Product category:
Data acquisition Software and Communications
News Release from: HBM UK | Subject: MGCplus and catman
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 29 June 2004
Data acquisition accelerates product
development
A leading manufacturer of earthmoving equipment has shortened its lead times for developing new products by choosing HBM's data acquisition and analysis equipment.
A leading manufacturer of earthmoving equipment, Komatsu UK, has shortened its lead times for developing new products by choosing HBM's data acquisition and analysis equipment for both field trials and initial design testing The company, based in Newcastle, selected HBM as the most appropriate and cost effective solution after a comprehensive review of current data loggers
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 4 Apr 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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Notes Peter Beardwood, Komatsu UK's Product Development Engineer: "By using HBM's MGCplus and its associated catman software we have achieved a more rapid turnaround of data than ever before".
"This has shortened the time taken to develop new machines and helps bring new products to the market quicker".
Komatsu UK concentrates on the development of medium-sized crawler and wheeled excavators.
Further reading
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These undergo a three-stage testing programme to ensure they meet the wide range of customer requirements.
Products and modifications are tested in local lab tests, in Komatsu's own build test area and finally in field trials at a local quarry.
Adds Beardwood: "Our customers depend on high-quality machines that operate consistently and predictably, ensuring operator confidence and satisfaction".
Testing of earth moving equipment and excavators involves examining areas of high stress caused by variable loads in a mobile harsh environment.
Vibration, while not particularly high, can be considered harsh during repeat or continuous testing to simulate operational conditions.
To meet its needs, Komatsu UK uses an HBM MGCplus with 128 single strain gauge input channels and the catman software script has been written specifically to meet Komatsu's requirements.
The equipment is supplied in a vibration- and weather-proof housing with all wiring terminating in spring-loaded connectors.
The equipment is calibrated annually by HBM ensuring consistently high accuracy.
The system uses synchronous sampling over a trailing Ethernet connection to handle the large data file transfer rates and reduce any interference from electrical noise.
Remarks Beardwood: "The HBM system gives good accuracy and repeatability with no data dropouts".
Komatsu UK is now looking to extend the system's functionality to allow for more extensive endurance trials carried out in local quarries.
To achieve this HBM is working with Komatsu UK to develop a wireless solution since the trailing Ethernet restricts ability of the test machine to move without relocating the base station. Request a free brochure from HBM UK ...
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