Name: Test Devices
Address: 571 Main Street, Hudson, MA, 01749-3035, US
Telephone: 9785626017
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Author Archives: Test Devices

Green Technology: The Mobility of Tomorrow
June 9, 2022 10:48 am Leave a Comment
While the COVID pandemic has posed significant challenges worldwide, it also created an opportunity for us to slow down and reflect on vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in many areas of our social and economic structures. One of the concerns is our efforts towards sustainability, especially in regard to transportation. Dramatic reduction in transportation traffic during the COVID shutdowns revealed what kind of positive impact we could make if we curb the CO2 emission, especially in large cities.

Currently, as the largest producer of CO₂ emissions, transportation accounts for 24% of the total amount, with 74.5% coming from road vehicles. It is becoming increasingly evident that effective strategy to combat global warming requires a focused effort in city and transportation planning. Developing and deploying the transportation modes that are not dependent on fossil fuel is a key piece of this puzzle.

Most of the electric modes of transportation in the future will contain an electric drive system, at the heart of which is a rotating rotor that requires balancing to assure the lowest possible vibration and thus offer the smoothest operation of the vessel in motion at optimized sound levels.

Continuing urban growth is a major contributor to sustainable transportation. Reducing traffic congestion, decreasing the need for private vehicles, and increasing available urban space are some of the key factors in our societal and environmental success. Thanks to the innovators and industry leaders who are hard at work in driving the digital revolution and green technology, which are the vital components in transforming our cities to be more efficient and sustainable.

What Are Some Key Trends in Urban Mobility?

As we face the continuing growth of our cities, we must reimagine the future of urban mobility with the climate and social impact of our decisions in mind… Here are some key trends in urban e-mobility:
- Sustainable mobility: Electric vehicles (EVs) such as electric cars and hybrids, delivery trucks, mopeds, and motorcycles are part of the sustainable transportation (no tailpipe emissions). Electrified vehicles provide minimally polluting transportation in the cities. Future mobility may also include air-taxis and delivery drones that may alleviate the congested ground transportation and offer a faster path to reach your destinations.
- Shared mobility: Up to 40% of total inner-city traffic is caused by those searching for a parking space. Shared mobility may open a new path in sustainable urban transport. On-demand, highly-accessible vehicles, offered as a service (vs. owning a car) would reduce the need for parking spaces without compromising convenience. Shared mobility would be not only more economical for individuals, but also contributes to reductions in traffic and carbon emissions.
- Self-driving vehicles: Autonomous vehicles offer enormous potential to eliminate incipient human errors that amount to inefficiencies (traffic jams) and accidents. Autonomous vehicles is a key to reduce these factors and harmonize the traffic movement to attain higher efficiencies in ground transportation. The autonomous capability is a critical feature for the air-taxi and delivery drones that needs to operate safely and efficiently in the congested urban aerospace environment.
- Connected mobility: High-speed / High-data rate communication technologies (5G+) is the essential means to connect devices, vehicles and people, and facilitate the efficient mobility services mentioned earlier. Thanks to advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), the future vehicles will be smarter, interactive and integrated. For example, cars will be able to receive information on available parking spaces or hazards beyond the passengers’ view, traffic lights will operate autonomously depending on the amount of traffic and pedestrians present. All these will culminate into improving safety and efficiency of the transportation system, and ultimately enable the large-scale introduction of autonomous transportation.
How Can Test Devices Serve “Green Technology” Trends?

Efficient and well-crafted rotating parts are the heart of many high-performance machines. This remains true for future e-mobility machines: Emerging classes of high-performance electric motors and compact power generator rotors are some of the examples. To support the continued development of sustainable technologies, Test Devices offers industry leading balancing equipment as well as the expert engineering services to meet your needs:
- Engineering Services
  - We have 10 spin test facilities in two Centers of Excellence (COE) in the US and Europe, operated by experienced teams of testing experts.
  - Spin testing: Proof / Overspeed test, LCF tests, burst tests, heated or cryogenic conditions – with various types of sensors and instrumentation for test
  - data measurement.
  - Rotor balancing: Including consulting for balancing strategy, strategy and process development for optimum production balancing for high volume production, and outsourced balancing services.
  - Outsourced Production Services: Overspeed/proof spin tests, seasoning motor rotor, and CNC machining work.
- Production Equipment
  - Schenck is the industry leading provider of precision balancing machines and blade moment weighing scales. We provide the equipment with the highest industry standard to support your production needs to scale and achieve efficiencies.
  - We offer engineering consultation on balancing strategy and process – An often underappreciated area of production that could cause a headache if ill prepared.
  - Excellent after sales care: Unexpected downtimes are costly events, and must be avoided in a production. We have an experienced and well staffed team of technicians and engineers who will respond to your service needs who can address your needs in calibration and certification of balance machines, scheduled maintenance and repair work, as well as emergency troubleshooting.
Choosing an Industry Leader in Test Devices

At Test Devices, our reputation for quality and innovation is proven and unparalleled. We offer industry-leading expertise and equipment to solve engineering problems for eliminating rotor unbalances and vibration problems for both new products in development and for manufacturing at a large scale.

