How do I choose between POSITAPE (steel tape) and POSIWIRE (cable extension)?

Decision rule: operating environment, cycle count, and budget. Choose POSITAPE (steel tape) when: • Environment is dirty, oily, icy or has thermal expansion — tape surface is much more durable than wire. • High-cycle application (30+ strokes per minute) — tape mechanical fatigue is far slower than wire. • Accuracy is priority — magnetic absolute encoder is standard, resolution • Outdoor + thermal expansion — tape doesn't stretch/shrink with temperature (low expansion coefficient of stainless steel). • Wash-down / food processing / mining-grade harsh environments. Choose POSIWIRE (cable extension) when: • Budget is critical — POSIWIRE is typically 30-40% cheaper. • Low-medium cycle (a few strokes per hour). • Closed/clean environment, standard factory installation. • Mini-size requirement (POSIWIRE has WS1.x mini models, POSITAPE doesn't). • ATEX dust-ex requirement (POSIWIRE has WS10EX/WS12EX, POSITAPE doesn't). Rule of thumb: Outdoor + heavy industry + long life → POSITAPE . Factory interior + budget focus → POSIWIRE . Edge cases → application-based IMB Electric engineering support.

Within the short-range (2-4 m) class, which is the right choice — WB10ZG, WB12 or WB61?

All three are in the short-range class but differ in housing material, weight, and price positioning . WB10ZG — Zinc-Cast: • Range: 250-2000 mm (up to 2m) • Housing: Zinc die cast + aluminum • IP: IP65 (enclosed panel standard) • Weight: ~1.3 kg (lightest) • Output richness: Includes SSI + CANopen + J1939 • Typical use: Indoor industry, compact panels, economical standard. WB12 — Aluminum (Standard Industry): • Range: 250-3000 mm (up to 3m) • Housing: Aluminum • IP: IP67/IP69 (wash-down + outdoor) • Weight: ~3 kg • Typical use: Outdoor mobile machinery, water/moisture-prone industry, wash-down environments. WB61 — PBT + Stainless Steel (Lightweight Mid): • Range: 1500-4000 mm (up to 4m) • Housing: PBT plastic + stainless steel • IP: IP67/IP69 • Weight: max 2 kg (lighter than WB12) • Typical use: Mid-range aerial platforms, compact cranes, weight-sensitive mobile equipment. Decision table: • Indoor + economical + up to 2m → WB10ZG • Outdoor + wash-down + up to 3m → WB12 • 3-4m + lightweight + outdoor → WB61

For wash-down / food processing / marine environments, why is WB100M the only correct choice?

WB100M is the premium robust model of the POSITAPE family and occupies a unique position via the combination of these features: Material: 304 stainless steel housing + TPU coating . 304 stainless steel is the standard for food processing (FDA-compatible), marine (salt-water resistant) and chemical industries. TPU coating adds external impact + extra moisture protection. IP protection: IP68/IP69K . This combination is critical: • IP68 = continuous submerged operation (ship decks, submarine lifts). • IP69K = high-pressure hot-water jet (80°C, 100 bar) — this is the food-processing wash-down standard . Cigarette, pharmaceutical, meat-processing facilities perform daily high-pressure cleaning; most sensors fail under this, WB100M holds up. Range: 2000-10000 mm (up to 10m) . The only POSITAPE offering long stroke + harsh environment combined. Output richness: 0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V (redundant) · 4-20 mA · programmable + redundant analog/digital — second-channel guarantee in functional safety (SIL) applications. Typical use scenarios: • Dairy processing tank cover position (daily 80°C wash-down) • Ship deck crane boom length (continuous salt air + occasional wave splash) • Meat processing cutting-line position (HACCP high-hygiene rules) • Mining shaft lift position (continuous dust + moisture) • Chemical plant reactor cover (acid-vapour-resistant surface) Any alternative? No other POSITAPE model offers this IP + range + material combination. POSIWIRE WS100M also has IP68/69K (304 stainless housing) and suits the same environments — but it doesn't leverage the tape technology's thermal-expansion and dirt-resistance advantages. If wash-down + heavy industry + long stroke combine, WB100M is the first choice .

