TEST SYSTEMS FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS

Brochure
At STEP Lab, we specialise in the design and manufacture of advanced testing systems for all types of shock absorbers and suspensions. Our range of testing solutions includes electrodynamic and electromechanical machines, which allow us to perform durability tests, shock absorber performance evaluations and many other types of tests.
Features

Max. Peak force: 160 kN
Max. Test speed: 8.0 m/s
Max. Acceleration: 100 G

Type of test

Duration
Quality
Performance
End-of-line
HIL

Applications

Dampers
Suspensions

TEST SYSTEMS FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS

Brochure
At STEP Lab, we specialise in the design and manufacture of advanced testing systems for all types of shock absorbers and suspensions. Our range of testing solutions includes electrodynamic and electromechanical machines, which allow us to perform durability tests, shock absorber performance evaluations and many other types of tests.
Features

Max. Peak force: 160 kN
Max. Test speed: 8.0 m/s
Max. Acceleration: 100 G

Type of test

Duration
Quality
Performance
End-of-line
HIL

Applications

Dampers
Suspensions

OUR SHOCK ABSORBER TEST SOLUTIONS

Our electrical systems for damper testing are designed to outperform hydraulic systems, effectively meeting the demand for high performance, ease of installation and low power consumption. We offer the widest range of suspension and shock absorber test benches on the market, with peak dynamic loads of up to 160 kN and continuous dynamic loads of up to 82 kN.

LUD SERIESHUD SERIESKUD SERIESXUD SERIESEOL SERIES
Type of testPerformance
Reliability		Performance
Quality		Durability
Reliability		PerformanceEnd of Line
Quality
Max. Speed1.5 m/s8.0 m/s6.0 m/s6.0 m/s6.5 m/s
Max. Acceleration6 G75 G50 G110 G65 G
Peak force20 kN66 kN160 kN31 kN66 kN
Dynamic force7 kN24 kN82 kN8.1 kN24 kN
Static force6 kN18 kN58 kN6.3 kN18 kN

LUD SERIES

ELECTROMECHANICAL BENCH

  • Variable stroke and speed
  • Peak force of 22 kN
  • Max. speed of 1.5 m/s
  • Road profiles replication
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HUD SERIES

HIGH-DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

  • Peak loads of 66 kN
  • Dynamic forces up to 24 kN
  • Test speed up to 8 m/s
  • Low energy consumption
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KUD SERIES

SYSTEMS FOR DURABILITY TESTS

  • Peak force of 160 kN
  • Cont. dynamic force of 82 kN
  • Maximum test speed of 6 m/s
  • Millions of test cycles
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XUD SERIES

ULTRA HIGH DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

  • Peak force of 31.2 kN
  • Test speed up to 6 m/s
  • Accelerations up to 100 G
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EOL SERIES

END-OF-LINE TEST SYSTEMS

  • Peak loads up to 66 kN
  • Dynamic loads of 24 kN
  • Speed up to 6.5 m/s
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HiL TESTING SYSTEMS

HARDWARE IN THE LOOP

HUD series testing machines, in collaboration with VI-Grade, are able to provide mHiL test systems for the automotive sector.

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TEST SYSTEMS FOR RAILWAY SHOCK ABSORBERS

These systems are designed to meet the rigorous testing requirements of railway shock absorbers, providing precise and reliable performance.

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FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES

Durability tests, performance tests, quality tests are just some of the tests our machines are capable of performing. Browse our wide range of suspension and shock absorber testing solutions and find the product that meets your specific needs.

Struttura per test ammortizzatori
  • The widest range of loads on the market
  • Test Center software platform with dedicated modules for shock absorber testing
  • Outstanding dynamic performance
  • Almost zero maintenance costs
  • Low energy consumption, thanks to efficient electrical systems
  • Management of multiple machines in a synchronised manner, realising a 4-poster system
  • Can be installed on any type of structure and support, from single to up to 8 controlled and synchronised axes
  • Simple and flexible test management via a graphical Test Center interface
  • Ideal for use in clean rooms
  • Capable of testing active dampers in any drive mode (stepper motors, DC motors and solenoids)
  • Wide range of signals and sensors that can be acquired
TestsLUDHUDKUDXUDEA
Cost-effectiveness and ease of installation🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅
Performance characterization
Performance test at high dynamic (>2,5m/s , >10G)x✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x
Performance test at medium dynamic (<2,5m/s , <10G)✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Mobile unit – track side unit✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Damper tuning, servicing and repairing✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
R&D
NVH (Noise – Vibration – Harshness)x✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x
HIL - Hardware In the Loopx✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x
DMA - Dynamic Mechanical Analysisx✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x
PSD - Power Spectrum Densityx✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x
Quality
Quality Inspection / Manual EOL✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Automatic/Semi-Automatic EOL
End Of production Line		x✓✓✓✓✓x✓✓✓
Durability
Durability at medium dynamic✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Durability - Endurance tests✓✓✓✓✓✓✓x✓✓
x = Not possible
✓ = Possible
✓✓ = Recommended
✓✓✓ = Best choice for the application

TEST

Performance

Quality

Reliability

End-of-Line

ELECTRICAL TEST SYSTEMS

We offer the widest range of test benches for shock absorber testing, based on linear motors. Our electrodynamic systems are divided into two main families, both controlled by the same controller and software packages, and scalable according to the required performance:

  • EA Series – For flexible use.
  • UD Series – For exceptional dynamics with linear actuators (up to 100G).

Standards

Durability Shock absorbers JASO C602 Shock absorber/suspension test

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A shock absorber test rig secures the shock absorber at both ends and actuates it using a repeated stroke pattern, usually sinusoidal, at controlled speeds and amplitudes, utilising an electric or hydraulic actuator. A load cell measures the resulting force in real time, producing a force-velocity curve that describes the shock absorber’s behaviour.

A force-velocity curve plots the damping force produced by a shock absorber as a function of compression or extension velocity. It is the key result of the dynamic test bench test and reveals how a shock absorber will behave across the full range of velocities it will experience in real-world use, from minor road irregularities to the most severe impacts.

Shock absorber test benches can test twin-tube and single-tube hydraulic shock absorbers, gas-charged shock absorbers, coilovers, MacPherson-type assemblies, motorcycle shock absorbers, and, increasingly, semi-active or electronically controlled shock absorbers, provided the bench is equipped with the appropriate accessories and control software for each type.

A shock absorber test bench can carry out force-velocity characterisation tests, durability and fatigue cycles to assess wear and leakage over the damper’s service life, end-of-line quality checks on production units, temperature-controlled tests to evaluate performance under different operating conditions, and bespoke test protocols to compare or validate specific shock absorber designs.

A traditional Scotch yoke dyno uses a rotating crank mechanism to generate motion, which essentially restricts the signal’s flexibility to sinusoidal cycles and limits the achievable control speed and precision.

A LUD system uses an electromechanical actuator (driven by a recirculating ball screw), offering programmable signals and easier maintenance, and providing a modern and cost-effective entry point for shock absorber testing.

A HUD system utilises electrodynamic linear motor technology, offering the highest dynamic response, speed and control precision of the three, making it ideal for the characterisation and durability testing of high-performance, high-speed shock absorbers.

Explore our catalogue or contact us to find the right product for your business together.
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