We serve clients in the aerospace, aviation, automotive, energy storage, power generation, air handling, electronics, and medical devices industries, offering our customers the world’s most advanced and accurate spin testing, rotor balancing, and blade moment weighing equipment and services.

Testing Equipment and Services from Test Devices by SCHENCK

There is no doubt that the mobility of the future will be cleaner, more diverse, smarter and efficient. Green technology is a key initiative in achieving sustainable future transportation and vibrant cities.

If your company is developing mobility solutions, Test Devices by SCHENCK can help you lower the cost of testing, reduce the risk of engine test cell failures, improve the accuracy of your models, and shorten testing programs. Contact us for more information about our services.
How to Eliminate Noise and Vibration From eVTOLs?
April 28, 2022 4:44 pm Leave a Comment

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is a key concern that influences driver and passenger experience in the automotive industry. NVH is a challenging quality to engineer because it is subjective from person to person, as well as the context of the passenger experience. NVH is also an important topic for the aerospace industry. Not only do vibration and noise levels affect passenger flight experience, but they also must comply with local sound pollution restrictions.

NVH is of particular concern for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicles, which are preparing to launch air taxi services into urban settings in the near future. Learn more as to why NVH is such an important topic to consider when engineering eVTOL vehicles.

Why Do Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Matter for eVTOLs?

At best, excessive noise and vibration are annoying, but prolonged exposure to relatively tolerable levels of noise and vibration could lead to health problems—like stress, fatigue, headache, and hearing loss. Sustained high levels of noise and vibration could cause machine issues including loss of horsepower, fatigue cracks, and instrument failure. In any vehicle, the common sources of noise and vibrations are the engine, transmission, and propulsion system. Thus, designing a new system requires careful considerations and mitigation plans to eliminate undesirable noise and vibration, especially for mass produced products.

Typical solutions involve isolating the source of excitation, applying dampeners, and detuning structural resonances. However, these fixes typically require adding more mass and weight to the aircraft or redesigning its structure (trading off the performance). Solving NVH issues can quickly spiral into expensive endeavors if not thought through carefully in the design stage, and the problem could scale massively with mass produced products.

Eliminating the Noise & Vibration from the Source

The electric motors for the propulsion systems in eVTOLs and electric aircraft are the subject of interest. Their design and the manufacturing plan are critical to managing noise and vibrations. Emerging prototypes of the aircraft show the use of radial/axial flux types. Some hybrid designs plan to use onboard power generators, which are driven by sustainable alternative fuel (SAF) powered turbines.

Any rotating part is subject to problems relating to unbalance; uneven mass distribution around the axis of rotation. A common cause of unbalance is due to manufacturing deviations, but in-situ deformation can be a more relevant cause for high-performance lightweight rotors for aircraft propulsion systems. A well-designed rotor balancing and blade moment weighing strategy—paired with a detailed understanding of how rotors behave in certain operating conditions—can reduce noise, vibration, and harshness from their source.

Choosing an Industry Leader in Test Devices by SCHENCK

Leveraging spin test data, and the true expertise in rotor balance engineering, our customers can feel confident in managing their NVH concerns. SCHENCK USA offers cutting edge testing expertise and industry-leading balancing equipment backed by over 50 years of experience.

Among our range of products and capabilities, we perform spin testing, blade moment weighing, and rotor balancing, which are all essential to the success of eVTOLs and other e-propulsion systems. Our reputation for innovation, safety, and reliability is proven, and we have been helping clients in the aerospace, energy storage, power generation, air handling, automotive, medical devices, and electronics industries with the toughest rotational testing challenges.

These industries rely on us for quality testing products and services. To learn how we can serve your industry, contact us today.
What are the Benefits of Merging With SCHENCK?
March 2, 2022 7:06 pm Leave a Comment
Test Devices by SCHENCK has built a strong reputation in the spin testing business. Since SCHENCK acquired Test Devices in 2017, we have been able to expand our services and improve our capabilities. We provide end-to-end services in spin testing, from one-off engineering testing to high-volume spin test processes for production. By combining our knowledge with SCHENCK’s global network, we can deliver broad expertise in both high speed spin testing and precision rotor balancing.

The financial backing and the support of SCHENCK grant us a competitive edge and give our clients access to services at a larger scale. Whether you require engineering consulting, test project management, balancing, or spin test services, we have the unique expertise to meet your needs.

