Company history

More than 35 years ago, Erich Hunger founded the company IML. In the meantime, it developed to an internationally active family business with more than 60 employees. It stands for innovation, precision as well as efficiency. The core products are wood testing systems, for which IML holds the position of the market leader. IML’s additional product branches are dental systems and the manufacturing of precision parts.

The beginnings of IML – from 1985 to 1992

Established in 1985 within the Technology Park of Heidelberg University, IML initially focused on collaborating with scientific institutions. This led to the development of early prototypes for eye diagnostics and wood examination. We adopted advanced CNC technology for production as early as 1985.

In 1992, our close ties with academia led to a collaboration with Professor Dr. Claus Mattheck of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, resulting in the development of the VTA method, which remains a cornerstone of our wood testing solutions.

The development of drilling measurement devices

Our early research focused on drilling resistance measurement. The drilling resistance method was patented in 1985 by Kamm & Voss (Patent No.: DE3501841A1). IML acquired a license and developed several drilling resistance measuring devices for commercial production. In 1992, we introduced the Densitomat, the world’s first commercially available drilling resistance measuring device.

These early devices used a telescopic system for drilling needle guidance, a principle that continues to be essential in modern devices. Developing this technology was a technical feat, as the drilling needle, measuring 1.5 millimeters at the shaft and 3 millimeters at the drilling head, required both stability and smooth rotation.

wood testing devices IML RESI B-Series in the year 2010
IML RESI E-Series in the year 2010
IML RESI M-Series in the year 2010

The emergence of the product branches „dental systems“ and „precision parts“

IML has a history of product diversification. While our early focus was on eye diagnostics, in 1992 we entered the dental systems market in partnership with others.

We subsequently added precision parts manufacturing to our product range. IML continues to innovate and provide efficient solutions across all these areas

First IML-Articulator from the year 1992
IML-Arcon Articulator “today”
IML-Fully Adjustable Articulator S24 “today”
Production of precision parts

CNC-turning and milling parts with a small and big diameter in series

Expansion into an internationally active company

In 1993, IML relocated its headquarters to Wiesloch and began establishing partnerships with sales representatives across Europe, the United States, and Canada. With the acquisition of international patents for the drilling resistance measurement method (Kamm & Voss), we expanded our distribution network.

Today, IML maintains a global presence through our network of sales partners, ensuring local support and customer proximity. We also have direct operations in the United States since 1997 and in Australia since 2002.

Wiesloch “Großer Stadtacker”

The moving of wood testing systems into new professions

While initially focused on scientific applications, IML’s wood testing systems now serve a diverse range of industries, including tree care, playground equipment maintenance, monument preservation, and more. In the early 2000s, we introduced drilling resistance measurement to the telecommunications industry, which recognized its value for assessing the stability of wooden masts.

As this was a new application for the industry, we began offering training courses on device usage. This marked the expansion of our services portfolio and laid the foundation for today’s IML seminars.

inspection of a wooden bridge
testing of a wooden mast in the USA
security testing in the playing ground – playing ground inspection and playing ground equipment inspection with IML wood testing systems.
drilling resitance- and Feed Force Measurement with the IML-RESI PD400 in the Schillerpark in Wiesloch during a traffic security inspection.
IML’s first seminar room
IML’s current seminar room until completion of the seminar center

Development of the IML PowerDrill®

IML achieved a significant milestone with the development of the IML PowerDrill®, an advanced measurement device building upon our successful electronic and mechanical products. The IML PowerDrill® not only electronically stores and processes measurement data but also allows for later data analysis.

Additionally, it measures both drilling resistance and feed force, providing even more precise results thanks to our patented feed force measurement technology. Specialized underwater models of the IML PowerDrill® are now used by divers to assess wooden structures.

Further expansion – from 2012 until today

To meet increasing product demand, IML expanded its workforce and facilities. In 2012, the company moved to a larger 17,000-square-meter site at Parkstraße in Wiesloch, featuring a 5,500-square-meter office and production building. Since 2020, the site has further expanded with a 3,000-square-meter warehouse and a 180-square-meter seminar center with an outdoor training area.

Company expansion with IML Electronic

IML Electronic was established in 2021 by Sebastian and Fabian Hunger through the acquisition of argus electronic. With a 25-year history, argus electronic is renowned for providing high-quality measurement devices and automation solutions. Founded in 1994 by Rolf Pohlmann, argus electronic has been developing and manufacturing innovative products for tree safety diagnosis, atmospheric measurement technology, agricultural dosing technology, and custom solutions. The company has a global reach, with distribution channels in Europe, Africa, America, Asia, and Australia.

Location in Rostock

argus electronic and IML Electronic share a common focus on precision, high-quality, and innovative measurement devices. Due to their close relationship, the two companies have collaborated several times in the past. In 2021, when it became clear that argus electronic would need a successor, both companies agreed that IML would take over its operations in 2022. Sebastian and Fabian Hunger founded IML Instrumenta Mechanik Labor Electronic GmbH to continue offering the entire argus electronic product range. The company headquarters in Rostock and all staff members remained in place, forming the core of IML Electronic.

IML-PiCUS Sonic Tomograph
IML-PiCUS TreeTronic
IML-PiCUS TreeQinetic
IML-PiCUS TreeMotion
IML-PiCUS Calliper
IML-PiCUS Tension

Today’s family business

Several family members are actively involved in IML, leading various divisions and upholding the company’s philosophy alongside our dedicated team of 60 employees. Erich Hunger’s sons, Sebastian and Fabian, have been instrumental in shaping IML’s future since joining in 2004 and 2012, respectively. At IML, innovation and implementation of new techniques are always a collaborative effort.

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