Vibration Testing Systems

Explore our vibration testing solutions

Whether you are testing electronic components, components in the automotive industry, transport simulation or satellite components – we have you covered

In partnership with Sentek Dynamics, we provide high quality vibration test systems in complete packages, covering a wide range of vibration test applications with electro-dynamic shakers for structural testing and comprehensive easy-to-use software for analysis.

Sentek Dynamics vibration testing systems include:

  • Low and high force air-cooled (or water-cooled) vibration shakers
  • Slip tables in low and high-pressure design plus long-stroke options to meet transportation test requirements
  • Air-cooled systems with remote intake and exhaust hose connections for use in engineering laboratories with controlled environments
  • Simultaneous three-axis shaker testing systems for reproducing real-world vibration environments in the lab
  • High-performance shakers with 1470 m/s² (150 g) acceleration, motorised gearboxes for shaker rotation, and a variety of isolation systems to avoid the need for a seismic floor

Vibration shakers, slip tables and vibration control systems

Bench top modal shakers

The line of Sentek Dynamics bench top shakers is based upon years of practical vibration test experience.

 

These shakers all exhibit a high lateral stiffness, high force-to-weight ratio and are specifically designed to help ensure the best possible performance with minimum setup time.

The BT Series shakers are designed for demanding vibration test applications. Typical applications included structural analysis, calibration and testing of smaller assemblies. The BT-100 through BT-400 shakers utilize light weight rare earth magnets in lieu of traditional Alnico magnets. The use of these magnets decreases the total shaker mass to a third of similar size system, making these shakers easy to handle and portable.

 

Uses: Vibration testing; mechanical impedance measurements; educational demonstrations; structural response testing; vibration transducer calibration; testing of small electronic assemblies and components.

 

The mini-shaker is a small, portable permanent magnet exciter with an integral power amplifier. The design eliminates the need for a separate, inconvenient power amplifier. The excitation signal can be connected directly to the BNC connector from most vibration controllers or signal generators. The mini-shaker is perfect for frequent conveyance, and educational and research purposes in both lab and industrial environments.

 

Uses: Vibration testing; mechanical impedance measurements; educational demonstrations; structural response testing; vibration transducer calibration

The Modal Bench Top (BT) Series exciters are designed specifically for structural and modal analysis applications. The BT-100-M through BT-400-M shakers utilise light weight rare earth magnets in lieu of traditional Alnico magnets. The use of these magnets decreases the total shaker mass to a third of similar size system, making these shakers easy to handle and portable. The BT-100-M through BT-400-M are also available in a through hole version (MTH) with displacements up to 25.4mm or 1 inch.

 

The BT-1000-M is for structural and modal analysis applications of high-mass structures. The exciter provides 45mm or 1.77 inches of displacement. This system includes electronic zero-point control with electronically adjustable suspension stiffness (ZPR).

 

Uses: Structural response testing; modal analysis


Low-force (L-Series) air-cooled shakers

1 - 10 kN (220 - 2200 lbf)

The L-Series air-cooled electro-dynamic shakers are designed for the vibration testing of small electronic or mechanical components or other assemblies up to 200 kg (440 lb).

Key applications:

  • Electronic parts and systems - qualification testing
  • Computer equipment testing
  • Automotive component testing
  • Satellite component testing
  • General stress screening

Features:

  • Useful vibration control frequency range from 5 to 5000 Hz
  • Pneumatic load support
  • Rugged trunnion design

 

  • Armatures diameters from 110 mm (4.3 in) to 240 mm (9.5 in) with metric or American pcd
  • Standard body isolation and guidance system designed to eliminate the use of a seismic base

Medium-force (M-Series) air-cooled shakers

15 - 75 kN (3300 - 16,500 lbf)

The M-Series air-cooled electro-dynamic shakers are designed for the vibration testing of medium-sized payloads such as automotive components and other types of electronic assemblies up to 1000 kg (2200 lb).

Key applications:

  • Automotive parts and systems - qualification testing
  • Electronic assembly, computer equipment testing
  • Avionics and military hardware testing
  • Satellite component testing
  • Product and package testing
  • General stress screening

Features:

  • Armatures diameters from 280 mm (11 in) to 640 mm (25.2 in) with metric or American pcd
  • Internal load support is standard
  • Active armature suspension system

 

  • Standard body isolation and guidance system designed to eliminate the use of a seismic base
  • Useful vibration control frequency range from 5 to 3000 Hz
  • Some systems available with 76 mm (3 in) displacement

High-force (H-Series) water-cooled shakers

65 - 160 kN (14,300 - 35,200 lbf)

The H-Series water-cooled electro-dynamic shakers are designed for the vibration testing of large-sized payloads up to 2000 kg (4400 lb).

