The doors of delivery vans are required to work perfectly thousands of times over. In long-term testing carried out by DaimlerChrysler to ensure that the doors on its vans achieve this requirement, supervisory control and data acquisition (scada) software from Festo ensures a seamless supply of data and test results.
Numerous test rigs are used to carry out endurance testing lasting more than a year on hinged and sliding doors, engine hoods, rear doors, fuel flaps and hinged windows fitted to models like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Vito. The test rigs used by DaimlerChrysler engineers are entirely assembled from servo-pneumatic and electrical servo-motor axes supplied by Festo, complete with control cabinets with Festo controllers and an FED-90 human machine interface.
Testing lasts more than a year on hinged and sliding doors, engine hoods, rear doors, fuel flaps and hinged windows fitted to models like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Vito
This FED (front-end display) is used to initialise, start and stop the rigs, and for troubleshooting. At the planning stage, the DaimlerChrysler development engineers relied on Festo to provide expert advice and supply complete systems. All the test rigs are networked via Ethernet to one another and also to the master controller level, using scada software from Festo for the integration.
Test rigs used by DaimlerChrysler engineers for long-term endurance testing on car doors are entirely assembled from servo-pneumatic and electrical servo-motor axes supplied by Festo
This system provides a seamless supply of data and test results. "Previously we had to acquire data ourselves in laborious random sample testing and enter this manually into Excel tables," says Michael Klebsattel, the R&D engineer responsible for the long-term testing of doors. "Now we have access to seamless data series, which will become increasingly more important in an age where product liability responsibilities are constantly growing."
A central user interface allows each test rig to be viewed, with displays of actual values for operating hours, numbers of actuations and error status. Loadcells fitted to the actuators measure the forces required to open and close the door. A simple trend display can be used to gain a rapid visual overview at any time of the values for the preceding hour. Data on load cycles, forces and electrical current can be made available in neatly edited bar diagrams. The measured values are archived at regular intervals, and also whenever threshold values are exceeded, to allow long-term studies. Numbers of load cycles, threshold values and time cycles can be used as archiving parameters.
The scada package is designed to present all data relating to the process in a clear and understandable form, in realtime. This allows managers to monitor the entire process, and react quickly to any unscheduled events. The test rig data is fed via a web-server to the DaimlerChrysler Intranet for easy browsing access. If a test rig ceases to operate, an alarm is transmitted via SMS to the relevant service team.
Overall, Festo plays a significant role in the efficient functioning of this part of the DaimlerChrysler R&D facility, ensuring that the company maintains world-class quality standards across its product range.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, Festo, +27 (0) 11 971 5560, [email protected]
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
printer friendly version