaries of W. Schneeberger AG, headquartered in Switzerland, designs, manufactures and markets precision linear motion components and systems for demanding applications. Products include ball and cross-roller bearings, miniature slides and rails, profiled guideways, automated linear modules, multi-axis positioning systems and precision ball screws. Based in Bedford, Mass., Schneeberger, Inc., sells directly through its six regional sales offices throughout the US.

For more information, visit www.schneeberger.com, send an email to info-usa @ schneeberger.com or call 781-271-0140.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a high-resolution graphic of Schneeberger’s profiled linear guideway, contact: Neil Sprague
(781) 793-9380