The benefits of merging with SCHENCK include:

The Opening of a New Research Facility and Expanding Capabilities

Our Hudson site, Test Devices by SCHENCK, is now The North American Center of Excellence for testing. SCHENCK has heavily invested in this facility to upgrade its equipment, increase its capacity, and prepare for growing demands in spin testing resulting from the electrification in aircraft, vehicles, and other industries.

One of the recent and significant investments SCHENCK has made is the addition of the new Centrio spin testing system at our Hudson facility. The system is the same one used by our Germany-based parent company SCHENCK ROTEC. Sharing the same system enhances the collaboration between the groups, the sharing of knowledge base and forms an excellent foundation to grow our testing capabilities for the betterment of our clients and their products.

What Is the Centrio Spin Testing System?

It is the “cutting-edge” spin testers in the world, giving us the capability to perform various advanced tests and data measurements to evaluate the customers’ rotors, especially for emerging e-mobility applications.

Being Able to Target New and Emerging Markets

Precision balancing and spin testing services also are essential elements in the production of EVs and other electric propulsion or mobility products. With the financial and technological backing from SCHENCK, a recognized global brand, Test Devices by SCHENCK is now positioned well to serve the growing needs of our customers beyond engineering testing. We offer some of the innovative and dependable solutions for customers with:
- Mass production automotive parts
- Large-scale production aerospace components
- eVTOLs such as drones and air taxis
SCHENCK has a deep customer base in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. We offer innovative testing and production support services with the highest standard of process integrity and quality. SCHENCK is very familiar with and equipped to meet the rigorous pace of mass-production work required in the automotive industry.

A One-Stop-Shop Facility

Test Devices by SCHENCK is dedicated to delivering top-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer requirements. We achieve this through continuous process and product innovation, ongoing improvements of our quality management system, and compliance with ISO9001 and AS9100 standards.

As your one-stop shop for engineering testing and outsourced production hub, we offer balancing, spin testing, and semi-finished machining services. We are equipped to handle all your needs from one-off pilot projects to managing your outsourced manufacturing operations.

See How Test Devices Can Help Your Organization Today

Turn to Test Devices by SCHENCK today for expert testing processes and more. Through support from our parent company SCHENCK USA, we offer a comprehensive range of spin testing services for the automotive, aviation, and transportation industries. Contact us today to learn more.
Intro to Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing for Electric Motors
November 24, 2021 6:40 pm Leave a Comment
Regarding material and machine components, the term “fatigue” refers to cracking or fracturing in an object caused by stresses that are within its operational envelop, and often within its elastic range. These cracks and fractures grow, and they can eventually lead to a failure of the component and damage or destruction to the greater assembly if left untreated.

Fatigue testing is a testing procedure used to determine the fatigue strength and life of a component. It is commonly utilized to identify potential areas of concern in a design. Test operations can be classified into two categories: low-cycle and high-cycle (LCF and HCF). The former involves subjecting the component to the fluctuating loads, typically from the machine’s operational cycles, while the latter involves subjecting the component to higher frequency, typically from a vibratory load related to structural resonance.

Why Is Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing Important?

High-speed rotating components (e.g., centrifuges, engine rotors, fans, impellers, etc.) regularly experience stresses that can lead to fatigue damage and, eventually, a failure. Since failure can damage equipment and endanger operators, it is vital to take measures to prevent it and, if that is impossible, mitigate the consequences.

Low-cycle fatigue testing (LCF) simulates the operational cycle of a machine. The LCF test is used to verify that a component is durable enough to withstand the use in the intended application over the intended duration of its operational life, so users can trust them and reliably operate the machine. Additionally, it could help manufacturers identify and resolve potential premature failure before the part or product goes into full production.

Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing Applications for Electric Motors

Nascent high-speed/high-performance electric motors, ones used in EVs, undergo low-cycle fatigue testing. These tests are necessary for a number of reasons, including:
- Testing new designs
- New materials
- Validating and tuning numerical models and component life prediction methods
In addition to electric motors, many other rotating components also undergo fatigue testing, such as:
- Centrifuge or compressor rotors
- Flywheels (including flywheels for energy storage)
- High-speed fans
- Industrial gas turbine rotors
- Jet engine rotors
- Rocket pumps
- Turbochargers
Advantages of Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing for Electric Motors

Fatigue test data enables electric motor manufacturers to understand the durability limit of the motor rotors, develop a dependable product life model to define appropriate product servicing life as well as establish a maintenance service schedule – the goal is to prevent any unexpected failure in the service life of the machine. Additionally, the data allows engineers to proactively plan for design improvements and modifications.

Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing Solutions From Test Devices by SCHENCK

Test Devices offers low-cycle fatigue spin testing services to customers working with high-speed rotating components in demanding applications. By choosing to work with us, you benefit from:
- Better Productivity: Our spin pits and test facility are designed to test through a component’s complete speed range and contain high-energy failures.
- Schedule: Our drive system offers the fastest acceleration and deceleration cycles for short testing schedules. Use of Test Devices’ patented Real-time Crack Detection System (RT_CDS) allows customers to expedite the schedule via reducing the need for interim inspections. Also, RT-CDS has proven its high dependability in halting the LCF test by detecting the onset of crack initiation before rotor failure, which saves customers from the need for time-consuming failure investigation work.
- Quality: Test Devices audits LCF cycle data to ensure the accuracy of the test and the integrity of the data. Our testing operation also conforms to AS9100 Aerospace standards.
To learn more about low-cycle fatigue testing or our testing capabilities, contact us today.
What’s Happening With E-Mobility and E-Propulsion in 2021?
July 26, 2021 2:04 pm Leave a Comment
The effect of global warming is ever more visible today. Industries around the world are ramping up the urgency to deliver sustainable solutions. There is a strong focus in electrification of transportation, and the technological advancements in greener power generation methods and the distribution infrastructures.

Evidence of this global shift to sustainability can be seen in the ambitious goals made by leading manufacturers and governments globally. For example, General Motors recently vowed to end producing fossil fuel-dependent vehicles by 2035. Leading eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) companies are planning on launching air-taxi services as soon as 2023, and in 2020 the United Kingdom announced it would ban fossil fuel vehicles beginning in 2030.

What Key Insights Are We Seeing in E-Mobility and E-Propulsion?

Within the next decade, the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered electric vehicles (EV) will likely occur. While automotive companies are at the forefront of electric vehicle adoption, aerospace companies are also developing proprietary technologies behind the scenes, and many of their smaller-scale prototypes are yielding promising results.

Leading automakers are currently producing more EV models than ever before, with approximately 400 new battery-powered vehicles expected to hit the market by 2025. At the same time, leading eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) companies are certifying new vehicles with the FAA/EASA in preparation for a commercial service rollout as early as 2023.

The incumbent aerospace OEMs are beginning to reveal their hybrid e-propulsion and long to mid-range electric passenger aircraft concepts, and are working towards 2030 release timeline. According to a recent MarketsandMarkets forecast, by 2023 the electric aircraft market is expected to reach $122 million, which represents a compound annual growth rate of 4%. Meanwhile, UBS predicts that the electric aviation market will reach $178 billion by 2040 after experiencing a robust growth period due to the expected release of the first hybrid electric 50-70 seat aircraft around 2028.

What Are the Benefits of E-Mobility and E-Propulsion?

While their prevalence is steadily decreasing, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are currently responsible for approximately 60% of the world’s air pollution. The potential environmental benefits from removing these vehicles from the road have already been demonstrated during the global COVID-19 lockdown when air pollution levels rapidly decreased.

To combat the global warming, electrifying the cars and airplanes are not enough. We must think of a way to make the whole energy supply chain green. Starting from how we generate fuel (or energy), transport and distribute it, and eventually how the byproduct of the fuel impacts the environment – the new greener supply chain must be a sustainable close-looped cycle.

Besides being the key element of the solution against the global warming, there are many benefits of the electrified mobilities. Electrification will directly contribute to cutting down the emission of toxic byproducts from burning the fossil fuels. Air pollution, such as soot and toxic gas in the exhaust, is an increasing health concern, especially in densely populated cities. Furthermore, extraction and production of fossil fuel generally damaging to the environment.

With the electrification of our vehicles, technology is constantly evolving. Governments around the world, including the US and EU, have issued statements that they believe electrification will bring greener technologies and innovations that will expand economic growth, creation of new types of jobs, and national security.

Contributing to the Sustainable Future

E-mobility and e-propulsion technology are becoming more visible in our everyday life and news. As the benefits of adopting these technologies become too significant to ignore, more companies are adapting their mobility solutions. In the past decade or so, we are seeing rapid increase in the number of innovations in the design of drive motors, power electronics, and transmission systems.

The new technologies emerging from the concerted electrification efforts inspire and enable new ideas and machine designs. As seen in the EVs, electric vehicles require much fewer moving parts and dramatically simplify the drivetrain design. The same benefit is anticipated for the electrified versions of aircrafts, ships, and other electrified machines.

