ABB PFCL201C 3BSE027070R20 20KN Pressductor Pillow Block Load Cell

Product Description

The PFCL201C (3BSE027070R20) is a pillow block–style load cell engineered for continuous strip tension monitoring in metal processing lines. It is built around ABB’s Pressductor® magnetoelastic sensing principle, enabling force measurement without mechanical strain gauges. This design delivers stable, drift-free performance even under heavy-duty industrial conditions.

Designed specifically for horizontal force detection, the unit is installed beneath bearing housings where strip tension is transferred through guide or deflector rolls. The PFCL201C (3BSE027070R20) is optimized for rolling mills and surface treatment lines that demand high accuracy, long service life, and resistance to overload.

Key Technical Characteristics

The PFCL201C (3BSE027070R20) uses a solid stainless-steel measuring body with a high modulus of elasticity. Mechanical stress alters the magnetic permeability of the steel core, which is detected by integrated coils. Because no bonded strain elements are used, the sensor remains insensitive to aging, temperature drift, and mechanical fatigue.

The pillow block format simplifies mechanical integration and ensures consistent force transfer from the roll bearings to the sensing element, improving repeatability in tension control systems.

Technical Specifications

• Rated measuring force: 20 kN

• Measurement direction: Horizontal force component

• Sensing technology: Magnetoelastic Pressductor® principle

• Mechanical design: Pillow block load cell

• Housing material: Stainless steel

• Degree of protection: IP67

• Operating temperature range: –20 °C to +55 °C

• Dimensions: 220 × 125 × 50 mm

• Weight: 2.1 kg

• Installation method: Mounted under bearing housings

• System compatibility: ABB Millmate strip tension systems and compatible controllers

• Country of manufacture: Sweden

Typical Applications

• Hot and cold rolling mills

• Annealing lines

• Pickling and galvanizing lines

• Aluminum and non-ferrous metal processing

• Strip tension feedback for closed-loop control systems

Reliability and Performance Advantages

• No strain gauges or moving parts, reducing long-term failure risk

• High resistance to mechanical overload and shock

• Minimal zero drift over extended operating periods

• Suitable for harsh environments with moisture, scale, and vibration

FAQ

How does the PFCL201C differ from strain-gauge load cells?
The Pressductor® principle measures changes in magnetic properties rather than mechanical deformation of gauges, resulting in higher long-term stability and better resistance to overload.

Can this model measure vertical forces?
No. The PFCL201C (3BSE027070R20) is specifically designed for horizontal force measurement. Vertical-force applications require a different Pressductor® configuration.

Is recalibration required frequently?
Under normal operating conditions, recalibration intervals are significantly longer than with conventional load cells due to the absence of adhesive-bonded sensing elements.