ProTest - Automated Production Testing - Noise and Vibration
Noise and vibration analysis provides a powerful tool for the quality and performance testing of a wide range of products, components and processes. Production testing "closes the loop" to provide immediate diagnostic feedback on component, assembly and process faults. In the case of products, it can also minimise warranty claims by providing objective specifications that accurately predict subjective customer perceptions.
The ProTest system is a deceptively simple combination of software, hardware and application expertise that makes it easy to install manual or fully automated noise/vibration based production test systems for virtually any application.
Key features include:
Engineering expertise
Used to determine the best analysis techniques for reliable fault detection
User control
Test parameters, configuration and degree of interaction required by the operator
Integration and selective database storage for SPC etc
additional parameters (temperature, speed, current ....)
Low cost and reliable (PC based using off-the-shelf-components)
We have also developed new analysis techniques for applications where conventional methods are insufficiently sensitive or reliable.
These include gear knock detection, cable rubbing, motor current and glass breakage algorithms. |
Typical Applications
Automated Sound Power Measurement
Vehicle, Pump, Gearbox Testing
Process and Condition Monitoring
Automotive Component Testing
Automated Gear Testing
Vibration Signature Database Generation
Glass Breakage detection .....
Standard Facility Summary
1/1, 1/3 octaves and narrow band analyses; multiple arbitrary frequency band analyses; single or multi-channel noise and / or vibration; statistical analyses; 8 channels digital i/o; 8 channels auxiliary input (speed, temperature...); RS232 control and networking; simple end user test reconfiguration.
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Automated Gear Test System
ProTest is fitted to Gleason gear test machines to provide fully automated production testing of gear vibration. It not only provides pass/fail warnings on gear quality, but it also automatically calculates the optimum pinion position for quiet running. In addition to storing gear set data, it also stores information on the mechanical condition of the gear test machine itself.
Automotive Dashboard Sounder Testing
ProTest is used in the testing of the sound quality for automotive warning sounders for several vehicles. Integrated into the electronic binnacle test systems, ProTest uses specially developed algorithms that accurately reflect the subjective impression of the noise from the sounders. The 100% sounder testing regime eliminates potential warrantee claims - the system typically pays for itself within a few weeks.
Vacuum Pumps - Sound Power & Vibration Signatures
A bar code driven ProTest installation has been used to automate the 100% production testing of vacuum pumps. It not only provides 5 channel 1/3 octave sound power plus vibration signature analysis, but also includes test control functions and parallel capture of temperature and other data.
The vibration analysis facilities have proved to be invaluable. They have been used to identify faulty components and the subtle effects of assembly techniques to improve build quality. Consequently, the system pays for itself several times a year. The vibration signature database is also used to aid fault identification in the field. Whilst the test regime has been continuously extended and updated in-house, the system has proved to be 100% reliable - vital for a production critical application.
Sound Power Testing
ProTest provides turnkey, automated sound power measurement, with systems ranging from simple, very low cost versions (a complete installation for the cost of a sound level meter) up to more sophisticated multi-microphone installations.
Capabilities include octave, third octave, narrow band and additional vibration analysis. The system developed for JCB is used all year round in all weathers to provide automated sound power measurements from an array of 6 microphones (noise levels are captured and displayed in real time).
It has not only worked perfectly from day one - "straight-from-the-box" - but it was also customised to suit precisely the requirements of the test programme and engineers.
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Direct Links
noise control audit - digital noise assessment - noise competency training - noise training - product noise control - fan noise control - VWF (Vibration White Finger) - Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) assessment - HAV competency training - HAV database (HAV-Base) - Whole Body Vibration (WBV) measurement - environmental noise control - noise nuisance - environmental noise monitoring - production line testing (noise and vibration) - noise nuisance / annoyance recorders - frequency analyser and noise analyser software
Industrial Noise & Vibration Centre
889 Plymouth Road, Slough Berks SL1 4LP
Tel: 01753 698800 Fax: 01753 567 988
email:consult@invc.co.uk |
