FOR
Static and quasi-static loads
Tension, compression, bending or combined loading with dwell stages and measurement of the force–displacement relationship.
Mechanical
Mechanical and endurance test benches
Apply a repeatable force, torque or movement to characterise a product and monitor its durability over time.
At a glance
The requirement comes before the machine.
SEM designs test benches that reproduce mechanical loads under static, dynamic or repeated-cycle conditions. Actuation, frame stiffness, part interfaces, alignment, instrumentation and safety functions are engineered as a complete load chain so the measurement reflects the actual behaviour of the product under test.
Force, torque and displacement
Cycling and endurance
Curves and automatic criteria
Dedicated frames and fixtures
Acquisition and monitoring
Product and operator protection
Load chain & measurement
The load must be controlled from the frame to the data.
A mechanical result depends as much on how the part is held as on the actuator or sensor. Clearance, fixture deflection, misalignment, speed, load reversals and cycle frequency can all change the result. SEM sizes the complete system to apply the intended load, protect the product and produce data that can be compared from one test to the next.
TOR
Torque and rotation
Application or measurement of torque, angle, rotational speed and behaviour during changes in direction or load.
CYC
Cycling and endurance
Automated repetition of movements or loads, cycle counting, drift monitoring and stopping on a defined criterion.
KIN
Movement and kinematics
Travel, speed, acceleration, positions, clearance, multi-axis synchronisation and reproduction of a functional sequence.
STR
Frames, fixtures and interfaces
Fabricated or machined structures, adjustable tooling and interfaces designed to react loads without corrupting the measurement.
DAT
Instrumentation and monitoring
Sensors matched to the useful ranges, acquisition, visualisation, alarms, logging and results delivery as required by the project.
Applications
Use cases, not a fixed catalogue.
Each bench is defined for the product and test conditions. These examples show the types of requirement we can assess.
01
Joints and mechanisms
Measure loads, clearance and positions, then track changes in operation after a defined number of movements.
02
Springs and dampers
Plot a force–travel curve, observe hysteresis, compare settings and monitor performance during cycling.
03
Controls and actuators
Check travel, speed, force or torque, response times, end stops and functional endurance.
04
Assemblies and transmissions
Apply representative movement or torque while monitoring losses, clearance, relevant temperature rise and drift.
05
Structural parts
Load a part in tension, compression or bending using a fixture designed to react and measure forces correctly.
06
Prototypes and products under development
Characterise behaviour, compare configurations and record the data needed to support engineering decisions.
Our method
A clear and verifiable process.
- 01
Define the load and duty spectrum
Forces, torques, travel, speeds, frequencies, cycle count, load direction, boundary conditions and acceptance criteria.
- 02
Select the actuation method
Electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuation selected for the required dynamics, accuracy, energy and endurance.
- 03
Size the frame and interfaces
Stiffness, load reactions, alignment, adjustment, product changeover, access and protection of the test area.
- 04
Define the measurement chain
Sensor ranges and accuracy, acquisition rate, synchronisation, calculations, display and data retention requirements.
- 05
Program cycles and safety functions
Sequences, ramps, dwell stages, reversals, counting, drift monitoring, alarms and safe fault response.
- 06
Validate with representative parts
Set-up, scenario checks, repeatability verification and factory acceptance testing using the intended interfaces.
Next step