Q: 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

Q: 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 .

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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 < 0.05 mm.
• 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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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 < 0.05 mm resolution).

Comparison table (same stroke):
• Accuracy: WBT < 0.05 mm | WST ~0.625 mm (1250 mm range, ±0.05% f.s.)
• 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.

Question 5

Practical points to watch when installing POSITAPE tape?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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 (< 0.05 mm). This is above potentiometer technology's limit. Magnetic absolute encoders deliver < 0.05 mm naturally.

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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

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?

07IP protection selection: which levels exist in POSITAPE, and what suits each?

08What are the POSITAPE warranty, calibration, and IMB Electric regional support conditions?