HBM consolidates automotive market position

According to figures up to the end of March 2000, HBM UK is on target to capture 60% of the dynamic torque measurement market by 2001.

According to figures up to the end of March 2000, HBM UK is on target to capture 60% of the dynamic torque measurement market by 2001.

By targeting test-rig builders, automotive testing facilities and car manufacturers with its new T10F torque-measuring flange, the company is well on its way to achieving its projected goal.

Recent contracts with George Kingsbury Machine Tools Ltd are typical of the type of installations that are paving the way for HBM.

George Kingsbury makes end-of-line testing equipment for the verification of assembled items in leading vehicle manufacturers' assembly plants all over the world.

HBM has had three contracts with George Kingsbury in the last 12 months and a fourth has just been completed.

George Kingsbury is using the T10Fs as a major selling point within their equipment.

It features a time saving electronic shunt calibration.

"For conventional torque transducers the shunt calibration involves hanging heavy weights off the reaction arm shaft and can take as long as two hours to complete, " explains Richard Kingsbury, Managing Director of George Kingsbury Machine Tools, adding: "The T10F does the same calibration electronically in about 10 seconds." The T10F is compact and robust and up to thirty times stiffer than a conventional reaction arm torque transducer.

There are no bearings, making the unit totally maintenance free and every unit comes with a three-year replacement warranty.

HBM also provides world wide product and technical support by offering e-mail responses to technical problems from a dedicated help centre at its headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.

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