Over the past few years, MGA has continually expanded the facilities and array of services offered for real-time simulation durability testing. Typically, these facilities include systems and expertise related to Multi-Axis Simulation Tables (MAST), Electro-Dynamic (ED) vibration systems, and multi-channel fatigue capabilities. This fall, MGA has made its largest expansion yet into this area of testing technology. This expansion is part of a multi-year plan to convert the Elliott campus of buildings, purchased in 2005, to specialized test laboratories serving the needs of the automotive industry.
Previously, MGA started with two MASTs and various component-level fatigue testing stations at the Executive Laboratory facility. In 2006, four additional MASTs, a 4-post simulation rig, and two ED shakers were brought on-line. For personnel, experts in dual MAST simulation and data editing/processing were added to our staff. The new laboratory, referred to as “Elliott II”, represents one of the biggest investments that MGA has made in the Michigan-based labs. Facilities added this summer include:
- Four additional 5’ x 7’ Six Degree of Freedom (DOF) MASTs with the latest MTS FlexTest controls
- Super-sized 12’ x 12’ Six DOF MAST with 35 KIP actuators
- 3 ED vibration systems of various sizes
- Lab infrastructure including 400 gpm pump, multiple HSMs, and additional capabilities for extreme temperature cycling with vibration
- Two additional hot gas flow simulators for high heat/exhaust application
MGA’s Director of Business Development, Paul Sapiano, comments, “It’s been great to see the continued quest by the team to continue to strive to help our customers meet their goals. We have gained a great deal of experience over the last couple of years in conducting higher level tests that combine real-time simulation with other environmental factors such as extreme climatic conditions, pressure cycling, hot gas flow, etc. Elliott II allows us to handle much greater volumes of higher level work including dual MAST exhaust test applications.”
MGA’s overall scope of facilities in this area now includes 11 MASTs, 15 inertial masses/bedplates, 120 servo loops, and numerous other items related to this type of work. MGA’s staff has also grown, both in number and expertise. The team at MGA is well versed in many industry and OEM-specific test protocols. As with all MGA facilities, staffing has been set up to conduct testing 24/7.
Elliott II is just a short walk from the 2807 Elliott laboratory and a very short drive from the Executive lab. Gerald Roesser, MGA’s Hydraulic Durability Business Unit Leader, comments, “Elliott II is another exciting step our company is taking in meeting the needs of our customers. I am highly confident that our customers will be pleased with this facility. Our staff has worked very hard in conjunction with our MGA-NY counterparts in bringing this facility on-line. We are excited about the horsepower this adds to our offerings, and are looking forward to more challenging and complex tests at Elliott II.”