Mobile crane load chart — which between WBT (POSITAPE integrated tilt) and WST (POSIWIRE integrated tilt)?

Same innovation philosophy (position + inclination in one module, 2019), applied on two different technology bases. Decision rule: environment and cycle count. Choose WST (POSIWIRE + tilt) when: • Operates under closed/clean cabin, low-medium cycle cranes. • Budget is critical — WST is typically 25-35% cheaper than WBT. • Tractor loaders, small operator-cabin cranes. Choose WBT (POSITAPE + tilt) when: • Outdoor heavy work — construction cranes, mobile platforms, off-road equipment. • Thermal expansion matters — tape holds accuracy through hot/cold cycles better than wire. • High cycle count — tape mechanical fatigue is slower, long life. • Dirt/oil/ice environments — tape retains performance where wire mechanical wear starts. • Higher accuracy required (magnetic absolute encoder Comparison table (same stroke): • Accuracy: WBT • Resolution: WBT magnetic absolute (essentially infinite) | WST potentiometer (analog) or 16-bit SSI (digital) • Environmental: WBT IP67 standard | WST IP65 standard • Cost: WBT 25-35% more expensive • Cycle life: WBT 5-10× higher Three models each family, same ranges: • Short: WBT61 (4m) / WST61 (2.5m) • Medium: WBT85 (6m) / WST85 (5m) • Long: WBT21 (20m) / WST21 (2.5m) Rule of thumb: Compact electric crane + tractor/loader → WST . Construction + outdoor + mobile platform + heavy work → WBT .

Practical points to watch when installing POSITAPE tape?

Tape technology is more forgiving than wire, but four details can still go wrong: 1) Tape pull-out angle (most critical): The tape must be drawn parallel to its exit direction at the spool . POSITAPE tape technology suffers when pulled at more than 10° angle : • Tape edge rubs against the spool guide, wears over time. • Side pressure increases linearity deviation. Tape is slightly more angle-sensitive than wire (wire tolerated up to 30°). Solution: If straight pull is mechanically impossible, use a guide pulley or bearing wheel . 2) Tape-end fastening: The ring at the tape end attaches with an M5 screw (stronger than POSIWIRE's M4). Fasten in a flat position — a tilted tape returns crooked, kinking inside the spool. 3) Tape cleanliness: Stainless steel tape carries dirt particles well, but large burrs (welding spatter, metal-turning chips) can cut the tape. At installation: • Don't leave sharp edges along the tape path at startup. • Remove burrs. • No magnetic separator on the tape's inner path (interferes with the magnetic absolute encoder). 4) Thermal expansion bonus: Stainless steel tape has a very low thermal expansion coefficient (16×10⁻⁶/°C). A 0°C to 40°C temperature swing on a 10 m tape elongates it only 6.4 mm — negligible in measurement. The POSIWIRE wire expands more noticeably under the same swing and may require correction for long strokes. Tape steps in here for outdoor installation. Additional practice: No liquid accumulation along the tape's inner path (keep drain holes open). IP67/IP69 already ensures this, but prevent prolonged stagnant water — lime deposits can stick to tape surface.

Why do all POSITAPE models use magnetic absolute encoders? Is there no potentiometer option?

The POSITAPE family uses magnetic absolute encoders as standard from the design baseline (POSIWIRE offers potentiometer, optical and magnetic encoders together). There are three technical reasons for this decision: 1) Leveraging tape technology's natural advantage: Stainless steel tape works contactless — magnetic encoders read a digital position code on the tape (POSIHALL technology). Using a potentiometer would require mechanical contact ; the tape's contactless advantage would be lost. 2) Resolution priority: POSITAPE's core argument is high accuracy ( 3) Battery-free absolute position: Magnetic absolute encoders retain exact position even after power-off — no homing procedure on the next startup. Critical in high-availability applications. Comparison — POSIWIRE vs POSITAPE encoder options: • POSIWIRE: potentiometer (R1K) · optical encoder · magnetic encoder (3 separate sensing options) • POSITAPE: only magnetic absolute encoder (single sensing technology) Practical consequence: POSITAPE order codes have no "sensing device" token — it's already fixed. Only output interface (0.5-10 V / 4-20 mA / SSI / CANopen) is selected, the rest is standard. Cost impact: Magnetic absolute encoders are more expensive than potentiometers. POSITAPE is therefore 30-40% more expensive than POSIWIRE — but the tape + magnetic combination justifies this for long life, hygienic environments, and accuracy.

