Q: How do I choose between 2 mm and 5 mm magnetic period?

2 mm period (code 20) delivers finer resolution (5/10/20/50 µm) for precision positioning. 5 mm period (code 50) enables higher traverse speeds and looser alignment tolerances (10/25/50/125 µm). Choose 5 mm for long-stroke / high-dynamic axes; choose 2 mm for high-precision CNC feedback.

Q: How do air gap and lateral offset tolerance work in practice?

The PMIS3 reader operates with a 0.1 mm minimum and 2 mm maximum air gap over the scale, with ±1 mm lateral offset. Installation outside this range causes signal loss and count skips. Reference with the aluminum bracket (AB) for field installations.

Q: How do I select between TTL, HTL and TTL24V outputs?

TTL (5 V differential, RS422) for short cable runs + high-frequency encoder cards. HTL (10–30 V differential) for long cables and noisy industrial PLC environments. TTL24V (single-ended) for PLC inputs expecting 24 V signals — compatible only with reference Z3.

Q: Is POSIMAG suitable for travels longer than 30 m?

Standard scale length is 30 m . 30 – 50 m on request as a custom long scale; in that case profile-delivered mounting (S) and periodic reference Z2 are recommended. For longer travels consider POSICHRON (magnetostrictive, up to 20 m) or segmented POSIMAG installations.

Q: How do warranty and IMB Electric regional support work?

POSIMAG products carry a 2-year manufacturer warranty . IMB Electric provides technical selection consulting, calibration, spare-parts stock and installation training across Türkiye and the region, including on-site support with calibrated reference kits for long-scale installations.

Question 1

How does magnetic scale technology differ from draw-wire, magnetostrictive and tape systems?

Accepted Answer

POSIMAG uses a passive scale (PMIB3) encoded with permanent magnets and a contactless reader (PMIS3) that moves over it. Draw-wire (POSIWIRE) systems suffer mechanical wear; magnetostrictive (POSICHRON) is a one-piece rod geometry. Magnetic scale is wear-free, extendable to long lengths (30 m standard, up to 50 m on request) and tolerant to dirt, oil and water.

Question 2

How do I choose between 2 mm and 5 mm magnetic period?

Accepted Answer

2 mm period (code 20) delivers finer resolution (5/10/20/50 µm) for precision positioning. 5 mm period (code 50) enables higher traverse speeds and looser alignment tolerances (10/25/50/125 µm). Choose 5 mm for long-stroke / high-dynamic axes; choose 2 mm for high-precision CNC feedback.

Question 3

How do you install the PMIS3 reader together with the PMIB3 scale?

Accepted Answer

The system ships in two parts: the PMIB3 scale (adhesive N, on-profile M or profile-delivered S) is fixed along the machine axis; the PMIS3 reader is mounted on the moving part. Air gap 0.1 – 2 mm, lateral offset tolerance ±1 mm. Keep away from magnetic materials; fix with M5 screws or the aluminum bracket (AB).

Question 4

How do air gap and lateral offset tolerance work in practice?

Accepted Answer

The PMIS3 reader operates with a 0.1 mm minimum and 2 mm maximum air gap over the scale, with ±1 mm lateral offset. Installation outside this range causes signal loss and count skips. Reference with the aluminum bracket (AB) for field installations.

Question 5

How do I select between TTL, HTL and TTL24V outputs?

Accepted Answer

TTL (5 V differential, RS422) for short cable runs + high-frequency encoder cards. HTL (10–30 V differential) for long cables and noisy industrial PLC environments. TTL24V (single-ended) for PLC inputs expecting 24 V signals — compatible only with reference Z3.

Question 6

What do reference marks Z0/Z1/Z2/Z3 and end-position E1/E2 mean?

Accepted Answer

Z0 no reference; Z1 single center reference; Z2 periodic reference every 50 mm; Z3 absolute start reference (TTL24V only). End-positions E1/E2 are limit signals that report the reader leaving the valid range at scale start/end to the PLC.

Question 7

Is POSIMAG suitable for travels longer than 30 m?

