TestCenter – Testing of units

14. May 2019 | Services

The TestCenter has been a fixture in the quality assurance process at Herth+Buss for many years. And it's not only Complaints Management that regularly takes advantage of the team's expertise, but also our Product Management department.

We've been the proud owner of a test bench for starters for six years now. This allows us to put starters through their paces, so making the service we offer even better.

Procedure at the TestCenter

The process starts with handover of the units (starters or alternators) to the TestCenter by our Technical Service department.
The unit then undergoes visual inspection before being tested on the dynamometer. This includes checking whether the parts in question really are from Herth+Buss, whether there is external damage or whether the warranty period hasn't expired.

If the visual inspection reveals damage, the cause is investigated with reference to the complaint. A detailed description of the grounds for the complaint is essential if we are to make a precise diagnosis here.

Before the articles are tested on the test bench, it is checked by hand whether there is any damage.

Units on the dynamometer

If the item proves to be one of our parts, the warranty hasn't expired and no external damage is apparent, the starter or alternator is then tested on the dynamometer. This of course always takes place under consideration of the reason given for the complaint.

Manual testing is first of all carried out. Here the unit is actuated individually and also subjected to endurance testing if necessary. The results of these tests are closely analysed and the values compared with the setpoints given in the data sheets available for every item.

Decision about the warranty claim

If no defects are found, a series of automatic tests is then performed and confirmed with a performance diagram. If the unit fails the functional check on the dynamometer, the next step is component testing. This involves completely dismantling the unit and subjecting the individual components to mechanical and electrical testing. The case is documented with damage patterns and a written report.

A decision is then taken about the warranty claim depending on the result.

 

 

If you're interested in what else happens at our TestCenter, you can find out more in our previous post!