IP protection selection: which levels exist in POSITAPE, and what suits each?

The POSITAPE family offers 3 IP protection levels ; in general, higher levels are standard compared to POSIWIRE (POSIWIRE leans IP50/IP65, POSITAPE leans IP65/IP67). IP65 (WB10ZG): • Fully dust-tight, jet-water immune. • Use: Indoor industry, inside enclosed panels, normal factory installation. • Economical standard — lowest IP level in POSITAPE. IP67/IP69 (WB12, WB61, WB85, WB21): • IP67: Submerged for 30 minutes at 1 m depth. • IP69: Wash-down high-pressure hot-water jet (80°C, 100 bar). • Use: Outdoor, rain, food processing, mobile machinery, aggressive industry. • Most of the POSITAPE family is IP67/IP69 standard — reflecting tape technology's emphasis on environmental durability. IP68/IP69K (WB100M): • IP68: Continuous submerged operation. • IP69K: Highest wash-down standard (food HACCP, marine). • Use: Ship decks, submersibles, food processing meat/dairy/beverage, chemical plants, moist mining. • Only WB100M at this level. Comparison to POSIWIRE: POSITAPE has no IP50 model (POSIWIRE's mini OEM models are IP50). POSITAPE's entry level is IP65 — meaning tape technology is designed for heavier environments . Decision table: • Indoor + enclosed panel → IP65 sufficient → WB10ZG • Outdoor + wash-down + up to 4m → IP67/IP69 → WB12 / WB61 • Outdoor long stroke → IP67/IP69 → WB85 / WB21 • Food processing + marine + heavy wash-down → IP68/IP69K → WB100M

What are the POSITAPE warranty, calibration, and IMB Electric regional support conditions?

Warranty: ASM Sensor offers a 2-year manufacturer warranty on all POSITAPE models (specified in datasheets). Out-of-warranty cases: • Tape physical damage (sharp-edge cut, incorrect installation) • Use outside datasheet limits (temperature, IP, mechanical impact) • Unauthorised opening or repair • Ferromagnetic interference with the POSIHALL magnetic encoder Calibration: POSITAPE is based on magnetic absolute encoders; typical calibration interval is 3-5 years (longer than POSIWIRE because no mechanical wear). Field check: • Tape full extension (max stroke) and full retraction (0) signals are measured. • Must stay within ±0.05% f.s. • IMB Electric provides accredited calibration services in Türkiye. Tape replacement: The tape in POSITAPE is not user-replaceable — requires factory service. Tape life typically 1,000,000+ cycles. Tape breakage is a rare failure mode. IMB Electric Regional Support: IMB Electric is listed for Türkiye on ASM Sensor's official global distribution network , with authorisation extending to Türkiye + the Middle East + North Africa + Western Asia . Regional services: • Stock delivery (İstanbul İkitelli OSB) • Fast quotation (24-48 hours) • Accredited calibration and repair service (TÜRKAK scope) • Application-based engineering support — sensor selection, installation help, certification documentation (food HACCP, marine certification etc.) • Local management of warranty processes • Turkish + English + Arabic technical documentation (for the Middle East) • Field training (on request) Contact: info@imbelectric.com · +90 212 544 59 59 · imbelectric.com

B2B · PRODUCT SERIES · ASM GMBHREF · IMB · ASM GMBH · POSITAPE® — STAINLESS STEEL TAPE EXTENSION POSITION SENSOR

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ASM GmbH POSITAPE®Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor

The rugged sibling of the cable extension · 250 mm → 20,000 mm · Resistant to dirt, ice, deflection and thermal expansion

Cable extension and stainless steel tape sensors are two different solutions for the same problem. Cable is cheap, light, fits in a small spool — but it struggles under high-cycle wear, dirt, and oxidising fluids. Tape, by contrast, is a 10 mm wide × 0.08 mm thick stainless steel strip offering much higher durability: dirt particles pass beside the tape, it glides in oily environments, and outdoor thermal expansion does not affect it.