Though simpler design borne many benefits, many fundamental challenges in high-performance rotating parts remains similar. Schenck and Test Devices serves the e-mobility and e-propulsion industries with new part manufacturing, spin testing, and rotor balancing services. These services support the development of sustainable technologies such as advanced propulsion system parts and new electric motors. As an AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified business, we have been committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations for over 40 years. To learn more about our capabilities for the e-mobility and e-propulsion industries, contact us today.
A Comprehensive Guide on CNC Machining
June 16, 2021 8:45 pm Leave a Comment
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining has proven itself an ideal method for mass producing metal and plastic parts. Even as other manufacturing methods like 3D printing have gained prominence in recent years, CNC machining has remained one of the most popular choices for a wide variety of fabrication needs. The aerospace sector relies heavily on CNC machining for the production of complex and mission-critical parts and components.

By leveraging the precision and automation of computerized control, CNC machining allows for the creation of intricate and accurate designs. In the past, manual machining processes relied on highly trained and skilled human operators to control the machinery. While some machine shops still use skilled machinists for prototypes, small-volume orders, or parts where repeatability or tolerances aren’t important, CNC machining has virtually eliminated the risk of human error in many manufacturing operations. Advanced programming regulates precise cutting patterns to ensure part-to-part uniformity and reliable adherence to tight tolerances.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a modern manufacturing process that takes in specific programmed instructions and uses that information to direct tooling as it cuts into the workpiece. CNC machining is not limited to one tool or piece of machinery. A spindle holds numerous tools, and CNC machines can often use multiple tools simultaneously from different angles. The term “numerical control” simply refers to the automated control of a machining process. The most common computer language for CNC machines is called G-code, though another language known as M-code is also sometimes used.

How Does CNC Machining Work?

To use a CNC machine, a skilled professional must program the computer. Once the machine has been activated, it reads through the program and enacts each of the instructions, employing a variety of tools and fabrication processes along the way. The CNC machine will follow its program under the assumption that all tools have carried out their function flawlessly. Small mechanical margins of error still exist, especially when the CNC process involves simultaneous cuts or other complex instructions. By and large, however, well-maintained CNC machines reliably perform in accordance with their programming.

While numerical control machines of the past read instructions through punch cards, today’s CNC machines require advanced computer programming. Operators enter the instructions into a computer and save the file into the machine’s records, where it can then easily find and invoke the instructions over and over. While many technicians are familiar with G-code and M-code languages, machine shops most commonly use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, which can turn a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing into usable instructions for CNC machinery. This type of software makes the operator’s job much easier.

What are the Common Types of CNC Machines?

Numerous types of CNC machinery exist, enabling machine shops and manufacturers to conduct an expansive range of automated machining processes. Some of the most common CNC machine types include:
- CNC mills. CNC milling machines can cut a wide variety of materials in multiple dimensions. Most milling machines include an X, Y, and Z axis, which allows for exceptional detail and complexity. Cutting-edge machines may include additional axes for further precision and detail.
- CNC turning centers/CNC lathes. These specialized manufacturing tools are ideal for creating parts with symmetry around a central axis, such as pipes and shafts. CNC technology gives lathes an added level of precision that can be used to create more intricate parts.
- Plasma cutters. Plasma cutters seamlessly slice through material by using electricity and compressed-air gas to form a plasma torch. Plasma cutting requires conductive material, so it is mostly used to cut conductive metals such as steel, copper, brass, or aluminum.
- Water jet cutters. Water jet cutters create an intense stream of water that cuts through tough materials. Adding abrasives to the water stream facilities cutting of harder materials, such granite and titanium.
What are Some Popular Machining Techniques?

With many CNC machining processes available, it can be difficult to determine which ones to use for a specific project. While there is some overlap, most machining methods lend themselves to specific project or design needs. Here are some of the most popular and versatile CNC machining techniques:
- Roughing and semi-finish machining. These processes get most of the way to the final product, while leaving some excess material on the outside for fine-tuning by more precise machinery. Semi-finish machining reveals the final part geometry, but only strips the material within about 0.05” of the target dimensions. Also called roughing or rough machining, this process often uses CNC machinery to produce high volumes of roughed parts ready for final machining.
- Turning. Turning is one of the oldest manufacturing processes, but modern CNC lathes use advanced tooling and precision control to create highly accurate cylindrical parts with numerous features. As the workpiece rotates at high speeds, cutting tools move along the length of the piece to cut away material. More advanced turning centers can conduct additional processes, such as drilling holes.
- Milling. Milling holds the piece steady while a spindle with various cutting tools rotates around it, making precise cuts in accordance with the programmed instructions. Although the workpiece is mainly held horizontally, the cutting tool functions in the X, Y and Z directions. Four-axis and five-axis CNC milling machines have become increasingly common in recent years, offering further precision, speed, and complexity.
- Solid Sink EDM. Unlike the other processes, which all involve direct contact between tools and the target surface, solid sink electro-discharge machining (EDM) uses a an electrode that releases a powerful discharge that forces material to strip away from the metal surface. The material must be immersed in a dielectric fluid during the manufacturing process, and the electrode requires frequent replacement.
What are the Benefits of Machining with Test Devices?

