ASM POSITAPE linear tape extension sensors

ASM has introduced the POSITAPE range of linear sensors, which take the basic principle of a standard manual tape measure and re-engineers it to provide an electronic output.

ASM has made significant improvements by utilising a 10 mm wide and 0.08 mm thick, flexible stainless steel tape as the measuring element for this linear sensor. Unlike wire-based sensors, the life of the tape is unaffected when using multiple direction-changing pulleys for those difficult-to-reach places. Its flat smooth surface prevents ice and material build-up, making it suitable for harsher climates and environments where mechanical linear sensing devices are often prone to failure.

At the heart of the sensor is an ASM PRAM non-contact, absolute position, multiturn encoder with onboard signal conditioning. With the sensing element electronics fully encapsulated and magnetically coupled to the drum arrangement, the POSITAPE range of sensors provides high durability.

This improved system enables ASM to offer a standard linearity of 0.10% or 0.05% as an option, within a wide range of compact housings. Many forms of analog and digital absolute outputs are available and include SSI and CAN bus options to meet today’s industry requirements.