Testing & Instruments

Smithers has announced that it has invested in a state-of-the-art simulated on-vehicle acceleration testing (SOVAT) machine. This new testing capability was recently launched at the Smithers Suzhou, China laboratory with full machine demonstrations and tire testing training for attendees.

The SOVAT machine is the result of working with vehicle and tire manufacturers to understand their tire testing pain points. On-vehicle tire testing can be time-consuming and inconsistent, driving the need for faster, more repeatable methods for treadwear, chip and chunk, road hazard endurance, and break-in testing. With the SOVAT machine, clients now have an indoor, repeatable option to conduct this testing, providing results in a fraction of the time.

The shortest braking distances on wet and dry roads, quiet rolling noise, low rolling resistance and a long service life – all of these properties are found in good tires. They are subjected to extensive testing as part of development and the quality control process. The company’s Tires group sector has summarized what such test procedures look like at Continental in the new whitepaper “Tire Testing”. The paper provides insights into the almost hundred-year history of tire testing at Continental. It also sheds light on the development and use of current test methods and provides an outlook on the future of testing.

ACE Laboratories has announced another new testing capability. This latest addition provides the ability to test and analyze windshield wiper blades and wipe systems.
The custom engineered testing system allows ACE to include energy consumption analysis as part of the testing protocol in addition to traditional durability analysis. ACE’s testing system also allows for customization to nearly all windshield types with angle and pressure controls to ensure testing is completed according to OEM specifications.