Vibration table

All vibrations during transport may influence and possibly damage the product and the packaging. Sometimes, the result is immediately visible, but the problem with vibration damage is that this type of damage is not always visible on the outside of the product, for instance in case of electronic components.

The advanced vibration table of Topa Institute generates various types of vibrations that occur during actual transport.

General

Test standards

Specifications

Various tests

Random vibration test

During a random vibration test, a combination of frequencies and intensities is simulated. Per type of transport (plane, truck, or train), other vibration profiles are available. Random vibration tests are performed in accordance with test profiles from ISTA or ASTM. Tests can also be done based on measurements in actual transport. By placing dedicated data loggers on the floor of a truck, data can be read after transport that can be used to establish test profiles.

Loose load vibration test

This test simulates the packaging or load incidentally coming loose from the floor as a result of poor road surface during transport. At the start of the test, the frequency of the vibration table is increased until the packaging or pallet repeatedly comes loose from the floor. The found frequency is maintained during an established time. The test is performed with a fixed vibration of the vibration table. This way, the dynamic compression value of the packaging can be examined. Due to the vibrations, the packagings can start to work against each other, due to which the strain on the bottom box can greatly increase.

Sine sweep test

In order to determine the resonance frequency, a sine sweep test is performed. During this test, the electronic equipment or part is mounted on the vibration table. The table is set in such a way that the frequency changes slowly as time passes. Consequently, the product goes through a sweep of for instance 3 to 200 Hz. The resonances within the product are perceived by seeing a lot of movement of a certain part, hearing noise, or by analyzing the measurements of an accelerometer placed on certain components. The result of a sine sweep test can be different in various directions of the product. It is recommended to conduct the test in multiple directions. When developing the packaging, the found resonance frequencies can be taken into account.

International standards

Vibration tests exist in many ways. Topa Institute tests in accordance with international standards. International standards are:

All ISTA standards
ASTM D999
ASTM D3580
ASTM D4169
ASTM D4728
ASTM D7386
ISO 4180
ISO 13355

Vibration table for transport simulation

Manufacturer: Lansmont model 10000 TTV II

Maximum format test product: 152 x 152 x 260 cm
Maximum weight test product: 1100 kg
Maximum movement of table: 6.4 cm
Frequency range: 3 - 300 Hz
Calibration interval: annual