Testing products against vibration is crucial. It helps manufacturers know how their products will behave under extreme vibrations. Different vibration testing tools, varying in frequency, are available. However, high-frequency vibration machines are very popular in specific industries like aerospace.
It offers vibrations of higher frequency and tests the product extensively. Interestingly, this equipment comes with a vibration control system. This allows the testers to check the product at different vibration intensities. In this article, I’ll explain all the ins and outs of high-frequency vibration equipment. So, let’s get started!
Overview of High-Frequency Vibration Equipment
It is a device or machine that converts electrical energy into vibration, which is very high-frequency. The product under test experiences those vibrations. If it is durable, it will sustain the high-frequency vibration, and vice versa. This machine simulates real-world conditions to check how a product behaves.
This machine is handy in fatigue testing and helps analyze products’ structural strength. It is not a standalone device; it has many parts and components that make it work. The primary purpose of this device is to check the quality of material and overall build of different products. For example, this equipment is mainly used in the aerospace industry.
As you know, airplanes experience turbulence and high vibration during flight. Right? If airplane parts are not tested, their reliability will always be questioned. Imagine a plane with weaker electronics experiencing turbulence. The electronics of airplanes can fail if they are not tested properly. That’s where this high-frequency vibration equipment comes in handy.
The manufacturers put those airplane electronics under these machines for testing. Only products that pass these machine tests are used in airplanes. Remember, the application of this equipment is not confined only to the aerospace industry. It has found widespread applications in aerospace, automobiles, and construction.
Quick Highlight: High-frequency vibration equipment is versatile. It is not bound to a specific sector. Manufacturers from different niches use it to ensure product reliability. Even some battery makers also use this device to check battery performance against vibration. Remember, batteries also face vibration during transportation.
Components of High-Frequency Vibration Device
As I said earlier, high-frequency vibration chambers consist of many components. Those parts work together to create high-frequency vibrations. Malfunctionality is any part that will fail this machine. In the section below, I’ll list all the key components of this machine:
- Electric motor: This motor provides the initial power of the machine. Its shaft plays a key role in the machine’s operation.
- Eccentric weight: The machine consists of eccentric weight, which creates the vibration. This weight remains attached to the shaft of the motor. When the shaft of the motor moves, this weight also moves, creating vibration.
- Vibration table: This is a platform that holds the material under test. Some modern machines come with compact clamps for this purpose.
- Control system: This is an essential component that helps control the intensity of vibration. Generally, high-end vibration machines come with a dedicated screen. The screen helps adjust different parameters during material testing.
- Sensors: Every high-frequency vibration machine comes with a sensor. So manufacturers won’t have to rely on visual inspection. Instead, the sensor detects the conditions of the product, and it undergoes vibrations. If it cracks or deteriorates, the sensor informs the operator.
How Do High-Frequency Vibration Machines Work?
Have you carefully understood the workings of each component mentioned above? If you do, understanding the workings of this device will be a lot easier.
1- Motors Shaft & Eccentric Weight
First, the motors run through the electric supply. Different machines can have different motors running on a DC or AC supply. The motor has a shaft, which is key in producing the vibration. As I said, an eccentric weight is attached to the motor shaft. Don’t be confused by the eccentric weight.
Take it as a small metal piece mounted at the wrong balance (at one side of the shaft). The weight can be different sizes depending on the size of the machine. When a motor runs, the shaft moves due to its direct connection with the motor. As a result, the eccentric weight attached to the shaft also spins. This weight is at the wrong balance, so its spinning creates vibration.
Quick Highlight: Generally, the intensity of vibration depends on the size of the weight. If the weight is significant, it creates extreme vibration and vice versa. Modern machines come with amplifiers. The role of this amplifier is to increase the spinning motion of weight further. As a result, the frequency of vibration increases.
2- Travelling of Vibration to Table
The next step is how this vibration goes to the vibration table. As you know, the material or product under testing remains mounted on the table. The machine has a strong structure which acts as a base. When the eccentric weight creates vibration, this structure of the machine also vibrates.
The vibration table sits on this structure of the machine. So, when a structure vibrates, the vibration travels to all the components attached to this structure. A table is attached to a frame or structure, so vibration travels to it. As a result, the table vibrates, and the material also faces the vibration. The extent of vibration varies depending on the machine’s size.
