INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein info_graphic_EN

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein FIT5A_photo

INTERNAL USE - Case Study hohenstein Panelx_hohenstein

INTERNAL USE - Case Study hohenstein Kretzschmar_photo

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein hosy_web3

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein running_profile

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein compression3_web

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein Castle_Photo

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein compression2_web

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein hosy_web1

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein compression_web

Optimal Results Under Pressure: A Digital Sensor at the Core of a New High-Tech Compression Tester

HOHENSTEIN, france

Introduction

HOHENSTEIN, a textile-testing services provider, has been the leader in compression and functional-wear testing for decades. HOHENSTEIN required a sensitive digital sensor for the new HOSYcan testing system that would enable determining the compression power of textiles in a more customized and precise way. They opted for HBK’s FIT5A sensor because it measures force very accurately. Additionally, the measurement results can be conveniently analyzed and visualized owing to the included PanelX parameterization and analysis software. This enables the HOSYcan testing system to be started up easily and quickly.

chevron_left

Challenge
Solution
Result
Client Description

chevron_right

Tests at the HOHENSTEIN Group include measurements of the compression power of medical textiles and special sportswear. The HOSY (HOhenstein SYstem) testing system has set the standard in this field for decades. HOHENSTEIN constantly develops the system and needs a digital sensor that is:

precise
robust and
compatible with the CAN bus technology.

Hohenstein utilizes the FIT5A digital sensor and the PanelX parameterization and analysis software in its new HOSYcan.

The digital sensor can measure force in static and dynamic applications very precisely, has an overload protection of 1,000 percent, and an excellent transient response. Thus, it facilitates quick data acquisition.
The PanelX software allows simple and easy sensor parameterization and provides a clear presentation of the way filter characteristics available in the sensor affect the measured values.

The Hohenstein experts have been able to start up the system quickly due to the combination of the FIT5A digital sensor and the PanelX parameterization and analysis software.
The sensor’s high accuracy and fast data acquisition facilitate both the extremely precise testing of compression power of special textiles and a more detailed customer consulting service.
The FIT5A and its fast data acquisition facilitate novel, customizable test procedures to be designed.
The HOSYcan’s availability has significantly improved due to the FIT5A’s high overload protection of 1,000 percent.

The Hohenstein Group

The Hohenstein Group is a global service provider that offers a broad range of services pertaining to textile testing, certification, and research. The company was founded in 1946 and is now managed by Prof. Dr. Stefan Mecheels, the third generation of his family. More than 5,000 customers worldwide benefit from the textile know-how of 1,000 plus staff members and a network of over 40 contact offices worldwide. Learn more about the Hohenstein Group

Further Information

The Hohenstein Laboratories are the only test centre authorised by the Gütezeichengemeinschaft Medizinische Kompressionsstrümpfe e.V. (quality mark association for medical compression hosiery). This organisation gives companies the right to use the quality mark for medical compression hosiery. The RAL Quality Certification Mark is based on tests carried out in accordance with RAL-GZ 387/1 and /2 and is one way of verifying the medical benefit of the hosiery. In addition to medical products, compression textiles for other purposes can also be tested. On clothing, the sleeves, legs, torso and trouser sections can be tested. This allows the compressive effect, for example of sports-wear or shapewear, to be determined.

From his tower room at the Hohenstein castle, Florian Girmond enjoys the view of the entire HOHENSTEIN Group facilities, which, since its establishment in 1946, has had its headquarters on the premises of the Renaissance castle in Bönnigheim, Germany. More than 600 of the company's worldwide staff of over 1,000 work at the German headquarters. The independent textile testing institute is run by the third generation of the Mecheels family and it holds important accreditations and certifications as a test facility. The laboratories’ range of testing and service offerings includes the testing of fit and workmanship of products, the development of functional wear, and the certification of personal protective equipment (PPE). Compression tests are primarily performed on medical textiles and sportswear, which involve the measurement of the pressure and pressure gradients that a textile exerts on a body part.

In the beginning of the 1980s, the HOHENSTEIN experts developed the HOhenstein SYstem (HOSY) for the testing of the impact of medical compression wear. Meanwhile, HOSY has established the standard in compression wear testing and has become the mandatory testing system for compliance with different standards such as RAL and DIN. HOHENSTEIN utilizes the system for its in-house textile testing services and also sells it to customers.

“HBK technology has always been integrated into the HOSY,” explains Gunther Kretzschmar, who has worked for HBK Sales and has also been the contact for Hohenstein for over 20 years.

