Spectris completed its acquisition of MicroStrain Sensing Systems in 2023 and integrated the business into HBK as MicroStrain by HBK. HBK reported a transaction value of $37.6 million (£29.4 million). The deal brought high-precision inertial and wireless-sensing capabilities into HBK for industrial and tactical-grade applications, including robotics, automation, unmanned vehicles, logistics and mobility.
What was acquired?
MicroStrain Sensing Systems was a Vermont-based designer and manufacturer of high-precision inertial and wireless sensing systems. Its products served industrial and tactical-grade segments rather than consumer electronics markets.
The acquisition was completed after U.S. regulatory approval, according to HBK and Spectris plc’s 2023 completion announcement. After closing, the business operated within HBK under the name MicroStrain by HBK.
How much did HBK pay?
| Transaction detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Buyer and parent context | HBK, part of Spectris plc |
| Acquired business | MicroStrain Sensing Systems |
| Reported value | $37.6 million (£29.4 million), as stated in HBK’s 2023 completion announcement |
| Regulatory status | Completed after U.S. regulatory approval |
| Post-deal identity | MicroStrain by HBK |
The disclosed amount is the acquisition value reported by HBK; the available announcement does not establish a forecast return, earnings contribution or later financial performance from the deal.
#1 Best Overall
- BF350-3AA resistance: 349.8+/-0.1¦¸, sensitivity coefficient (standard coefficient): 2.0 - 2.20; accuracy grade: 0.02 strain limit: 2.0% (2000 microstrain).
- Conductive material: constantan, copper nickel alloy 55% copper/45% nickel (high temperature resistance).
- Fully enclosed structure; It can simultaneously achieve temperature self compensation and creep self compensation.
- High precision, good stability, easy to use, suitable for 0.02 level sensors.
- A resistive Strain gauge sensor with a nominal resistance of 350 ohms, which varies with the force applied. By measuring the change in sensor resistance, the measured value of the force applied to it can be obtained.
Why did HBK acquire MicroStrain?
Adding inertial-sensing expertise
MicroStrain contributed high-precision inertial sensing, including systems that measure movement, orientation and position. That capability complements HBK’s existing measurement and testing portfolio and supports customers building or operating complex machines.
Expanding wireless data acquisition
The transaction also added wireless sensing and data-acquisition expertise. HBK linked the purchase to a broader wireless portfolio, smart-sensor capabilities and additional original-equipment-manufacturer offerings.
Rank #2
- The product is a resistive strain gauge sensor with a nominal resistance of 350 ohms that changes when force is applied. By measuring the change in resistance of the sensor, a measurement of the force exerted on it can be obtained.
- The base of the product is made of modified phenolphthalein and the wire grid is made of constantan foil.
- The product has high precision and good static measurement stability, and is suitable for 0.02 liquid level sensors.
- Product size: 7.1 x 4.5mm/0.28 x 0.18in, convenient for heat dissipation, low power consumption per unit area, and very easy to paste and weld.
- Product Dimensions: 4 pieces resistive strain gauge sensors (with wire).
Growing in North America
HBK said the acquisition would strengthen its North American presence and broaden its customer offering. MicroStrain’s Vermont base provided an established U.S. engineering and manufacturing operation.
Reaching targeted growth markets
HBK specifically identified robotics and agriculture, along with automation and smart manufacturing, as areas where MicroStrain could extend its reach. The stated rationale concerns portfolio capability and market access; the announcement does not quantify expected synergies or savings.
Rank #3
- Voltage: DC5V board with blue LED power indicator analog output
- Bending angle: 0-30 degrees
- The greater the degree of bending, the higher the output voltage: bending downwards, the output value decreases; bending upwards, the output value increases
- With zero potentiometer
- Output analog voltage 0-5V
What does MicroStrain by HBK sell now?
HBK’s current MicroStrain page presents specialist products in two main categories:
- Inertial sensors: equipment for motion control, orientation, navigation and localisation.
- Wireless data acquisition: systems that collect sensor measurements without conventional wired connections, including uses in structural health monitoring.
One named product is the 3DM-CV7-GNSS/INS, described by HBK as a tactical-grade, embeddable GNSS-aided inertial-navigation system. The portfolio is engineered for industrial and tactical users, not presented as a consumer retail range.
Rank #4
- Conductive material: Constantan, copper-nickel alloy 55per cent copper/45per cent nickel (high temperature resistant)
- BX150-3AA resistor: 349.8 +/- 0.1 ohms, sensitivity coefficient (standard coefficient): 2.0-2.20, accuracy class: 0.05, strain limit: 2.0per cent (2000 microstrain)
- Fully enclosed structure, capable of simultaneously achieving temperature self-compensation and creep self-compensation.
- High precision, excellent stability, user-friendly operation, suitable for Class 0.05 sensors.
- A resistive strain gauge sensor with a nominal resistance of 350 ohms, wherein the resistance varies with the applied force. By measuring the change in the sensor's resistance, a measurement of the force applied to it can be obtained.
Which applications does the combined portfolio target?
| Application area | How the portfolio is positioned |
|---|---|
| Robotics and motion control | Inertial measurements help machines determine movement and orientation. |
| Navigation and localisation | GNSS-aided and inertial systems support position and navigation functions. |
| Automation and smart manufacturing | Wireless sensing and data acquisition can feed monitoring and control systems. |
| Agriculture and unmanned vehicles | HBK identified these as intended expansion markets for the combined offering. |
| Structural health monitoring | Wireless data-acquisition products are presented for monitoring structures and related assets. |
| Logistics and mobility | These are among the industrial use cases cited in HBK’s acquisition rationale. |
What does the acquisition mean for customers and investors?
For customers
Customers can access MicroStrain’s inertial and wireless-sensing products through HBK’s broader industrial measurement organization. Integration may simplify engagement with a supplier that covers more of the sensing and test workflow, although the published sources do not promise specific service changes, product consolidation or support terms.
For investors
The transaction was a relatively small, disclosed acquisition focused on adding specialized technology and market reach. Public statements identify the strategic objectives—North American expansion, robotics, agriculture, automation and smart manufacturing—but do not by themselves demonstrate that those objectives have produced a particular revenue, margin or share-price outcome. Any investment conclusion requires separate review of Spectris’ financial reports and valuation.
Best Value
- This is bend sensor Detecting principle is also, bending degree of conversion, the strain gauge on the carrier, such as: iron and aluminum plastic sheet Then bend the carrier, bending strain gauge detected output voltage will change.
- Can stick strain gauge on any objects, bending test, and then we bending module switching voltage.
- Can use potentiometer to adjust output starting voltage 0-3.5 V output analog voltage
Bottom line on “HBK Acquires MicroStrain”
HBK acquired MicroStrain Sensing Systems for a reported $37.6 million (£29.4 million) in 2023, following U.S. regulatory approval, and now operates it as MicroStrain by HBK. The strategic value is the addition of high-precision inertial and wireless sensing for industrial and tactical-grade markets, with stated ambitions in North America, robotics, agriculture, automation and smart manufacturing.
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