What other trends do you consider important?
[Thomas Kleckers]
There has been a trend toward increased accuracy for a long time. The possible measuring range has been extended. For example, instead of 4 sensors, only 2 are needed to cover forces between 50 kN and 5 MN. Moreover, an increasing number of tests can be performed without time-consuming modifications of the test stand and more precise process monitoring results in fewer rejects. Therefore, precision is not an end in itself, but rather an economic advantage for our users.
Furthermore, customers demand flexibility in terms of the ordering process and design: Force sensors must be adaptable and operational without requiring major efforts such as soldering work. Another development in recent years is the demand for robust force sensors that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and provide reliable measurement results everywhere. This is not only true for humidity or large temperature variations but also for resistance to shock and vibration, which has become extremely important. Further, we see that users are interested in increasingly smaller sensors. However, at the same time, high demands are placed on the performance of these miniature transducers. Overall, the requirements are increasing. At HBM, we are very well equipped since we have all the necessary testing equipment for shock and vibration tests, as well as an accredited laboratory for electromagnetic compatibility in-house, with the advantage of direct access for our development engineers.