HBM Inc., a leading manufacturer of data acquisition systems, analysis and calibration software, strain gauges, transducers and sensors, announces it has expanded its product portfolio for optical measurement technology with its 2014 acquisition of FiberSensing S. A. of Portugal.
HBM FiberSensing’s products are primarily used in the testing of structures and lightweight materials. Lightweight materials are increasingly used in the transportation, energy and building sectors. FiberSensing’s optical measurement technology combines small size with high measurement stability for a powerful solution in materials testing at increased levels of strain and a high number of load cycles.
Unlike electrical strain gauges, optical sensors offer improved performance in higher strain levels and load cycles. They are also ideal for use in tests characterized by strong electromagnetic interference effects as well, or in applications such as testing rotor blades in wind turbines.
The combination of FiberSensing sensors and interrogators with HBM’s existing optical portfolio creates a complete line of measurement products and systems that can be provided as a turnkey solution, primarily on an OEM basis.
This includes fiber optic Bragg sensors such as strain, temperature, acceleration and tilt sensors, and interrogators that can be connected via TCP/IP to any standard PC using an Ethernet interface.
In short, the use of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is appropriate to safely test structures and materials with high levels of strain, high electromagnetic noise or in highly explosive environments allowing the drastic reduction of cabling and ensuring low impact on the instrumented structures.
