Robust cable transducers simplify linear travel measurements

(See Baumer at FoodManufacturing.Live, 14 October 2026, on stand 23)

The key features and benefits of these cable transducers include easy installation, ultra-compact and robust design, combined with long-life components. Together, these key features help to ensure precise measurements, even in the most demanding applications.

A key reason for their high precision measurement and long-standing durability, is their precisely guided mechanical winding of the steel cable. Where angled of flexible cable travel is required, optional pulleys are available. Additionally, the cable is sheathed with polyamide, providing protection against corrosion along with superior bending proof performance.

Application versatility is assured because they are designed to incorporate a wide range of standard interfaces, enabling quick and simple integration in any control environment, without the need for any additional adjustment aids. In addition, the encoder and cable mechanics are designed to ensure perfect interaction, while high linearity of up to +/- 0.01% of the measuring range is available with the flexible GCI/GCA series.

When the requirement for cable transducers is for outdoor applications, the compact GCA5 series provides robust and space-efficient solutions. With compact plastic housings and protection ratings up to IP67, these options are particularly suited to applications where space is limited, including mobile machines and utility vehicles.

The compact GCA series features a three separate chamber principle, providing optimum protection of the electronics and spring mechanism against moisture or other harmful ambient impacts. High-quality components, such as corrosion-proof stainless-steel cable with nylon-polyamide coating and a flat, light shock-proof housing further enhance their suitability for demanding applications.

Finally, this broad product portfolio includes compact and flexible cable transducers with a wide choice of interfaces and sensing technologies. The compact GCA series combines integrated sensing with options including analogue, CANopen and SAE J1939 interfaces, while the flexible GCI/GCA series allows the cable transducer mechanics to be combined with a choice of incremental or absolute encoders to suit the application with varying interface options available. Versions with redundant sensing and signal output are also available.

For medical technology, logistics and other similar industries the demands are even greater on cable transducers in terms of linearity. This is where the GCI and GCA flexible series with metal housings and high position encoder technology meet the most demanding measuring accuracy and service life requirements. They provide at linearity +/-0.01% of the measuring range up to 50 metres and are ideal for indoor applications.

Extremely high accuracy is assured thanks to precise mechanics, guided winding of the cable, combined with precise encoder optical sensing. Their versatility is possible due to cable-pull mechanics combined with a choice of incremental or absolute encoders to suit any measuring task.