At Test Devices by SCHENCK, our skilled and experienced staff brings extensive expertise to the manufacture of safety-critical rotating components made from challenging aerospace alloys. With a great deal of experience creating or adhering to the frozen manufacturing processes used by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the aerospace sector, allowing us to guarantee a high rate of repeatability across each production run.

Test Devices by SCHENCK has become a premier provider of precision machining services for aerospace OEMs. We serve a customer base that accepts nothing less than the highest levels of accuracy, quality, and compliance with industry standards. Our manufacturing operations operate in strict compliance to AS9100/ISO 9100 quality management standards.

All our customers know we can respond and adapt quickly to project changes with minimal impact on production and delivery schedules. All of our teams, including machining, spin testing, balancing, and logistics operate in unison to provide end-to-end efficiency on every project.

For more information about Test Devices by SCHENCK and our machining capabilities for the aerospace sector, please contact us today.
Why Partner With Test Devices for Your Overspeed Spin Testing Needs?
June 8, 2021 3:47 pm Leave a Comment
Spin testing is a critical step in the manufacture of rotating components. While some original equipment manufacturers (OEM) may have the resources to perform these testing operations in-house, many do not. As such, they have to outsource these operations to a third-party spin testing service provider. Unfortunately, this option increases the potential for tight timelines or production delays as some service providers have long turnaround times (three or more weeks) even when two weeks or less is possible. These extended estimates can typically be attributed to a lack of communication between the client and provider, which, in addition to introducing uncertainty about when parts will be delivered, reduces the likelihood of a return customer.

We reduce lead times and costs associated with overspeed spin testing.

You can improve your product build and delivery efficiency by reducing process lead times. However, efficiency is not the only factor on which you should focus. You should also emphasize reliability, which influences whether you can consistently meet your customers’ order requirements in a timely manner.

Equipped with extensive spin testing experience, we have what it takes to offer efficient and reliable overspeed testing solutions. We have to accommodate high test volumes. All work are carefully and quickly planned, tracked, and executed. In many cases, we can cut turnaround time by two or more weeks (a 33–66% reduction in lead time compared to our competitors), which makes it easier for you to meet your product delivery timelines and positively affects your cash flow.

We have a dedicated service team.

In today’s manufacturing world, flexibility and responsiveness are essential. Regarding OEMs, this means ensuring on-time delivery and remaining aware of and being able to respond to changing demands. Having a reliable production and supply chain is key to achieving these goals so you can stay ahead of the competition and retain your customers.

Our dedicated service team is ready to help keep you on track. We quickly review and execute spin testing requests, so your customers do not have to worry about delayed shipments or long wait times between order placement and fulfillment. This reliability can help improve your customer retention rates, leading to a larger customer base and expanded capabilities over time.

We are ISO9001/AS9100 certified.

We are committed to providing high-quality spin testing services and products that meet or exceed our clients’ requirements. This dedication to quality is reflected by our maintenance and adherence to an AS9100/ISO 9001 certified quality management system. Our quality management system is updated on an annual basis and subjected to regular internal and external audits to ensure its robustness. We also employ certified inspectors to dimensionally inspect 100% of all hardware manufactured from drawings.

Connect With the Experts at Test Devices Today

At Test Devices, we are a trusted spin testing and service provider for leading OEMs in many industries. To learn more about our products and services or partner with us for your overspeed testing needs, contact us or request a quote today.
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Us for Precision Machining Services
January 13, 2021 4:10 pm Leave a Comment
In modern manufacturing operations that create critical rotating parts, each step, from forging to finish machining to final inspection, contributes to the overall quality of the finished pieces. To ensure the highest level of precision and reliability of your parts, it is essential that your semi-finish machining service provider has robust manufacturing processes in places relative to producing critical rotating parts. Look for full-service shops that offer high-quality, reliable, and consistent machining services.

One-Stop Shop Full Service Manufacturing

Rough and semi-finish machining for the aerospace sector requires precision equipment and experienced, knowledgeable engineers and operators that can navigate difficult or unexpected challenges during machining operations.

At Test Devices by SCHENCK, we have a highly skilled and experienced staff with the expertise in machining safety critical rotating parts from the most challenging aerospace alloys. We observe strict adherence to AS9100 and ISO9001 standards. Our talented team of engineers and machinists, combined with our suite of on-site resources, allows us to provide a full-service approach to manufacturing that is unique in our industry, combining machining, inspection, and spin testing operations under one roof.