HOHENSTEIN has now enhanced its testing system to meet an increased number of individual customer requirements and to make the HOSY compatible with IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) applications. In doing so, the company has outlined specific requirements for the digital sensors that measure force. “The sensors must be very precise to enable us to obtain accurate measurement results,” explains Florian Girmond. Additionally, the individual sensors need to be narrow to ensure that a maximum width of 5 centimeters, including the mount for the textile jig, is not exceeded. It is also essential that the sensors have a high overload stability to avoid damage to the sensors in the event of unexpected load peaks. The sensors are compatible with the CAN bus technology applied in the testing system due to their CAN bus interface. Hence, they are a perfect fit for the new HOSYcan and can transfer the measured data quickly and efficiently to the software, which, in turn, calculates and visualizes the compression. “FIT5A is the digital sensor that matches our high demands,” says Florian Girmond.

There are 20 tension testing units that have been arranged parallelly at the core of the new HOSYcan that uses the CAN bus technology. Textile tubular knitwear such as medical compression stockings or sportswear tops is clamped onto these units and extended in an absolutely non-destructive way. When the desired perimeter, between eleven and 150 centimeters, has been reached, the HOSYcan measures the required forces and, based on the measured values, calculates the compression that the textile exerts on the body. The results are listed in a table and, additionally, represented graphically in a compression profile. “We determine the tension force along the entire length of the test sample in sections of five centimeters each. This allows the calculation and visualization of pressure and pressure gradients at any position,” explains Florian Girmond. The precise digital sensor. with integrated electronics, is suitable for both static and dynamic measurements.

The FIT5A digital sensors have been integrated into the tension testing units, where they acquire tension force.

The testing unit applies CAN bus technology to simultaneously transmit the measured values provided by the 20 tension testing units to the analysis software. “We knew right from the start that we would use a digital sensor with the CAN bus technology,” says Florian Girmond. “It is less sensitive to the electromagnetic fields emitted; for instance, those from nearby electric lines or radio waves.” The new CAN bus system enables the measured data to be processed directly in the sensor’s electronics and transmitted to individual channels. Additionally, the FIT5A swiftly measures and boasts of an overload protection of 1,000 percent of its capacity. This is important since the measurement is determined by the strain that the fabric is subject to and not by the force that is applied to achieve this. For this reason, the sensor’s overload range is achieved with certain textiles such as inelastic knee bandages; however, it is essential that the system continues to provide precisely measured data after exiting the overload range again.

The HOHENSTEIN experts have been utilizing the PanelX parameterization and analysis software for setting up the new testing system for the first time. It allows simple and easy parameterization of the FIT5A digital sensor and a convenient visualization of the impact of different filter characteristics on an unfiltered signal. This enables users to quickly find a parameter setup that is suitable for fast data acquisition. The new HOSYcan offers another advantage: the acquired measured data is represented in a familiar way. This allows customers, who have already been working with the HOSY, to conveniently upgrade to the new system and benefit from the new technology, without having to familiarize themselves with another way of representation.

“We always stay in close contact with our customers to be able to find the optimal solutions,” says Florian Girmond and adds, “This also applies to our cooperation with HBK: We, as the customer, get the solution we need. HBK has provided us with a test specimen of the FIT5A sensor. We were able to quickly put it into operation and use it as the basis for our designs due to the convenient connector plug. During the start-up stage, Mr. Kretschmar provided comprehensive advice on the PanelX software and the many opportunities offered by the FIT5A.” Gunther Kretzschmar appreciates the collaboration with HOHENSTEIN, “The work environment at HOHENSTEIN is very positive. I am always pleased to join a meeting in the atmosphere of the former castle.”

Testimonial

The FIT5A has an excellent transient response and provides a stable measured value almost immediately owing to the use of integrated filter technology. This enables the data at the individual measurement points to be retrieved faster. The complete testing procedure to which a textile test specimen is subjected can be completed more quickly.

Gunther Kretzschmar

Testimonial

An additional advantage of the FIT5A is that it enables completely new test sequences to be designed due to its fast data acquisition,” says Florian Girmond. “Now we can also simulate motion and measure the textiles’ corresponding compression behavior.

INTERNAL USE - Case Study Hohenstein resource_345px

Florian Girmond, the Managing Director of the Consumer Tests unit of HOHENSTEIN Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG.

Technology Used

FIT5A

The FIT5A is the result of over 10 years of cooperation with the global market leaders in weighing and filling machines.

Read More

No more result to load

Related Case Studies

No more result to load

Modern Slavery Statement Imprint Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Sitemap Ethical Business