Accepted Answer

Standard scale length is 30 m. 30 – 50 m on request as a custom long scale; in that case profile-delivered mounting (S) and periodic reference Z2 are recommended. For longer travels consider POSICHRON (magnetostrictive, up to 20 m) or segmented POSIMAG installations.

Question 8

How do warranty and IMB Electric regional support work?

Accepted Answer

POSIMAG products carry a 2-year manufacturer warranty. IMB Electric provides technical selection consulting, calibration, spare-parts stock and installation training across Türkiye and the region, including on-site support with calibrated reference kits for long-scale installations.

Question 9

How do I protect the POSIMAG magnetic scale in the field? Which protection level suits my application?

Accepted Answer

The POSIMAG magnetic scale (PMIB3) can be used in the field with 3 different protection levels. The appropriate level is selected by environmental conditions.

LEVEL 1 — Bare Scale (Economical)

Contents: Only PMIB3 magnetic scale — adhesive back attaches to the surface.
Suitable for: Dry indoor, controlled facility (inside control cabinets, clean assembly rooms, lightly-used measurement lines)
NOT suitable for: Dust, dirt, oil, water, mechanical impact risk environments
Cost: Most economical

LEVEL 2 — Bare Scale + Protection Tape (Medium)

Contents: PMIB3 + PMAB-10MM-x.xM protection tape (ordered per 0.5 m)
Protection tape function: Covers the magnetic scale with a stainless steel strip. Dirt, dust, oil don't touch the scale surface. Lets magnetic field pass (doesn't block sensor reading).
Suitable for: Medium industrial — inside factories, assembly lines, lightly-oiled surfaces
NOT suitable for: Wash-down environments, locations requiring mechanical impact resistance
Cost: Medium — scale + tape additional cost

LEVEL 3 — Scale + Profile (Heavy Industrial Protection)

Contents: PMIB3 + PMFP-10MM-x.xM (Flat profile) or PMHP-10MM-x.xM (High profile) + PMFP-BFS1 or PMHP-BFS1 mounting kit (1 set per 600 mm)
Profile function: Places the scale into an industrial channel/frame. Mechanical impact, washdown, chips, heavy-use protection.
Flat profile (PMFP) vs High profile (PMHP):
- Flat: flush-mount design, low profile
- High: raised frame, allows adding a mechanical cover
Suitable for: Heavy industry (CNC, automated storage, washdown facility, chips + oil + impact environment)
Cost: Highest — scale + profile + mounting kit

Decision Table — Quick Selection:

Environment	Recommended Protection
Dry indoor, controlled	Level 1 (Bare)
Inside factory, light industry	Level 2 (PMAB tape)
CNC machine, automated storage	Level 3 (PMFP profile)
Washdown + mechanical impact	Level 3 (PMHP profile)
Food / Pharma (wash-down)	Level 3 (PMHP) + IP69K sensor
Outdoor (snow, rain)	Level 3 (PMHP) + tape

Ordering Notes:

Protection tape and profile are ordered scale length × 0.5 m units. Example: 10 units of PMAB or PMFP/PMHP for a 5 m scale.
Mounting kit (PMFP-BFS1 or PMHP-BFS1) requires at least 1 set per 600 mm. For a 5 m scale, at least 9 sets.
IMB Electric calculates appropriate protection level + quantity at order time.

About the POSIMAG® — Magnetic Scale Position Sensors series

01How does magnetic scale technology differ from draw-wire, magnetostrictive and tape systems?

02How do I choose between 2 mm and 5 mm magnetic period?

03How do you install the PMIS3 reader together with the PMIB3 scale?

04How do air gap and lateral offset tolerance work in practice?

05How do I select between TTL, HTL and TTL24V outputs?

06What do reference marks Z0/Z1/Z2/Z3 and end-position E1/E2 mean?

07Is POSIMAG suitable for travels longer than 30 m?

08How do warranty and IMB Electric regional support work?

09How do I protect the POSIMAG magnetic scale in the field? Which protection level suits my application?