Product category:
Factory data acquisition
News Release from: HBM UK | Subject: MGCplus and catman data acquisition software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 June 2004
Faster testing helps better earthmover
development
A leading manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, has shortened its lead times for developing new products by choosing data acquisition and analysis equipment for field trials and initial testing.
A leading manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, Komatsu UK, has shortened its lead times for developing new products by choosing HBM's data acquisition and analysis equipment for both field trials and initial design testing The company, based in Newcastle, selected HBM as the most appropriate and cost effective solution after a comprehensive review of current data loggers
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 20 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Notes Peter Beardwood, Komatsu UK's product development engineer: "By using HBM's MGCplus and its associated catman software we have achieved a more rapid turnround of data than ever before.
This has shortened the time taken to develop new machines and helps bring new products to the market quicker".
Komatsu UK concentrates on the development of medium-sized crawler and wheeled excavators.
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These undergo a three-stage testing programme to ensure they meet the wide range of customer requirements.
Products and modifications are tested in local lab tests, in Komatsu's own build test area and finally in field trials at a local quarry.
Adds Beardwood: "Our customers depend on high-quality machines that operate consistently and predictably, ensuring operator confidence and satisfaction".
Testing of earth moving equipment and excavators involves examining areas of high stress caused by variable loads in a mobile harsh environment.
Vibration, while not particularly high, can be considered harsh during repeat or continuous testing to simulate operational conditions.
To meet its needs, Komatsu UK uses an HBM MGCplus with 128 single strain gauge input channels and the catman software script has been written specifically to meet Komatsu's requirements.
The equipment is supplied in a vibration and weather-proof housing with all wiring terminating in spring-loaded connectors.
The equipment is calibrated annually by HBM ensuring consistently high accuracy.
The system uses synchronous sampling over a trailing ethernet connection to handle the large data file transfer rates and reduce any interference from electrical noise.
Remarks Beardwood: "The HBM system gives good accuracy and repeatability with no data drop-outs".
Komatsu UK is now looking to extend the system's functionality to allow for more extensive endurance trials carried out in local quarries.
To achieve this HBM is working with Komatsu UK to develop a wireless solution since the trailing ethernet restricts ability of the test machine to move without relocating the base station.
About HBM - HBM is a globally operating company specializing in test and measurement.
HBM provides complete measurement solutions - from sensor to software - based on high quality products as strain gages, load cells, tranducers, signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics and software.
With development and manufacturing operations in Europe, America and Asia, HBM provides measurement solutions to a wide variety of companies in the automotive, aerospace, marine, rail transport, medical equipment, packaging, appliance, automation, and scale industries.
With a 50 year history of quality and precision products, the HBM name has become synonymous with "Measurement with Confidence. Request a free brochure from HBM UK ...
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