HBK force sensors for structural testing of excavators

25th May 2021

Alex Lynn

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Moving a large mass of material quickly, reliably and safely usually requires the use of hydraulic excavators, mining trucks and material-handling machines at construction sites, scrapyards or ports. However, to ensure that they function reliably and withstand extreme conditions in the long term, Liebherr tests the load-carrying capacity and service life of its machines and components very precisely.

"In our load tests, we subject assemblies, such as a hydraulically adjustable boom, to the load an excavator normally experiences over its entire life in just a few weeks," said Nils Dippon, a test engineer at Liebherr's development and demonstration centre.

For the complex series of structural tests in the modern test stand in Kirchheim, Germany, Liebherr relies on the U10M and S9M force sensors and strain gauges from Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer. The U10M sensors, for instance, measure the forces produced and compensate for bending moments in doing so while the strain gauges from HBK simultaneously measure the strain on the components.

"Our U10M series force transducers achieve very high precision over a wide measuring range. They provide high-resolution measurement data for the various measurement setups at Liebherr and offer maximum flexibility. Our high-quality strain-gauge technology also accurately acquires minimal component deformations to provide a comprehensive data basis for further development," added Thomas Kleckers, the product manager for force sensors at HBK.