Stiffness Based Tuning Less setup, more testing Do you ever find your testing machine more complicated than your test? Do less experienced users lack the confidence to set up and run new tests? Do you ever doubt the accuracy of your test data as a result of poor tuning? Tuning is the vital process undertaken before a fatigue test to allow the system to properly control the machine, and for your test to run successfully. It traditionally involves loading the test specimen with a number of sudden step changes and automatically or manually iterating the control gains until the performance meets the test requirements. This process is time consuming and daunting for less experienced users. Fatigue systems are high performance machines that can run in load or strain control at high frequencies. Unlike a traditional position controlled electromechanical system, this requires sophisticated control techniques to provide smooth and controlled motion. Ultimately, this means the system needs to be tuned before each new test so that the performance and control is optimized for that specimen material and geometry, and your data is accurate and repeatable. Failure to tune can result in system instability and unreliable data. What is different about Stiffness Based Tuning? Stiffness Based Tuning only requires a simple ramp within the specimen’s elastic limit to measure the specimen stiffness. Using our patented algorithms, this stiffness is then used to calculate the optimum control gains in a matter of seconds. This means no lengthy tuning process, reduced complexity and no specimen damage before the test begins!

Stiffness Based Tuning Key Benefits of Stiffness Based Tuning QUICKER PROCESS MORE ACCESSIBLE Over 75% time saving compared to traditional square-wave based autotuning. Innovative patented algorithms tune all control channels using a single specimen measurement. Simple and robust tuning process builds user confidence and reduces errors. Experienced operators are free to support more challenging applications. IMPROVED ACCURACY More representative fatigue life because no cycles are applied to the specimen before the test. No use of square-wave cycling means no impact damage to vulnerable specimens,...