High-Quality Expertise in Precision Machining

The customers we serve demand the highest levels of quality, accuracy, and compliance with industry standards. We are the premier provider of precision machining services for aerospace OEMs, operating in strict compliance with the AS9100/ISO9001 standards. Throughout our over 40 years of experience in working with critical aerospace rotating hardware for testing and production, the Test Devices team has continued to provide unparalleled precision and reliability in sonic, rough, semi-finish, and pre-weld machining services.

At Test Devices, our operation not only conforms to the AS9100/ISO9001 standards, but we comply with various QPRs for leading jet engine OEMs. Our quality assurance team is staffed with the most experienced professionals, including on-site quality process experts, designated quality representatives, and dimensional inspection and CMM experts. From forging state to completed semi-finish machined conditions, we are committed to providing the highest levels of quality, dependability, and precision by employing controlled manufacturing processes, including:
- Component specific CNC/CMM programs
- Detailed operation sheets
- Inspection plans
- In-process control
- Dedicated and accessible operations management
- Direct and frequent communication with customers
Customer Focus

Being flexible and responsive to the customers’ needs and constantly changes is a necessary capabilities in the today’s manufacturing world. Whether it is a change in requirements or specifications, schedules, test criteria, or delivery times, providing exceptional customer service requires a commitment to communication. Frequent personal contact with each customer ensures that we are aligned on expectations and are meeting their needs.

All our customers are confident in our ability to respond quickly to urgent changes that could impact the manufacturing or delivery schedule. Our production manager maintains close working relationships with our customers, as well as coordinates with all departments daily on customer requirements. From machining to inspection, spin testing, balancing to shipping, every department is in lock-step throughout each step of the project.

Choose Test Devices for Your Precision Machining Services

Though Test Devices specializes in rough and semi-finishing of rotating parts in aerospace, the same high standard in the quality of work, and operational excellence could serve many other industries and customers with similar needs. Through our reputation for quality and professionalism, as well as our four decades-long history of success, our customer base continues to expand across sectors such as automotive, energy storage and generation, electronics, and medical devices.

Our dedicated and seamless production management team combined with our highly skilled and experienced team allow us to provide machining, balancing, and spin testing operations under one roof. For more information on our precision CNC machining or alloy machining services, please contact us today. To learn more about our precision machining tools or processes, please download our eBook.
Machining in the Aerospace Industry
October 14, 2020 9:16 pm Leave a Comment
The success or failure of aerospace operations is dependent on the accuracy, precision, and quality of the components employed. For this reason, aerospace companies utilize advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques to ensure their components fully meet their needs. While new manufacturing methods such as 3D printing are quickly gaining popularity among industry professionals, traditional manufacturing methods such as machining continue to play a critical role in the production of parts and products for aerospace applications.

Recent advancements in machining techniques and technologies—such as better CAM programs, application-specific machine tools, enhanced materials and coatings, and improved chip control and vibration dampening properties—have significantly changed how aerospace companies manufacture critical aerospace components. However, sophisticated equipment alone is not enough. Manufacturers must have the expertise to overcome the challenges of machining materials for the aerospace industry.

The following blog post discusses what aerospace component machining processes encompass and what machining challenges aerospace component manufacturers face.

What Does Aerospace Component Machining Involve?

In concept, machining raw material into aerospace parts and products seems simple. However, turning materials into functional components that fully meet the specifications and standards of the application necessitates extensive engineering and operational expertise.

Aerospace manufacturers often invest in CAD/CAM software and automation components to achieve better part quality, process control, and production efficiency. However, while these cutting-edge technologies help deliver consistent and dependable output, company employees must have the proper knowledge and skills to use them to machine components effectively and efficiently.

What Are the Challenges of Machining Nickel-Based Superalloys?

Many critical aerospace components, such as hot sections of jet engines, are made from nickel-based superalloys, which are aerospace materials characterized by their ability to offer superior performance in demanding environments. This quality stems from their excellent strength at high temperature, toughness, hardness, oxidation/chemical resistance, creep resistance, and thermal insulation properties. While these properties make these materials an excellent choice for such components, they also make them difficult to machine. Some of the challenges faced by machinists working with nickel-based superalloys include:
- High cutting force requirements. The high dynamic shear strength of nickel-based superalloys necessitates the application of significant cutting forces to machine the material into the desired part or product.
- Poor thermal conductivity. Since nickel-based superalloys do not readily conduct thermal energy, the heat generated by the cutting operations migrates to the tooling rather than the chip. As a result, machine tools experience greater wear in these machining operations than the machining operations for other materials.
- Susceptibility to work hardening. Superalloys are prone to work hardening, which leads to a greater risk of notch wear.
Given the proper engineering and operational expertise, machinists should be able to overcome these challenges and produce machined components suitable for use in aerospace applications.

Why Partner With Test Devices for Your Aerospace Machining Needs?

