Pneumatic test axes

Test axes for various applications

Pneumatic test axes are characterized by their low wear and are therefore ideal for long-term tests such as fatigue/durability/service life tests.

The test axles can be flexibly adapted using a roller-guided motion adapter with swivel clamping. This allows the height and positioning to be freely adjusted and the axles to be conveniently placed with minimal setup effort for the test application. The clamping via swivel pins with springs also allows free positioning at a specific test angle and the test cylinders to swivel along with the test application.

In addition, the axes are equipped with high-quality force sensors and displacement measurement systems that enable precise control of the load.

Various standard test punches are attached using the standard 20 mm clamp connection.

Advantages of pneumatic test axes

Pneumatic test axis on a drawer test rig

The piston rod principle with piston seal and analog proportional valve is extremely reliable and low-wear, making it suitable for continuous loads up to a travel distance of 800 mm and speeds of up to 300 mm/s.
Cost-efficient in terms of purchase and maintenance
Force and position control possible
Expandable with additional sensors

Pneumatic test axes are very efficient in production facilities and in quality assurance, especially if pneumatics are already available.

Mechanical design and technical capabilities

Mechanical design of a pneumatic test axis

Pneumatic cylinders, round cylinders with pull rods
Force- and displacement-controlled actuators (pneumatic test axes) with a 5 kN load cell and 20 mm clamping adapter for easy connection and replacement of different pressure pieces
Test loads up to 4500 N
Piston stroke up to 1 m possible
Absolute position measuring system
Pneumatic maintenance unit
Motion adapter for various actuators, rotatable and swiveling design

The proportional valves of the test axes are located directly on the test axis. The resulting short distances between the valve and the actuator enable increased control accuracy with significantly shorter throughput times and reduced compressed air consumption.

Possible control concepts

Expansion options

Measuring sensors that can be synchronized with the system clock and integrated into the evaluation/logging process
Operation of the E-axes in temperature control/climate chambers - System with integrated heating, active ventilation, and separate electronics
Design for special test tasks, e.g., for complex seat mechanisms or bicycle applications

Control via the testing software

The testing software enables flexible and precise control of motion sequences. Users can customize test sequences, including speed changes during the test and automatic responses to specific events, such as reaching defined forces, positions, or times. These sequences are executed in successive program blocks, which can be repeated as needed.

All recorded test data can be evaluated, logged, and exported directly in the software. The results are securely stored and managed in an SQL database. A convenient search and filter function makes it easy to find, compare, and statistically evaluate measurement series—ideal for documenting and tracking tests or complaints.

Additional advantages of the software connection:

Support for single- and multi-axis tests – from simple routines to complex sequences, without any programming knowledge
Integration of external sensors as measured or control variables (e.g., temperature, noise, or light barrier sensors)
Automatic notifications, e.g., by email when a test is interrupted or after a test is completed, through the connection to Outlook