Stainless steel tape position sensor

The sensor features a high service life in a compact housing designed for rugged and harsh environments. Traditionally, WS sensors have been used in a range of automated process control applications by using a flexible, stainless steel cable that is wound with only a single layer around a cable drum. This drum is coupled to an angular sensing device such as a potentiometer or encoder for an electrical signal. The new Positape series replaces the measurement cable with a thin, flexible stainless steel band. The WB17KT operates in a similar manner as a tape measure. According to ASM, this gives it the ability to have a long measurement range in a relatively compact housing. Due to the smooth surfaces of the tape, the risk of ice build up is reduced and an optional brush is available to wipe off debris from the tape as it is being retracted. The WB17KT series is available with analogue 0-10V, 4-20mA or 1 kOhm outputs. This sensor is also available with either absolute digital SSI or CAN-Bus outputs. The electrical connection can be made with either a M12 or D8 connector.