HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer (Germany) - Press Release: In a smart move, HBK miniature force sensors U9C (tension and compression) and C9C (compression) have gone digital and now feature IO-Link communication technology, leading to reduced costs, greater efficiency, and increased reliability.

With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and its focus on automation, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart factories where everything is connected, manufacturers and system integrators are under continuous pressure to improve manufacturing efficiency, optimize production processes and increase productivity.

With a standardised interface to any PLC, HBK’s newly released, digital, compact, robust and ready to go force sensors are ideally suited for industrial environments and for measuring fast processes. And although digitization is high on everyone’s agenda, it not only has challenges but also takes time and investment to implement. It is, therefore, fitting that the U9C and C9C with IO-Link have an identical mechanical dimensions and threads to that of their analogue counterparts, making it easy to upgrade existing setups to the new technology when the time is right. This allows the planning and execution of digital transformation to be carried out at a pace suitable for or convenient to the user.

By opting for HBK miniature force sensors with IO-Link, users can expect all the benefits of digital signal processing. They have the capability to detect and identify instances where technical limits, such as maximum usage forces or peak-to-peak values, are exceeded, and subsequently issue appropriate warnings. In addition, predictive maintenance helps to streamline and optimize machine maintenance schedules, reducing costs and decreasing disruption. Further cost savings are possible due to ease of installation and the use of standard cables, eliminating the need for the special cables required by analog sensors.

More resistant to EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) interferences than their analogue predecessors, U9C and C9C with IO-Link provide accurate and consistently reliable data, only delivering the data requested, thereby increasing data efficiency and reducing the volume of data to be processed.

Product Manager Thomas Kleckers says, “Built with the high-quality technology and expertise of HBK, these intelligent miniature sensors not only enable successful digital transformation but also herald the start of a new chapter in force measurement technology.”

About HBK – Hottinger Brüel & Kjær:

The two market leaders, HBM and Brüel & Kjær, have joined forces as HBK – Hottinger Brüel & Kjær – to form the world’s foremost provider of integrated test, measurement, control, and simulation solutions.

HBK – Hottinger Brüel & Kjær – provides a complete portfolio of solutions across the test and measurement product life cycle, uniting the physical world of sensors, testing and measurement with the digital world of simulation, modelling software and analysis. By creating a scalable and open data acquisition hardware, software and simulation ecosystem, product developers can cut time-to-market, drive innovation and take the lead in a highly competitive global marketplace.