The ASM POSITAPE® family was introduced in 2009. Today 9 models span 250 mm to 20,000 mm — from the compact zinc-cast housing to the 4-6 kg WB100M for long-stroke applications. All models use magnetic absolute encoders as standard sensing technology (based on POSIHALL) — no battery, no gears, a robust alternative to optical encoders.

Key innovation: in 2019, the POSITAPE® WBT series — models with integrated MEMS inclination sensor (WBT21, WBT61, WBT85) — were introduced. For mobile cranes and aerial platforms, position + inclination measurement in one module on one cable halves installation time and cost. Output interfaces include 0.5-10 V voltage, 4-20 mA current (3-wire), programmable analog, SSI digital, CANopen, SAE J1939 — all modern industry standards. IP protection spans IP65 → IP69K — including food-processing wash-down.

IMB Electric is listed for Türkiye on ASM Sensor's official global distribution network, with our authorisation extending to Türkiye + the Middle East + North Africa + Western Asia.

Outdoor position monitoringMobile machinery (cranes, excavators, aerial platforms)Hydraulic cylinder long strokeLifts and load liftingFood-processing wash-downMining and heavy industryOutdoor thermal-expansion resistantDirty/icy/oily environmentsPosition + inclination in one module (WBT)

Short-Range Tape Encoder Models (250 mm — 4,000 mm)

Compact body · delivers the core advantage of tape technology (dirt/oil resistance) in an economical package

3 MODELS264 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPTape:Stainless steel 10×0.08 mm · Magnetic absolute encoderOutput:0.5-10 V · 4-20 mA · Programmable · SSI · CANopenProtection:IP65 → IP67/IP69 · M12 connector

Model	Measurement Range	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
WB10ZG	up to 2m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA (3-wire) · Programmable · SSI · CANopen · SAE J1939	Zinc die cast + aluminum housing · IP65 · M12 connector · ~1.3 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Industry standard, economical	Datasheet (PDF) — WB10ZG

WB12	up to 3m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA (3-wire) · Programmable · Redundant analog	Aluminum housing · IP67/IP69 · M12 connector · ~3 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Wash-down and outdoor compatible	Datasheet (PDF) — WB12

WB61	up to 4m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA · Programmable · Redundant	PBT + stainless steel housing · IP67/IP69 · M12 · ~2 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Lightweight mid-range	Datasheet (PDF) — WB61

Long-Range Tape Encoder Models (5,000 mm — 20,000 mm)

Crane booms, tall lifts, large telescopic arms · noise-free transmission and small spool up to 20 metres

2 MODELS96 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPStroke:5-20 metres · Magnetic absolute encoder · Resolution < 0.05 mmProtection:IP67/IP69 · M12 8-pin connectorOutput:Programmable + redundant analog/digital

Model	Measurement Range	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
WB85	up to 6m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA (3-wire) · Programmable · Redundant	PBT + stainless steel housing · IP67/IP69 · M12 · max 2 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Mid-size crane	Datasheet (PDF) — WB85

WB21	up to 20m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA · Programmable · Redundant	Aluminum + PBT housing · IP67/IP69 · M12 · max 4 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Crane main boom + lifts	Datasheet (PDF) — WB21

WB100 Series Water-Proof Tape Encoder Models

304 stainless + TPU · IP68/IP69K · ship decks, food wash-down, continuous submerged mining

1 MODELS48 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPHousing:304 stainless steel · TPU coatedProtection:IP68/IP69K (continuous submersion + hot-water jet)Output:Redundant CANopen + SAE J1939 functional safety