Key applications:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Military

Features:

  • Armature diameters from 445 mm (17.5 in) to 640 mm (25.2 in)
  • Rugged trunnion design
  • Automatic static and dynamic armature centering

 

  • Motorized gearbox for shaker rotation
  • Useful vibration control frequency range from 5 to 2500 Hz
  • Some systems available with 76 mm (3 in) displacement

Simultaneous three-axis (MA-Series) shakers

10 - 60 kN (2200 - 13,200 lbf)

Real-world vibration happens in all directions and thus it is necessary to test the DUT in all three directions simultaneously.

The MA Series of three-axis shakers is designed and manufactured for this testing purpose.

Key applications:

  • Testing in accordance with MIL-STD-810G Method 527 requirements
  • Testing in accordance with IEEE-344 multi-axis testing
  • Vibration qualification testing for aerospace/military components and systems
  • Automotive NVH/BSR and component testing

Features:

  • Simulates real-world vibration requirements
  • Reveals different DUT response dynamics under simultaneous multi-axis excitation than possible during single-axis testing
  • Identifies failures which could not happen with single-axis testing

 

  • Reduces testing time by two-thirds for significant cost savings over single-axis testing in each axis
  • Can be integrated with Sentek Dynamics’ THV Series environmental test chambers

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Control

Sentek Dynamics’ MA Series simultaneous 3-axis systems use the Spider System vibration controller for advanced MIMO control.  The Spider System recreates multiple degree-of-freedom vibration environments in the testing laboratory and provides all the control types you may require including MIMO Random, MIMO Sine, MIMO TWR, and more. 


Power amplifiers

Sentek Dynamics PA Series air-cooled, digital switching power amplifiers utilize an intelligent logic control system that assures maximum performance, safety, and reliability.  Standard amplifier outputs range from 1 to 480 kVA.  Interlocks to prevent shaker damage or operator injury include over-voltage, over-current, amplifier over-temperature, shaker over-temperature, over-travel, phase failure, and power-module fault. 

 

The amplifier provides drive power to the shaker, field coils, blower unit and other ancillary components.

Features and advantages:

  • High conversion efficiency > 91 percent
  • Low harmonic distortion < 0.5% at typical testing frequencies
  • Designed for continuous use over extended periods of operation
  • LCD display for status and diagnostic messages
  • Space saving low-profile cabinet for amplifiers with outputs from 1 to 6 kVA

 

  • Selectable BNC connection on front panel and rear cabinet for drive input
  • Meets or exceeds international requirements for safety and EMC
  • Emergency stop (E-stop) on front panel
  • Optional remote-control panel (RCP) that duplicates functionality of amplifier front panel

Designed with the latest, field-proven MOSFET technology, the 12 kVA power-modules consist of two independent 6 kVA sub-modules to ensure continued operation in the event of a sub-module failure. Design features include: Heatsinks and fans to allow safe, continuous operation at high output for extended periods of time: interchangeable, modular sub-modules for easy replacement if required; and built-in operation and fault LED lights to provide a quick source to identify failed components.

The PA Series amplifiers are designed and assembled with high quality components from globally recognized manufacturers such as Siemens, Bussmann Cooper, and others. All amplifiers are subject to rigorous in-process inspection before system acceptance testing to ensure performance, safety and compliance to established standards.

Sentek Dynamics’ PA Series amplifiers can also be used to replace most other manufacturers obsolete, inefficient power amplifiers. The PA Series amplifiers are nearly twice as efficient as older air and water-cooled amplifiers and provide a significant savings in power consumption and electrical bills. So significant, in fact, that the savings can offset the cost of a replacement amplifier in a very short period.