At Test Devices (a business unit of SCHENCK USA CORP.), we’ve produced critical rotating components for customers across a wide range of industries for over 40 years. This extensive experience, combined with our full-service manufacturing capabilities (semi-finish machining, inspection, and testing all under one roof), allows us to provide expert and reliable product solutions for major aerospace propulsion suppliers, automotive manufacturers, industrial power generation manufacturers, and numerous other industrial companies.

To learn more about our products and services and how they can benefit your aerospace application, contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our experts, request a quote.
The Commercial Space Economy Forecasts an Optimistic Future
July 17, 2020 10:05 am Leave a Comment
With the recent manned mission of a US-made rocket, and advancements in reusable launch systems, commercial space is coming into the spotlight and showing an optimistic future.

The commercial space economy has been steadily growing in recent years for reasons ranging from financials to innovative breakthroughs in technology. Although the manned-mission is in the spotlight, in terms of segmentation of various commercial space activities, unmanned operation is forecasted to contribute a larger share of activity.

North America still leads the overall launch capability and is said to have the largest market share in the spacecraft industry. NASA’s renewed resolve in returning to the moon, and extending the reach of the manned mission to Mars, comes with a significant budget to accelerate the development of space technologies and the economy. Anticipating the future of space commerce, many entrepreneurs and pioneering companies are entering the new space race to find unique ways to provide the necessary services for this emerging industry – including the following:

Affordable Launch / Rocket technologies: Curbing the cost of launch is the foundation of making space accessible for commercial companies.

Satellite Internet / Communication: Most likely the development and deployment of communication technology is the most immediate opportunity for space businesses. Companies focused on improving the accessibility and the reach of wireless broadband and connectivity through satellites.

Asteroid / Moon Mining & Manufacturing in Space: The idea sounds like a science fiction story, but companies are exploring ways to extract water and rare minerals from asteroids, and the moon. Some of these companies are also involved in developing the manufacturing technologies required to build structures in orbit and on other planets.

Refueling Services: Gas stations in orbit? The capability to fuel/refuel spacecraft destined for long range target (Mars), as well as the satellites that are already in the earth’s orbit, is an essential part of space commerce and rapidly becoming a reality.

Cleaning up Space Debris: With all of the satellites and manmade machinery that we have launched and left in space, the Earth’s orbit is becoming cluttered – We need companies that can track and remove this “space junk” to avoid accidents and keep space accessible.

Space Tourism: Perhaps what most earth citizens are looking forward to the most is the ability to take a brief trip to space. Though ticket prices for space tourism are still astronomically expensive, these companies are developing ways to make it affordable and bring the space adventure to many of us.

Space Exploration / Colonization: This is probably the most popular and audacious goal amongst the leading space ventures. These companies are working on sending and settling humans and cargo beyond earth’s orbit, including the moon and mars in the near future.

Technology Advancements Driving an Optimistic Future

Space entrepreneurs are exploring and pursuing ambitious goals such as colonizing other planets, mining asteroids, setting up space tourism, building manufacturing plants in orbit, as well as pursuing ways to further lower the cost of access to space – such as airplane-borne rocket and air-to-space launchers. It is clear that reusable rockets and space-age commercialization are today’s reality. Lower per-launch costs and miniaturization of payloads/satellites are opening new doors for non-aerospace and defense sectors, further demonstrating that commercial space is showing an optimistic future.

With reusable rocket technology advancements, the cost of launching a rocket has declined drastically to 33% of previous costs (from $200 million to $60 million). Morgan Stanley, a leading business analysis firm, predicts a potential launch cost of $5 million, in the near future. The global space industry is expected to generate $1.1 trillion in revenue by 2040, up from $350 billion in 2019.

How Test Devices Contributes to the Commercial Space Economy?

We are the leading experts in high-speed rotor testing, manufacturing, and rotor balancing technologies, especially for aerospace applications. For decades Test Devices by Schenck, has been a dependable partner to many of the leading aerospace propulsion OMEs. Our capability in executing aerospace-grade engineering tests and managing outsourced manufacturing operations is only matched by our passion for sharing our customers’ success.

There are several operationally critical high-speed rotating parts in each rocket engine. We both test and perform important operations in the overall component manufacturing processes. Test Devices currently performs production spin testing to satisfy NASA standard 5019 section 7.2.7 fracture critical rotating hardware. Typical items that are associated with fracture critical rotation are turbine, Fuel pumps, and LOX impellers.

Partnering with us not only provides you with the benefits of our extensive experience and dedicated team, but you will also be working with a team that keeps quality, safety, and continuous improvement at the forefront of our business. Customers want to work with Test Devices because of our focused approach on the most demanding manufacturing requirements, whether it be spin testing, semi-finish machining, or other critical processes.

For more information or to get in touch, please contact us today.