Configurator	Model	Measurement Range	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
	WB100M	up to 10m	0.5-10 V · 0.5-4.5 V · 4-20 mA · Programmable · Redundant (analog + digital)	304 stainless steel + TPU · IP68/IP69K · 2 m cable exit (standard) · 4.5-6.5 kg · Magnetic absolute encoder · Marine/wash-down/mining	Datasheet (PDF) — WB100M

WBT Series Tape Encoder Models with Integrated Inclination Sensor

POSITAPE® WBT · position + MEMS inclination in one module (2019) · crane and aerial platform load chart

3 MODELS56 PRODUCTS

SHARED IN THIS GROUPWBT:Position + Inclination in one module (2019)Inclination:MEMS · ±60° static rangeOutput:CANopen / SAE J1939 — position + inclination in one message

Model	Measurement Range	Electrical Output	Additional Features	Datasheet
WBT61	up to 4m with Inclination Sensor	Position: 0.5-10 V · 4-20 mA · CANopen · SAE J1939 · Inclination: second channel on same output	1500-4000 mm position range · Integrated MEMS inclination (±60°) · PBT housing · IP67 · M12 · 2019 innovation · Aerial platform standard size	Datasheet (PDF) — WBT61

WBT85	up to 6m with Inclination Sensor	Position: 0.5-10 V · 4-20 mA · CANopen · SAE J1939 · Inclination: same output	5000-6000 mm position · Integrated MEMS inclination · Crane mid-long telescopic boom · IP67 · M12	Datasheet (PDF) — WBT85

WBT21	up to 20m with Inclination Sensor	Position: 0.5-10 V · 4-20 mA · CANopen · SAE J1939 · Inclination: same output	8000-20000 mm position · Integrated MEMS inclination · Large crane main boom · IP67 · M12	Datasheet (PDF) — WBT21

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the POSITAPE® — Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor series

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RELATED INSIGHTS · POSITAPE® — STAINLESS STEEL TAPE EXTENSION POSITION SENSORREF · IMB · PUB · 05 ENTRIES

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ASM GmbH POSITAPE®Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor

About the POSITAPE® — Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor series

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Çelik Bant vs Çekme Tel: POSITAPE ve POSIWIRE Karşılaştırması

Gıda İşleme Wash-Down için Pozisyon Sensörü Seçimi: WB100M Saha Rehberi

Mobil Vinç Load Chart: WBT vs WST — Pozisyon + Eğim Entegre Sensör Kararı

Manyetik Mutlak Encoder: POSITAPE'da Neden Standart, Endüstride Neden Yaygınlaşıyor?

POSITAPE Kurulum Best Practices: Bant Çekme Açısı, Mounting ve Sık Yapılan Hatalar

ASM GmbH POSITAPE®Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor

About the POSITAPE® — Stainless Steel Tape Extension Position Sensor series

01How do I choose between POSITAPE (steel tape) and POSIWIRE (cable extension)?

02Within the short-range (2-4 m) class, which is the right choice — WB10ZG, WB12 or WB61?

03For wash-down / food processing / marine environments, why is WB100M the only correct choice?

04Mobile crane load chart — which between WBT (POSITAPE integrated tilt) and WST (POSIWIRE integrated tilt)?

05Practical points to watch when installing POSITAPE tape?

06Why do all POSITAPE models use magnetic absolute encoders? Is there no potentiometer option?

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Çelik Bant vs Çekme Tel: POSITAPE ve POSIWIRE Karşılaştırması

Gıda İşleme Wash-Down için Pozisyon Sensörü Seçimi: WB100M Saha Rehberi

Mobil Vinç Load Chart: WBT vs WST — Pozisyon + Eğim Entegre Sensör Kararı

Manyetik Mutlak Encoder: POSITAPE'da Neden Standart, Endüstride Neden Yaygınlaşıyor?

POSITAPE Kurulum Best Practices: Bant Çekme Açısı, Mounting ve Sık Yapılan Hatalar