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Guiding and measuring in the smallest spaces

MINISCALE PLUS is consistently accurate and reliable. Measurement is carried out directly during the work process, which considerably reduces Abbe errors.

MINISCALE PLUS is consistently accurate and reliable. Measurement is carried out directly during the work process, which considerably reduces Abbe errors.

MINISCALE PLUS

MINISCALE PLUS
MINISCALE PLUS

Miniature guideway with integrated measuring system – “all in one“

MINISCALE PLUS is based on the proven miniature guideway MINIRAIL. Consequently, the guidance-technical specifications of MINISCALE PLUS also comply with MINIRAIL.

The range includes eight rail widths which can be combined with up to four carriage sizes.


Frequently Asked Questions about the MINISCALE PLUS Measuring System from SCHNEEBERGER

The MINISCALE PLUS system has the advantage that the measuring sensor is directly integrated into the carriage, eliminating the need for additional installation space. A separate length measuring system is not required, which significantly reduces design effort. Additionally, adjusting the position measuring system is unnecessary, as the system operates as a Plug and Play solution.

Measurement is performed by a scale embedded in the rail surface with a division period of 100 μm. Two LEDs illuminate this structured surface, creating bright and dark fields. The sensor detects these optical signals and converts them into electrical signals, which are then processed in the interface module.

The interface module is required to convert the raw signals provided by the sensor into standardized output signals. Both analog and digital interface modules are available, offered in four different designs.

In an incremental measuring system, a reference mark is used to determine a fixed zero point. This mark is placed on the reference track next to the incremental track and is also detected by the sensor.

The reference marks can be placed in any number and at any position along the reference track, as long as they are synchronized with the scale. The minimum distance between marks is 1.5 mm, and a distance of at least 2 mm should be maintained from the end of the incremental track.

The MINISCALE PLUS system offers a standard resolution of 0.1 μm, with optional resolutions of 1 μm or 10 μm. At a resolution of 0.1 μm, the system guarantees a unidirectional accuracy of ±0.1 μm and a bidirectional accuracy of ±0.2 μm.

The system offers two types of output signals: an analog variant (1 Vpp at 120 Ω) and a digital variant (TTL, compliant with RS 422 standard).

If the interface module cannot be placed directly at the sensor, an extension set can be used. A flexible flat cable (FFC) is used between the sensor and the interface module, available in lengths of 250 mm, 400 mm, or 600 mm. An adapter board is supplied with the extension cable.

What are the advantages of the MINISCALE PLUS measuring system? //

The MINISCALE PLUS system has the advantage that the measuring sensor is directly integrated into the carriage, eliminating the need for additional installation space. A separate length measuring system is not required, which significantly reduces design effort. Additionally, adjusting the position measuring system is unnecessary, as the system operates as a Plug and Play solution.


How does the MINISCALE PLUS measuring system work? //

Measurement is performed by a scale embedded in the rail surface with a division period of 100 μm. Two LEDs illuminate this structured surface, creating bright and dark fields. The sensor detects these optical signals and converts them into electrical signals, which are then processed in the interface module.


Why is an interface module necessary? //

The interface module is required to convert the raw signals provided by the sensor into standardized output signals. Both analog and digital interface modules are available, offered in four different designs.


Why are reference marks needed? //

In an incremental measuring system, a reference mark is used to determine a fixed zero point. This mark is placed on the reference track next to the incremental track and is also detected by the sensor.


How many reference marks can be placed on the rail? //

The reference marks can be placed in any number and at any position along the reference track, as long as they are synchronized with the scale. The minimum distance between marks is 1.5 mm, and a distance of at least 2 mm should be maintained from the end of the incremental track.


What resolution and accuracy does the MINISCALE PLUS system offer? //

The MINISCALE PLUS system offers a standard resolution of 0.1 μm, with optional resolutions of 1 μm or 10 μm. At a resolution of 0.1 μm, the system guarantees a unidirectional accuracy of ±0.1 μm and a bidirectional accuracy of ±0.2 μm.


What output signals does the MINISCALE PLUS system provide? //

The system offers two types of output signals: an analog variant (1 Vpp at 120 Ω) and a digital variant (TTL, compliant with RS 422 standard).


How far can the interface be placed from the MINISCALE PLUS sensor? //

If the interface module cannot be placed directly at the sensor, an extension set can be used. A flexible flat cable (FFC) is used between the sensor and the interface module, available in lengths of 250 mm, 400 mm, or 600 mm. An adapter board is supplied with the extension cable.


