How many slam cycles can a door latch endure? Will a lift gate anti-pinch sensor function correctly at -40°C? Can you test the breakaway function of a pedal box without performing a full scale crash test? Should you verify the functional performance of your production parts before shipping them to your client? These are some of the questions we help our clients answer with test automation solutions.
Durability fixtures are designed to simulate the in-use environment of mechanical or electro-mechanical parts and compress the time frame required to simulate that life. Fixtures are designed to apply energy or motion to the part in a controlled and repeatable manner and can measure key performance characteristics during or after a series of tests. Simple systems can be configured with a PLC for control and acquisition. More demanding applications are accommodated using the comprehensive suite of National Instruments hardware and Labview software with our application specific programming. Our hybrid systems marry the capabilities of a PLC and a PC to maximize capability while minimizing costs.
Test automation is not isolated to the test lab anymore. Manufacturers have begun to realize the benefits of applying testing technology to the production line as well. Consistent production quality can be assisted by integrating test automation into the production line itself with in-line or end-of-line units. Key product characteristics can be measured as the product moves through production allowing adjustments to be made before it ships to a client.
Having our own complete product development test lab on-site, gives us a unique insight into what our clients require from a well designed and built test fixture. We’ve completed numerous product development programs for our testing clients from experimental validation right through to production validation. Feedback from our test technicians provides invaluable support for our fixture designers.