A manufacturer of materials-handling machines has used TWI to check its latest designs. TWI has offered the facility of on-site strain services measurement for over 30 years.
The long-established manufacturer of heavy earth-moving machinery has among its products a range of long-reach excavators. Model VC30, the subject of this study, is the largest in the range with a maximum reach of 30m. Even with computer aided design, it is difficult to predict real in-service loads and stresses.
Fifty-eight strain gauges were bonded to the machine at critical or highly-stressed locations at the clients workshops in Lincoln. The machine was then transported to a local quarry where it was tested digging in sand, gravel and clay. Static and dynamic strain data were recorded and at TWI, areas of high and low stress were identified, together with the machine operations that produced the stresses.
TWI also performed a comprehensive fatigue analysis. Fatigue is likely in heavy earth-moving machinery so the company places special emphasis on pre-production testing to iron out any potential problems. Experimental analysis minimises the risk of fatigue failure by allowing service fatigue data to be collected from a real machine; generally more reliable than theoretically-produced data. Any areas identified as high risk can then be redesigned before production begins.
As well as providing a strain analysis service, TWI can help and advise in related areas such as general design, production methods and of course welding.
For more information please contact us.