Lifetime Simulation Systems
HOERATH develops and manufactures Lifetime Simulation Systems for test tasks in which products are tested for function, load capacity and long-term reliability under realistic or accelerated conditions.
Simulate Loads in a Targeted Manner, Verify Service Life Reproducibly
Lifetime Simulation Systems make it possible to reproduce recurring stresses in a controlled and reproducible manner. This allows you to test how components and functions behave over a longer period under defined loads, cycles and test cycles.
Test Technology for Repeated Loading in Fast Motion
One example of this is a lifetime test bench developed by HOERATH for testing push buttons, for instance on keyboards or joysticks. Each push button to be tested is subjected to a defined pressing force via a pneumatically operated test plunger. The applied pressing force is freely selectable – depending on the test plunger – and ranges from 6 N to 20 N.
The number of test strokes as well as the stroke frequency can also be set within defined limits. This makes it possible to simulate loads in a targeted manner and to design tests so that real usage conditions or accelerated ageing scenarios are reproduced in a comprehensible way.
Monitoring Functionality and Service Life in a Structured Way
In addition to mechanical stress, the electrical functionality of the devices under test is also monitored. By automatically measuring the electrical resistance of each individual push button, it is checked whether the respective function continues to be reliably ensured. The test cycle itself is freely selectable and can be adapted to the specific task.
This creates a test bench that operates as a lifetime test station: through the set stroke frequency in combination with the selected pressing force, the service life of the device under test runs in fast-motion mode and is thus actively shortened. In this way, conclusions about long-term reliability can be drawn significantly faster and under controlled conditions.
Since HOERATH acts as the product manufacturer or party placing the product on the market in this case, the CE conformity assessment procedure is also part of the scope of services.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
What HOERATH Covers in the Area of Lifetime Simulation Systems
HOERATH develops Lifetime Simulation Systems for defined loading and test sequences in which mechanical stress, test cycle and function monitoring interact in a technically sound manner.
Test Concept & Design
Development of an application-specific test concept for real or accelerated load scenarios.
Pneumatic Loading
Defined application of force to the device under test via pneumatically operated test plungers with adjustable pressing force.
Stroke Count & Frequency
Adjustable test strokes and stroke frequencies for the targeted simulation of recurring stress.
Function Monitoring
Automated measurement of electrical values for continuous testing of functionality during the test sequence.
Fast-Motion Lifetime Test
Shortened lifetime testing through controlled loading in accelerated test mode.
Documentation & CE
Technical documentation and consideration of the CE conformity assessment procedure where corresponding manufacturer responsibility applies.