ABB PFTL101A-1.0KN (3BSE004166R1) – Magnetoelastic Pressductor Load Cell for Web and Strip Tension

The ABB PFTL101A-1.0KN is a compact Pressductor tension transducer designed for accurate web and strip tension measurement around the 1 kN range. From my experience, this is the sensor many lines adopt when they want stable readings in unwind/rewind and process sections without the drift you typically see in conventional strain‑gauge cells. It pairs with ABB tension electronics (PFEA series) to deliver clean, low-noise tension signals for closed-loop control.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days coverage
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Magnetoelastic (Pressductor) technology: Robust, drift‑resistant measurement that stays stable with vibration and temperature swings.
• 1.0 kN rated capacity: Suits light to medium web tensions in paper, film, foil, textile, and narrow metal strip lines.
• High overload tolerance: In many cases, Pressductor cells handle accidental overloads better than strain‑gauge designs, reducing unplanned stops.
• Pairing with ABB PFEA electronics: Simple wiring to ABB PFEA 111/112 modules that provide 0–10 V or 4–20 mA outputs for drives/PLCs.
• Rugged stainless housing: Typically sealed for harsh industrial environments where humidity, oil mist, or dust would challenge a standard cell.
• Pillow‑block installation: Designed to sit under bearing housings on measuring rollers; you might notice it simplifies retrofit work on existing frames.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	ABB PFTL101A-1.0KN (Part No. 3BSE004166R1)
Measurement Principle	Magnetoelastic Pressductor (force sensing via magnetic permeability change)
Rated Capacity	1.0 kN nominal
HS Code	9031.80 (indicative; classification may vary by country/usage)
Power Requirements	Passive transducer; excitation supplied by ABB PFEA tension electronics
Signal I/O Type	Differential AC carrier signal to PFEA module; system outputs via PFEA (0–10 V / 4–20 mA)
Operating Temperature	Typically −10 to +70 °C
Ingress Protection	Typically IP67 sealed construction
Communication Interfaces	None on transducer (interfaces provided by external electronics)
Installation Method	Bolt-on under pillow-block bearings on a measuring roller; orient to measure resultant web force
Compatible Electronics	ABB PFEA 111 / PFEA 112 tension electronics

Application Fields

You’ll typically see the PFTL101A-1.0KN on web handling machines where stability matters more than headline resolution. Typical placements include:

• Paper, tissue, and board unwind/rewind stands
• Plastic film and foil lines (blown film, cast film, metalized film)
• Printing, coating, laminating, and slitting sections
• Textile webs and nonwovens with light tension ranges
• Light-gauge metal strip, wire, and cable processing
• Battery electrode coating and diode cutting lines where drift-free tension is critical

One thing I appreciate is how forgiving the Pressductor design is when the frame isn’t perfect. A converter OEM told us they swapped out strain-gauge cells on a coating line and immediately saw less drift after heat-up and fewer recalibrations during long runs.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability under real plant conditions: Stable signals despite temperature, vibration, and bearing preload variations.
• Lower lifecycle cost: Fewer replacements thanks to high overload tolerance and robust housing, which in many cases means lower downtime.
• Seamless integration: Works directly with ABB PFEA tension electronics for analog outputs to PLCs and drives.
• Compatibility and retrofit ease: Pillow‑block mounting simplifies upgrades on existing rollers.
• Global support: ABB ecosystem and documentation make it straightforward for maintenance teams to keep spares aligned.

Recommended Companion Components

• ABB PFEA 111 / PFEA 112 Tension Electronics: Supplies the carrier excitation to the PFTL sensor and provides conditioned outputs (0–10 V / 4–20 mA) for control systems.
• Measuring Roller / Bearing Set: Proper roller stiffness and low-friction bearings improve signal linearity and repeatability.
• Shielded Cable and Junction Box: For low-noise signal routing in cabinets with high EMI from drives.

Installation & Maintenance

• Mounting: Install under pillow-block bearings on a rigid, flat frame surface. Align the sensing axis with the resultant web force. Tighten mounting bolts to the recommended torque.
• Environment: Keep cable runs short and shielded. Ground at one end to avoid ground loops. Avoid strong external magnetic fields near the sensor body.
• Panel/Cabinet for electronics: Place PFEA modules in a ventilated control cabinet (observe standard industrial panel practices for spacing and EMC).
• Wiring: Use twisted, shielded pairs between the sensor and PFEA. Separate from motor/drive power cables.
• Commissioning: Zero the system with the web off the roller. Calibrate using a known test load or a wrap test; verify both directions of force.
• Routine care: Inspect bolts, bearings, and cable glands quarterly. Clean with non-aggressive solvents. Check zero/span annually and update PFEA firmware if applicable.
• Safety: Lock out/tag out before mechanical work. Support the roller to remove load from the transducer prior to removal.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE conformity; RoHS-compliant construction; manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• Warranty: 365-day warranty from our supply; ABB’s standard manufacturer terms typically apply where relevant
• Traceability: Model PFTL101A-1.0KN, Part No. 3BSE004166R1

If you’re sizing a new station or retrofitting, share your roller load, wrap angle, and expected tension range. We can quickly confirm the 1.0 kN choice or suggest a neighboring range in the PFTL 101/201 family so you get the best signal utilization without compromising safety margin.