Test bench setup
HUBER + SUHNER, the world leader in interconnect technology, uses state-of-the-art automated test rigs with robots to test its cables, able to appraise a wide variety of load cases. The complete measuring chain from HBK is used for acquiring the necessary measurement data with large data volumes and high precision requirements.
Modern bench-top robots characterize the cables to the predefined loads. For this purpose, different load profiles are run through at different ambient temperatures in a climatic chamber. The cables are also visually checked during the test to determine possible changes to the surface of the insulation jacket. In order to obtain stable and traceable measurement data, HBK's complete measurement chain is used for the long-term tests – from the precise sensors to the data acquisition to the intuitive software, which analyzes large amounts of data in just a few clicks. A reliable measuring chain without system breaks is thus guaranteed. According to Mr. T.-M. Schmid, a technician at H + S, this aspect opens up new dimensions for the use of modern robots and their degree of freedom in the test bench environment. Thus, for example, several load cases can be covered; whether it be a bending test, torsion test or complete 1: 1 simulated movements, all possible load cases can be realized with a working machine.
The trick is to find and record the relevant measurement points and quantities to detect material changes in the cables. For this purpose, sensors for force, torque, rotation angle, and temperature are used. The data acquisition system QuantumX and the catman® software from HBK are used for data acquisition and analysis.