3- Sensor Detecting Condition of Material
Remember, the machine screen allows the operator to control the frequency (Hz) of vibration. As I said, the high-frequency vibration equipment consists of dedicated sensors. So when materials face vibrations, the sensor keeps checking on materials. If the material starts to crack, the sensor immediately informs the operator through the screen.
If the material does not deteriorate, it is high quality and reliable. Remember, machines start with mild vibration. If a material or product sustains those mild vibrations, the operator increases the frequency of vibrations. This helps the operator determine the actual value of the product. More cracks and tears mean products need improvement.
Applications of High-Frequency Vibration Device
As I said earlier, this high-frequency vibration equipment is key for many industries. Manufacturers use it to test their products, such as batteries. However, you’ll find its extensive usage in the aerospace and automobile industries.
1- Aerospace Industry
The electronics and other parts of airplanes undergo vibration in the real world. They must be strong enough to bear the vibrations during turbulence and even take-offs. Manufacturers put their parts under vibration testing. They use these machines and ensure they use reliable parts capable of absorbing the vibration well.
2- Constructions Field
How can we neglect the usage of this machine in the construction industry? It allows manufacturers to create parts that can withstand earthquakes. Let me give you an example. Manufacturers use it to check the quality of concrete blocks, steel beams, and construction materials. It helps them know how these products will behave when they face vibrations. Their usage in testing support beams or joints of bridges is undeniable.
3- Automotive
The automotive industry relies heavily on this high-frequency vibration machine. Why? Automobiles remain under vibration when running, which can cause wear and tear components. So, testing components against vibration helps ensure their reliability. For example, they test dashboards through this machine. Remember, only a robust dashboard can sustain the vibration. This is just one example; you can find many more in the automobile sector.
4- Electronics
The electronics industry also uses this machine. When a device vibrates, its electronics experience vibrations. The device will continue to work under different conditions if the parts are reliable. For example, a smartphone vibrates when set in vibration mode. If the circuit board inside the mobile is weak, the smartphone might malfunction due to vibration.
Almost all the electronic parts undergo this vibration testing. How can we forget the drones flying high above the ground? Their wings move and can create vibrations. So, the drone electronics parts are tested using this high-frequency vibration equipment. In this way, manufacturers use high-quality parts in their drones. It helps them enhance the quality of drones and get ahead of competitors.
5- Military & Defense
All communication devices undergo vibration testing. Why? They are used when firing and explosions are going around. Those explosions create vibration. So, the radio and walkie-talkie must be strong enough to bear the vibrations. Moreover, different parts of mussels also undergo high-frequency vibration testing.
It ensures they function correctly when a missile is launched. The aircraft flies very fast, and this higher engine power creates vibration. So, the aircraft’s electronic parts should be strong enough to bear the vibrations. Therefore, manufacturers use these high-frequency vibration machines to test them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency range do high-frequency vibration machines operate at?
Depending on their size, these machines’ frequency range varies between a few and thousands of hertz (Hz). Some machines come with frequency adjustment features. It gives the operator control over the vibration intensity.
What materials can be tested using high-frequency vibration machines?
These diverse machines can test any material, including metal, rubber, glass, and plastics. There is no restriction on material when it comes to testing through these machines.
Can these machines simulate real-world conditions?
Yes, these high-frequency vibration machines mimic the conditions a product undergoes in the real world. Even if they do not simulate 100%, they reach close to real-world situations. In this way, manufacturers get a good idea of how good a part or product is.
Why are sensors used in vibration testing machines?
The role of the sensor is vital in these high-frequency vibration machines. The sensor detects the product’s behavior against vibrations. This way, the operator won’t have to rely on his visual inspection. Sensors detect if the product gets cracks or starts to deteriorate.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve explained everything related to high-frequency vibration devices. Their usage has improved the quality and standard of different products. Manufacturers across the industry heavily rely on this machine. These machines mimic or simulate the real world, like vibrations. They help check how a product behaves when it faces vibrations.
If a part or product gets cracked or deteriorates, it needs improvement. This way, the product should be reworked instead of used in the real world. This makes a big difference in the aerospace industry. Remember, one malfunctioned part in an airplane can invite disaster. All thanks to this machine, the faulty products and parts don’t sneak through.