HBM Improves K-OP Optical Strain Gauges

HBM has improved its K-OP optical strain gauges (SGs), making them suitable for more applications when compared to electrical SGs. They are, for example, suited to material tests of new fibre composites, with tests of up to 10 million load cycles with an alternating strain of +/-5.000um/m now possible. K-OP optical SGs are based on fibre Bragg gratings, which measure strain using pure optical techniques without the need for any electrical signals.

This makes the optical SGs suitable for use in explosive atmospheres, where electro-magnetic interference is present, or in high-voltage applications without problems. In addition, several optical SGs can be attached to a fibre, enabling the implementation of parallel measurements. Glass fibre lengths of several hundred meters are possible. Using optical SGs for data acquisition and evaluation is simple, with a complete range of components available for all applications from HBM.

These range from optical SGs with the appropriate accessories, via interrogators, to HBM's data-acquisition software Catman AP, which includes an Easy Optics module for optical SGs. Users receive a data sheet with optical strain gauges that include the gauge factor for each individual SG, as tested by HBM to meet the latest VDI/VDE2660 requirements.

HBM Discusses Future Of Measurement Technology

As HBM celebrates its 60th anniversary the company discusses its future plans. For six decades, test and measurement solutions from HBM have contributed to increased safety and efficiency in a range of applications. These include cars, aeroplanes, buildings and wind turbines, along with product development and production. HBM provides products and services for the complete measuring chain.

These range from transducers and electronic data-acquisition systems through to complex evaluation and analysis software, all complemented by professional backup services. HBM's products ensure precise and reliable test results contributing towards increased safety and efficiency. Test results acquired with HBM technology are used to gather detailed information about the load capacity and functionality of products. Additionally, HBM weighing technology ensures that weight is always measured accurately.

HBM also supplies industrial process-control solutions to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes. In the 1950s, HBM pioneered strain-gauge technology, which remains essential to many products, such as transducers and load cells. Measuring amplifiers such as the DMP39 high-precision measuring instrument and the MGCplus universal measuring system have set standards throughout industry. In 1986, HBM was the first German company to be certified to ISO 9001 international quality-management standard.

Over the past several years, HBM has enhanced its portfolio through in-house development and through acquiring complementary companies. The HBM Ncode trademark, for example, provides professional software solutions for virtual testing.

Genesis Highspeed supplies users with data-acquisition systems, featuring high sampling rates, while HBM Somat is suitable for harsh testing conditions. HBM's universal and ultra-compact QuantumX data-acquisition system has already opened up new horizons for next-generation measurement. HBM's test and measurement technology is set to become increasingly important in future as ever shorter innovation cycles in the globalised industry demand reliable test and measurement solutions.

HBM Amplifier Prevents Overloading In Warehouses

HBM has developed a digital amplifier that securely and permanently protects warehouse storage areas from overloading. The VKIA405 amplifier ensures the long-term stability of a storage system because it enables the monitoring of loads during operations and prevents any possibility of overloading in the storage area. Up to four analogue load cells can be connected to the new amplifier.

Storage lifts and automatic warehouses require special considerations for measurement technology, which is intended to minimise maintenance downtime. Maintenance interrupts continuous operations such as the removal and storage of goods, leading to high costs. It is important that long-term stability is a main criterion in the selection of measurement and weighing technology for these applications. The VKIA enables digital measured value processing with long-term stable supply voltage for the analogue load cells.

An HBM-tested off-centre load compensation network is integrated into the VKIA405 that simplifies installation as no additional wiring connection boxes for the load cells are needed. The VKIA405 is fitted with a serial RS485 interface, ensuring integration with the control and data processing system of a warehouse. A typical use of the VKIA405 is to integrate the amplifier and corresponding load cells at the charging station so they are part of the material flow. It is also suitable for simple weighing and monitoring tasks beyond legal-for-trade requirements.