Specifications

Resolution
0.1 μm 

Accuracy
to 1000 mm = +/- 5 μm

Repeat accuracy
unidirectional = +/- 0.1 μm
bidirectional = +/- 0.2 μm 

Dimensional scale
pitch 100 μm
max. length 1000 mm (the maximum length depends in the width of the respective rail)
Coefficient of expansion 11.7 x 10-6K-1

Rail
width in mm 7, 9, 12, 15 and 14, 18, 24, 42
accuracy classes G1
preload classification V1
max. length 1000 mm (the maximum length depends in the width of the respective rail)

Speed
5 m/s analog
3.2 m/s digital

Acceleration
max. 300 m/s² (30 g)

 

Supply voltage
5 V DC +/- 5 % @70 mA

Output signal
Analog: 1 Vpp (at 120 Ω)
Digital:  TTL in accordance with RS 422 standard

Sensor interface
flexible PCB with 9-pin ZIF-connector (0.5 mm grating pitch).
Total length 75 mm, permissible bending radius > 2 mm

Interface module
Interface module with D-Sub 9 connector

RoHS compatible
yes

EMV
corresponding to standard EN 61000-6

Environmental influences
operating  temperature: -40° to 80° C (-40° to 176° F)
storage  temperature: -40° to 100° C (-40° to 212° F)
humidity: 10 % - 70 % (non-condensing)
vacuum: on request
clean room: clean room classification ISO 7 or ISO 6 (acc. to ISO 14644-1)
elec. charging: ESD-protection required

Integrated digital and analog distance measuring system (with rollers or balls)

Digital and analog measuring systems enable precise linear motion and maintain the tightest tolerances

 Type AMSA 3BType AMSD 3BType AMSA 4BType AMSD 4BType AMSABS 3BType AMSABS 4BType AMSA 3LType MINISCALE PLUSType MINISLIDE MSQscale
Type AMSA 3BType AMSD 3B Type AMSA 4BType AMSD 4BType AMSABS 3BType AMSABS 4BType AMSA 3LType MINISCALE PLUSType MINISLIDE MSQscale
 MoreMore

More

MoreMoreMoreMoreMoreMore
Magnetoresistiv

  
Optical       
Usable with MONORAIL MR     
Usable with MONORAIL BM      
Usable with MINIRAIL       
Incremental measuring method  
Absolute measurement method       
Usable with MSQ        
  • Legend:
  • 100%100% best choice
  • 75%75%
  • 50%50%
  • 25%25% good choice
  • 0%0%

Product overview carriages and rails

Types
Rail width in mm Carriage Version
MN 7 MNNS SCP 7 short
MNN SCP 7 standard
MNNL SCP 7 long
MNNXL SCP 7 extra long
MN 9 MNNS SCP 9short
MNN SCP 9 standard
MNNL SCP 9 long
MNNXL SCP 9 extra long
MN 12 MNNS SCP 12 short
MNN SCP 12 standard
MNNL SCP 12 long
MNNXL SCP 12 extra long
MN 15 MNNS SCP 15 short
MNN SCP 15 standard
MNNL SCP 15 long
MNNXL SCP 15 extra long
MN 14 MNN SCP 14 standard
MNNL SCP 14 long
MN 18 MNN SCP 18 standard
MNNL SCP 18 long
MN 24 MNN SCP 24 standard
MNNL SCP 24 long
MN 42 MNN SCP 42 standard
MNNL SCP 42 long

Downloads

MINI-X - Product catalog
MINI-X - Product catalog MINIRAIL miniature profile linear guideway / MINISCALE PLUS integrated linear measuring system / MINISLIDE micro-frictionless tableDownload now
MINISCALE PLUS mounting instruction
MINISCALE PLUS mounting instruction The unique miniature guideway with integrated measuring system and a resolution of 0.1 μmDownload now

Article/Example of application

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SCHNEEBERGER miniatur guideway MINIRAIL with integrated measuring system For designers who have to fit high-precision linear technology with integral distance measurement in very small spaces, SCHNEEBERGER now offers the new MINISCALE PLUS optical incremental distance measuring system.Download now

Press releases

Integrated measuring system guarantees exact travel distances
Integrated measuring system guarantees exact travel distances For over ten years, Schneeberger has been developing compact, integrated distance measuring systems for its monorail guideways and today, sets the standard in terms of accuracy, design, installation, adjustment, operation and maintenance.Download now
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High-precision miniature guideway MINISCALE PLUS For designers who have to fit high-precision linear technology with integral distance measurement in very small spaces, SCHNEEBERGER now offers the new MINISCALE PLUS optical incremental distance measuring system.Download now

CAD data for type MINISCALE measuring system for download:

The selected size can be configured and is available in all common data formats Please click on the appropriate size combination to start downloading. 

By clicking on the following link you will be automatically redirected to CADENAS.

Open CAD data

Guiding and measuring in the smallest of spaces

MINISCALE PLUS is ideal for applications where space is limited and a high precision and process security is required.

The most common areas of application for MINISCALE PLUS are: 

  • Biotechnology
  • Semiconductor equipment
  • Laboratory automation
  • Medical equipment
  • Metrology
  • Micro-automation
  • Surface finishing
  • Optical industry
  • Robotics, pick & place

Benefits and Advantages

MINISCALE PLUS
MINISCALE PLUS
  • Less effort for engineering
  • Less work for installation and adjustment
  • Consistent accuracy
  • High durability
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