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Featured Article...
Sunload testing is: subjecting test samples to a specific temperature through direct sunlight simulated through infrared lighting. All sun load tests involve placing samples into environmental temperatures normally higher than ambient conditions and subjecting certain areas of the sample to simulated sunlight. Thermocouples are attached to the sample and must remain in contact with it at all times while the temperature is being monitored. In the past, the temperature was controlled through dials that increase and decrease the intensity of the infrared lights, as well as adjusting the distance at which the light is placed from the sample. Each infrared light's temperature is read through its own thermocouple, which can be monitored and recorded through data acquisition.
MGA has developed new ways of conducting simulated sunload tests. As part of our improved sunload capabilities, we have replaced dial light controllers with thermostats that control the temperature electronically.
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 We are happy to announce that our installation of the full-scale crash facility at PATAC is underway. PATAC is a 50-50 joint venture between GM (General Motors) and SAIC (Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation). |
| Focus on Fixtures...
Integrated Life Cycle Fixture
Ever been required to test a door, instrument panel, or seat, but do not have access to a vehicle buck? Furthermore, wouldn't it be ideal if all the pneumatic cylinders and controls were already in position and ready to test? MGA has the ability to solve both problems with an Integrated Life Cycle Fixture.
An Integrated Life Cycle Fixture is a test system that not only simulates real vehicle attachments, but also reduces setup time by having the test ready to go. These virtual test stations can be used for a multitude of applications such as:
 - Door Slam Life Cycle - Glove Box Endurance - Recliner Durability In addition to reducing setup time, these test systems are ideal for situations where multiple samples must be run simultaneously and resources (such as vehicle bucks) are unavailable. The fixtures can be fabricated out of steel or aluminum, and may also have contoured composite backing to simulate complex sheet metal forming. All fixtures are certified to math data (when provided) to ensure accuracy and orientation.
For any questions or if you would like to discuss Integrated Life Cycle Fixtures, please contact Andy Gould (andrew.gould@mgaresearch.com) at (248) 925-8092. We look forward to working with you in the future. |
Salt Fog Testing: the Next Level
Salt Fog is a very common test to those who want to gage corrosion resistance in their products, but a less common (and much more rigorous) method is the SO2 injected salt fog. SO2 is produced in volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide acts as an acid when combined with moisture. It accelerates the corrosion process initiated by the standard salt fog test that MGA offers.
Are you certain of the corrosion resistance that your product is providing to your customers? Even a well designed and handsomely built component can be overshadowed by an unsightly corrosion problem! These SO2 injected salt fog tests (found in ASTM G85) can be performed in MGA's Technical Services Laboratory in Akron, NY.
If you would like more information on this type of testing, please contact Steve Richardson at (716) 542-5515 or steven.richardson@mgaresearch.com |
Under Pressure
Suzanne Phillips - Akron, NY (suzanne.phillips@mgaresearch.com)
Many people claim that they "do their best work under pressure". Manufacturers of products used in the hydraulics/pneumatics industries, as well as pumps, compressors, hoses, valves, fittings, etc. would most likely want to make sure your products do the same. The best way to gain this assurance is to actually test those products to see if they can "stand up to the pressure".
MGA has been providing testing services for the hydraulics/pneumatics industries for over 20 years.
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MGA Websites:
For more information on our capabilities please visit one of our following
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Editor's Note:
This Touching Base article is a re-print of an article originally wrote in 2005. |
Touching Base
with Dr. Patrick Miller - Akron, NY
Top Down Weather
There is much to enjoy during a bright, sunny, summer day. Dropping the top on a convertible and traveling over the rural highways is a summer time pleasure for me. My home is about 38 miles from the office and the trip in a convertible with the top down is
a refreshing beginning to a wonderful day.
My favorite car was a Triumph TR-6 Roadster. Purchased in 1970, the car was driven into the late 1980's. My son Mike grew up with this car. Often, when he was young, we would go for a ride over the rural Western New York roads. When he was about 10 years old, I asked him how he would like to drive this car when he grew up. He said he would and could hardly wait to drive it.
Shortly, we came up on a deserted country road. I stopped and said, "Why wait, do it now." Thus began his first lesson in operating a motor vehicle on the highway. After several minutes of driving, learning to shift, and backing up, I drove home. Like any sensible father, after such a great father-son adventure, I said, "Don't tell your mother." But, of course, like most enthusiastic young boys, he did!
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