HBK Integrates IO-Link Communication into Force Sensors for Smart Digital Connectivity

HBK’s U10M, U10F, and C10 force transducers have been enhanced with IO-Link communication capabilities, improving digital integration, temperature management, and sensor health monitoring By Eleanor Widdows / 31 Jul 2025

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HBK Integrates IO-Link Communication into Force Sensors Enhancing Digital Connectivity
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HBK has integrated IO-Link communication into its U10M, U10F, and C10 force transducers, combining the fatigue-resistant sensors’ mechanical robustness with smart digital connectivity.

The C10 series is optimized for measuring compressive forces, while the U10M and U10F are designed for tensile and compressive loads, with all sensors highly valued for their large measurement range and long-term stability.

The IO-Link enhancement means sensors now offer a high-quality integrated amplifier and IO-Link interface, allowing plug-and-play setup in smart factory environments.

This widely supported industrial communication standard also enables HBK transducers to easily be integrated into modern automation systems. This provides standardized, cost-effective cabling, rapid sensor replacement and configuration, as well as seamless communication from field to control levels.

All force sensor models contain built-in temperature measurement for engineers and operators to simultaneously monitor mechanical and thermal conditions in real time. This maintains sensor performance, process stability, and long-term reliability within dynamic industrial environments.

The latest technological advancements mean the linearity error has improved to a factor up to 7, temperature zero drift has reduced by up to 50%, and dynamic overloads have undergone enhanced resistance.

Sensor Health Monitoring has also been introduced as a built-in system, continuously tracking applied forces and temperature levels to enhance sensor reliability. This provides real-time alerts when physical limits are approached or exceeded, supporting predictive maintenance and minimizing the likelihood of unexpected downtime. Even short-term overloads are detected, recorded, and reported for complete transparency and greater operational safety.

These developments enable HBK to meet increasing demands for simplified integration, real-time sensor diagnostics, and cost-efficient automation solutions, while also sustaining precision and reliability throughout the digital transformation of measurement and testing environments.

Posted by Eleanor Widdows Eleanor joined Defense Advancement in 2025 as a Junior Editor and Copywriter. She holds a First-Class Honors degree in English Language and Linguistics from the University of Southampton and is committed to producing clear, specialist content on defense technologies. Eleanor has a keen interest in countermeasures, naval defense, and security systems, and exploring the latest innovations shaping the defense sector. Connect
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