In-Process Testing assures the highest quality, most reliable operating Crankshaft Assemblies.

CHALLENGE

Crankshaft testing involves rotating the crank assembly at various build stages of the engine, ensuring the crank rotates freely, is free of contamination, is assembled correctly and will function to its intended specifications.

The move toward in-process testing to verify functionality has been a trend across manufacturing – and manufacturers of crankshafts for use in the automotive industry are no exception. Traditionally, testing of crankshafts by engine manufacturers would involve piecing together a number of components into a homegrown solution that causes as many problems as it solves. These solutions are difficult to operate, even harder to maintain, and nearly impossible to troubleshoot, especially after the person who concocted it has left the company.

SOLUTION

Promess’ TorquePRO, which is a standard torque test solution that offers maximum flexibility to test parts efficiently and accurately, along with a Promess Motion Controller, provides a complete system for testing crankshafts. The standard TorquePRO System and Software Package is easily programmed for any combination of rotational positions and/or torque values with user-defined rates of acceleration all while monitoring several key process parameters (breakaway torque, running torque, torque at specific angles, angular position & time). If any process parameter is found to be outside of the acceptable range, the system can be programmed to flag the part, abort the test, or retest, according to your need. During the test, additional process data is also recorded (torque and angle values, peak torque, torque v. angle, etc.)

All of the data produced along with other relevant cycle information (date, time, serial number, tolerances, etc.) can also be stored in a database, which allows for a full record of every part to be maintained for traceability. Additionally, Promess offers 24/7/365 for the life of the system, so you are never left on your own if a new process needs to be added or if you are not getting the results you need.

RESULTS

The TorquePRO’s in-process sensing allows torque-over-angle graphs to be generated to full analyze and detect failures and irregularities in the assembly so they can be addressed and prevented in the future.

The Promess TorquePRO is an ideal solution for crankshaft testing applications. It has been proven over many years in the field and it is capable and flexible enough to easily handle multiple part models of different sizes. The Promess Motion Controller allows all relevant information to be collected and stored in a database, so you have a full record of every part produced.