TBK Automatisierung und Messtechnik GmbH is a 100-percent subsidiary of SMS group now
Customized solutions for dimension control and surface analysis of rolled products from one source .
For some years now, SMS group has been holding a share in TBK Automatisierung und Messtechnik GmbH, domiciled in Graz, Austria. The remaining business shares were acquired with retroactive effect from January 1, 2018, which means that TBK is a 100-percent subsidiary of SMS Beteiligungs-GmbH now.
TBK Automatisierung und Messtechnik GmbH has been developing measurement technology solutions for the steel industry since 1986, in particular laser measuring systems using the light section method. The two companies TBK and SMS group have been cooperating closely since 2004. Jointly, they offer tailor-made solutions for dimension control and surface analysis of rolled products for all tube and pipe, wire rod and bar as well as section mills included in the portfolio of SMS group. Straightness measuring equipment, especially for rails, and instruments for measuring special profiles and wheels complete the product range.
Using measuring systems from TBK, producers will be able to continuously monitor their products for surface defects fully automatically and during ongoing production. For this purpose, an analyzing model composes the high-resolution measurements to form a three-dimensional model. High measurement frequencies stand for the necessary precision: Providing up to 5,000 scans per second, the system shows even finest surface irregularities. High sampling rates, different laser colors and absolute synchronization are features that distinguish TBK sensors from other light section sensors. These properties ensure the highest accuracy and a detailed image of the current product quality, even with fast-moving or strongly vibrating material.
The continuous advancement of the systems is not only an important factor of success, but also the basic philosophy of TBK. The development in the fields of laser and information technology as well as in the analysis of surface to determine the surface condition will remain the basis of TBK’s measurement systems also in the future.
The company founder, Heinz Kotzmuth, passed on responsibility for the management to the two managing directors Ralf Kremer and Ulrich Svejkovsky, but will be available to provide advisory support.
The harsh conditions in steel processing plants pose a huge challenge to measuring technology. Measurement systems made by TBK have matured through years of experience and stand out due to high thermal and mechanical stability. This stability is of crucial importance for the consistency of the measured data and also for the quality of the derived parameters. Further, closed-loop controls have been developed in cooperation with SMS for automatic roll setting to the required adjustment values based on the measurement results. TBK adapts its measurement technology to the customer’s requirements and prepares tailor-made solutions, if so desired.