LESSON 2: History of wire/cable length measurement technology

Before 1968, the only way to measure was by using wheels. This was resulting in losses of 0.5m - 1.0m for 100m measured, or 0.5% - 1.0%. By digital standards, this degree of inaccuracy is shocking. but in fact this was the best possible accuracy at that time. In the regular way to measure wire/cable length, measuring instruments are set up in the middle of an assembly line as the line is actually processing. The wire's movement during processing, either lateral or vertical, makes accurate readings hard to obtain. Inthe worst case, there is even water or oil on the wire, whicth further impedes measurement. In 1968, Sky Kogyo Co.,Ltd. in yokohama, Japan invented the belt-type measuring system, a method far superior to the old wheel system. The belt-type method is easy to handle, reducing wire movement during measurement. This results in 5 - 10 times higher accuracy than the wheel system. The belt system has undergone many improvements, but the basic concept remains the best, according to Japanese wire/cable manufacturers. That is why the belt system still holds the highest share of the wire measurement market in Japan.

[ Quiz ]
Which method of wire measurement is better ?

a. wheel system

b. belt system