Vehicle and Large Part Testing
Nowhere can the focus on quality testing, compressed development time and responsibility for designs be seen more clearly than in ACT Laboratory's full-vehicle and large part facilities. Here, full size production and prototype vehicles, components, assemblies and entire systems are exposed to demanding tests designed to prove out design goals.
Cyclic and environmental tests of moving and non-moving parts are constantly underway in our chambers. Each of the chambers is equipped with temperature capabilities from -40° F (-40° C) to +250° F (+120° C) and humidity levels up to 100%.
Six walk-in chambers ranging from 8' x 10' to 12' x 16'
Three drive-in chambers measuring 30' x 20'
Capable of conducting multiple tests on numerous components simultaneously, these chambers can efficiently duplicate actual hot and cold weather cycling to evaluate material dimensional stability, functionality, operational effort and similar performance characteristics.
A key benefit of these full-vehicle and large part chambers is that should an individual component fail, it's not necessary to shut down the entire test as could be the case in live, proving grounds driving. Rather, the remaining tests can be run out and data collected, thus saving time and expense.
Typical components exposed to environmental chamber testing include: headliners, door panels, seats, package trays, instrument panels, hood liners, fender liners and FASCIA.
Smart Controllers
The data feedback system from load cells monitored by Smart Controllers offer extra protection for components being cycled through the environmental chambers. When dramatic changes in force or displacement exceed design criteria, these limits are sensed by the Smart Controllers which cut power to the test devices before destructive damage occurs.
The controllers can also dial a phone or beeper number to alert engineers that personal attention is required.
ACT Laboratories, 28031 Grand Oaks Court, Wixom, MI 48393. Tel: 248-347-6310; Fax: 248-347-6540.