SWM3B-01 and SWM5B-01 Cable Converters with Drum Scaling

For SWM3B-01 and SWM5B-01, EncoderWorks can configure a custom compatible replacement solution when the installed system requires compact draw-wire displacement conversion, bellows-protected cable entry, encoder-mounted drum rotation, flange model 58 compatibility, cable exit alignment, and the correct 3 m or 5 m measuring range to remain unchanged. The main failure boundary is a linear-position feedback system that may still rotate the encoder shaft but produce wrong travel values, cable wear, spring overload, drum tracking error, or unstable position feedback if the measuring range, drum circumference, cable path, deflection angle, or encoder mounting interface is changed. Typical production lead time: 15 working days.

These models belong to the SWM cable-type displacement converter platform for use with absolute or incremental encoders. SWM3B-01 is the 3 m version with bellows protection and basic flange model 58 configuration. SWM5B-01 uses the same device concept but extends the measuring range to 5 m and changes the drum scaling boundary. The key replacement decision is not only the cable length; the controller scaling, drum circumference, cable exit direction, stroke speed, and encoder interface must be reviewed as one mechanical feedback chain.

System Limits

The first limit is range and drum scaling. SWM3B-01 uses a 3 m measuring range with a 200 mm nominal drum circumference, while SWM5B-01 uses a 5 m measuring range with a 333 mm nominal drum circumference. If a 3 m unit is replaced by a 5 m unit without recalculating the encoder-to-distance ratio, or if a 5 m machine receives the shorter range version, the system may show proportional position error, early end-of-travel contact, or incorrect travel scaling even when the encoder signal appears normal.

The second limit is cable path, bellows entry, and compact housing installation. Both versions require the cable speed, draw force, cable tension, 20° permissible deflection angle, housing IP64 boundary, and cable-entry IP54 boundary to remain compatible with the installed machine. Poor cable alignment, snap-back, excessive side pull, contaminated cable entry, wrong flange fit, or a forced housing position can cause cable wear, spring stress, unstable winding on the drum, water or dust ingress, and reduced service life.

Wiring & Installation

Before replacement, verify whether the machine uses the 3 m or 5 m range, the encoder type, flange model 58 mounting, cable exit direction, bellows condition, and controller scaling. The converter and encoder should be checked together because the mechanical drum motion determines how the encoder output represents linear travel.

During installation, mount the housing rigidly to the stationary machine part and attach the cable eyelet to the moving part without twisting or side-loading the cable. The cable exit should face downward or sideways where possible, and the cable may deflect only within the allowed angular boundary. Keep the cable under tension, prevent sudden release, and avoid routing it through areas with chips, dust, water spray, or mechanical impact unless suitable protection is added.

Custom Compatible Solution

EncoderWorks can configure the replacement around the installed SWM draw-wire interface:

• Match SWM3B-01 or SWM5B-01 range selection, drum circumference, and encoder conversion ratio
• Preserve B bellows protection, cable exit orientation, flange model 58 mounting, and compact housing geometry
• Review 8 m/s cable speed, 15 N / 30 N draw-force boundary, 20° deflection angle, and cable tension behavior
• Confirm IP64 housing use, IP54 cable-entry exposure, controller scaling, and stroke repeatability before shipment

Key Data

Related Models

1. SWM1B-01 and SWM2B-01 Cable Converters with Short-Stroke Scaling
2. SWF20B-FK-01 Cable Converter with 20 m Range Alignment
3. SWF15B-FK-01 Cable Converter with 15 m Drum Scaling
4. SWF10B-FK-01 Cable Converter with 10 m Speed Margin