TEST SYSTEMS FEATURE
Wireless load instrumentation improves vehicle testing
Mantracourt Electronics, a leader in high precision measurement electronics has helped its Australian distributor to develop a new vehicle testing project. This particular project is typical of how engineers at Mantracourt, in partnership with their customers, can provide working solutions to a wide variety of weighing and measurements applications
T
he project was collaboration between Mantracourt and Applied
Measurement Australia who were approached by the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) to help renovate and update a Tilt Table that was used to test vehicle stability by tilting to an angle of 45 degrees. Mantracourt’s T24 Wireless Telemetry system was chosen for modernising the out-dated measurement system. Initially it was the ease of set up and operation that attracted Applied Measurement to T24, but a wireless system was also more suitable for the application environment, bearing in mind that the operators have to perform tests outside in all weather conditions.
REAL TIME DATA AQUISITION T24 is a wireless telemetry system for multiple data acquisition in real time. The range comprises a versatile set of products, based around proprietary acquisition devices that can be mixed and matched to provide high quality remote readings for critical applications. The low power, battery equipped, radio units can allow data collection over many years without externally supplied power and so are considerably more cost- effective than hardwired systems. As the vehicles under test were on the tilt table, data from the load cells, which were connected to a T24-ACMi-VA (voltage acquisition module) and situated on the weigh pads under each wheel, was sent back wirelessly to a laptop equipped with a T24-BSue (USB receiver base station) and Mantracourt’s logging and mapping software. Applied Measurement also attached
inclinometers on the tilt bridge. Each inclinometer, which is integrated with a T24-ACMi-VA, measures the returned voltage which is proportional to the angle of the beam. Each beam was
calibrated using a laboratory tilt table to +45 degrees. This information was also displayed during testing. All data from the test was logged every second during testing to allow for analysis and compilation of a report to be given to the end customer. Throughout the project technical support was available from Applied Measurement Australia and from the UK based Mantracourt office. In addition a Mantracourt engineer was also available onsite to assist with initial setup and calibration. Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry
Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry system is a versatile system for a wide range of applications, including those in harsh and rugged conditions
system is a versatile system for a wide range of applications, including those in harsh and rugged conditions. With engineering expertise and back-up from Mantracourt, wherever in the world the application is being set-up, wireless systems are easy to set up and are now becoming a viable alternative to hard wired systems.
Mantracourt T: 01395 232020
www.mantracourt.com
Fully automated paper strength tester increases product consistency and reduces waste
U
niform strength is an important property when producing multi- layered paper products. It can now be measured accurately across
the entire reel width – 10 position measurements within six minutes with a fully automated test method. ABB is helping paper manufacturers assess uniform strength across the entire reel width of a wide range of paper and board grades, quickly, accurately and simply via its L&W ZD Tensile Tester. The tester measures internal bond strength values, or Z-direction
(ZDT) tensile forces, using a simple, automated method. The paper sample to be tested is placed on the device’s feeding table and the operator presses the start button. Tape is automatically applied on both sides of the sample. Steel platens are pressed against the taped paper/board sample. The platens then pull the paper apart and the force needed to split the sample is recorded. The sample is automatically fed to the next measurement position. The results are displayed in tabular form or as graphics and can be output using the built-in printer. Measurement of a 1.5 metre strip in 10 positions takes only six minutes. The system operates in accordance with ISO 15754, SCAN P 80 and TAPPI T 541 standards. By testing the internal bond strength, paper makers can avoid low or unevenly distributed bonds which
cause material splitting in an offset press with sticky printing ink. The tester also ensures that, when creasing or scoring boxboard, the material delaminates to the right degree, thereby avoiding poor folding lines or cracks in the outer layer, leading to waste. Too high internal bond strength impedes the creasing of the boxboard which leads to material wastage and excessive energy use. In heat-set web offset printing of highly coated paper, a good internal bond strength is critical to avoid blistering occurring as moisture escapes during the heating process. The tester can identify when this is likely to occur. The tester comes with a colour touch screen with intuitive menus, large accessible buttons and a
protective surface for easy cleaning. In addition to printing via the built-in printer, the system offers the functionality to export data via Ethernet or to print on a network device instead.
ABB UK /AUTOMATION T: +468 477 9000
www.abb.com AUTOMATION | MAY 2016 21
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