Baumer Acquires X-Sensors to Boost Sensor Innovation

Baumer has acquired Swiss sensor specialist X-Sensors AG, strengthening its portfolio of high-precision force and strain measurement solutions. The move expands Baumer’s innovation capabilities, combining X-Sensors’ 25 years of expertise with Baumer’s global presence. Customers can expect continued access to X-Sensors’ products in the short term, with integration into Baumer’s lineup to follow. Together, the companies aim to deliver smarter, IO-Link-enabled sensors that improve reliability, cost efficiency, and Industry 4.0 readiness across industrial applications.

X-Sensors AG's strain and force sensor solutions expand Baumer's portfolio. Image used courtesy of Baumer

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

Founded in Switzerland 25 years ago, X-Sensors AG designs and manufactures strain and force sensors engineered for demanding applications. The company has provided customized solutions for machines, tools, and installation. Their product range includes force sensors that can handle loads of up to 20 kN and strain sensors designed for high-precision force applications.

Baumer's acquisition of X-Sensors AG is a strategic move that goes beyond the expansion of products offered by Baumer, boosting the company's innovation capabilities, achieved through the integration of the expertise of X-Sensors, which aims to accelerate advancement in smart force measurements.

According to the CEO of Baumer Group, Dr. Oliver Vietze, IO-Link and smart electronics are driving significant boosts in innovation of force and strain sensors, making these solutions more accessible and cost-effective for users. The CEO also added that the merger with X-Sensors AG will further accelerate this progress.

Customers will continue working through the existing X-Sensors sales channels in the short term. Over the mid-term, Baumer intends to integrate the X-Sensors portfolio into its broader portfolio, creating a unified, high-performance lineup. This transition will offer industrial users access to a wide range of force and strain sensors, backed by Baumer's global sales and service networks.

Technical Overview of the Combined Portfolio

Force sensors are available in the DLM30 model, capable of measuring up to 5 kN, and the DLM40, which can handle loads of up to 20 kN. These sensors are designed to handle repeated cyclical loading across their full nominal force range, making them ideal for use in challenging industrial settings. Strain sensors, on the other hand, serve as an alternative to force sensors for measuring large forces, with a single sensor able to cover a wide range of forces. They are designed for easy integration into existing systems and are well-suited for die casting and injection molding applications.

The sensor portfolio also features measuring amplifiers that are available in IO-Link, current output, and voltage output versions. These amplifiers combine millivolt per volt (mV/V) into a usable output signal, and when combined with innovative features such as pre-processed data output and parameterization, the load on the control system is reduced. The sensors in the combined portfolio are ideal for detecting excess wear, force, and overload.

Advancing Innovation in Force Measurement

As industries continue to adopt Industry 4.0 standards, smart sensing technology is becoming essential for efficiency. With IO-Link-enabled force and strain sensors, Baumer is committed to providing future-ready industry measurement systems. The acquisition of X-Sensors allows Baumer to lead this evolution through its vast sensor suite.