SFP draw wire unit comes to replace the ageing SFMP model, improving its technical features and adding increased benefits still at the same price.

SFP is a compact, reliable and rugged “cable pulling” measuring system designed for linear measuring and positioning needs in any industrial application. The principle behind its operation is very simple yet dependable and bases on a stainless steel wire which is easily attached to moving equipment. The wire is wound onto a drum. The typical back and forth travel of the moving equipment causes the wire to be uncoiled and then wound again onto the drum. An integrated rotary potentiometer detects the rotation of the drum and thus generates a signal which is proportional to the movement of the drum and the moving equipment as well.

The SFP draw wire unit features some remarkable benefits. First of all it boasts a miniature, lightweight yet robust aluminium construction, thus it is suited to be installed when space is limited (overall dimensions are 56 x 55 x 79 mm). Moreover its profitable and smart design allows the wire to provide safe measurement even in inaccessible environments, keeping the sensing circuitry protected from external influences. The cable in stainless steel is offered in the range of 300, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mm and can operate at a maximum measuring speed of up to 2500 mm/sec. The stroke per turn is 100 mm. The wire can be fastened easily and inexpensively to moving equipment using just the provided nuts and no further component is required. SFP wire-actuated transducer provides a potentiometric output proportional to the movement of the drum and the wire as well having a maximum resistance value of 1, 5, 10 and 20 kΩ on request. It achieves an excellent ±0,15 mm repeat accuracy.

SFP cable-actuated units are suitable for installation in a variety of industrial applications for typical linear position measurements and often as a cost-effective alternative to the linear potentiometers; however precise linear guidance is not required and the wire flexibility allows for almost linear and even curved position measurements. Thus they find use for short travel distances in telescopic systems and hydraulic pistons (for instance in mobile equipment such as outriggers, stabilizing slides, telescopic cranes, booms …), forklifts, man-lifts and scissor lifts, printing and measuring machines, medical technology applications such as in examination tables, dentist’s chairs and laboratory testing devices, among others.