Shaker Make and Model*

System Type

Amplifier Power
Rating

Number of
Cabinets

 

LDS

V640

Air-cooled

2 kVA

1

 

LDS

V805

Air-cooled

18 kVA

1

 

LDS

V954

Water-cooled

60 kVA

1

 

LDS

V964

Water-cooled

120 kVA

3

 

Ling Electronics

335

Air-cooled

75 kVA

2

 

Ling Electronics

A335

Water-cooled

105 kVA

3

 

Ling Electronics

B335

Water-cooled

120 kVA

3

 

Ling Electronics

A395

Air-cooled

30 kVA

1

 

Ling Electronics

B395

Water-cooled

105 kVA

3

 

Ling Electronics

4022

Water-cooled

200 kVA

4

 

MB Dynamics

C50

Air-cooled

30 kVA

1

 

Thermotron

939

Air-cooled

40 kVA

1

 

Unholtz Dickie

T1000

Water/Air-cooled

120 kVA

3

 

Unholtz Dickie

T4000

Water/Air-cooled

300 kVA

5

 

*Replacement amplifiers are available for other make and model shakers.


Slip tables, head expanders and fixtures

With today’s demanding test requirements there is an increasing need for slip tables to facilitate testing in a horizontal position. Sentek Dynamics offers mono-base and stand-alone slip tables in low and high-pressure designs in standard sizes ranging from 300 mm (12 inches) to 2500 mm (98 inches). Custom sizes are also available including expandable slip tables when a larger mounting area is occasionally required.

 

In a mono-base configuration the shaker and slip table share a structural steel body that enables rapid conversion between vertical and horizontal positions, and the accurate alignment of the shaker relative to the slip table when rotated to the horizontal position. 

In a stand-alone configuration an independent steel platform supported by leveling feet allows any vertical shaker from Sentek Dynamics or other manufacturer to couple with the slip table assembly.

LST Series low-pressure slip tables

Sentek Dynamics low-pressure LST Series slip tables provide an affordable solution to horizontal testing requirements. LST Series slip tables utilizes V-groove bearings to guide the magnesium slip plate over an oil-film on a precision ground granite slab. Oil from an integral hydraulic power supply is dispersed through ports in the granite slab under the magnesium slip plate.

  • Affordable solution for horizontal testing
  • Integral hydraulic pump, reservoir and filter

Sentek Dynamics provides a wide range of standard head expanders and custom fixtures for applications requiring a larger mounting area, vertical mounting or simultaneous testing of multiple devices under test (DUTs) in sizes up to 1500 mm (60 inches). FEA is used to ensure an optimal design and superior performance. Standard material is Magnesium with Aluminum as an affordable option. 

 

Standard head expanders

  • Head plates (square or round) for low-frequency (less than 350 Hz) testing where a large mounting area is needed at an economical cost. (Note: recommended for DUTs with a low center of gravity)
  • Head expanders (square or round) for working frequencies ranging from 350 to 2000 Hz.
  • Various insert patterns are available

Standard head expanders include stainless steel inserts for enhanced strength and durability.

Head expanders with load support or load support and guidance are designed for testing large, heavy items for demanding transportation test profiles while providing additional load support and restraint. Head Expanders with load support guidance allow DUTs with large footprints to be safely mounted and tested on the shaker, eliminating the risk of damage to the shaker guidance (suspension) system. 

 

Custom fixtures

Custom fixtures can be designed and manufactured to meet unique customer requirements. Custom cube, L or T type fixtures are many times used by customers without a slip table for 3-axis testing.

  • Cube
  • L - type
  • T - type

Model number example – HES1000X-1200/XXX

Where X = M for Magnesium or A for Aluminum and XXX = Armature diameter in millimeters


Vibration Control System (VCS) hardware

Traditional vibration test controllers rely heavily on an external computer for real-time operation. The Spider-81 is the first vibration controller that directly integrates time-synchronised Ethernet connectivity with embedded DSP technology.

 

This technology greatly increases the control performance, system reliability and failure protection of the vibration test controller. It also allows a large number of channels to be configured without sacrificing system performance.

Spider-81B basic vibration test controller system

The Spider-81B vibration test controller is developed to meet the requirements of basic vibration testing applications. It has 4 inputs, 1 output, and 4 pairs of digital I/O. The software includes Random, Sine, Shock, and RSTD testing suites:

  • Random vibration control software
  • Swept sine vibration control software
  • Classical shock control
  • Resonance search and tracked dwell (RSTD) control

Spider-81 vibration test controller system: 8-channel model, scalable for high channel count systems

The Spider-81 vibration test controllers have voltage, charge, TEDS, and IEPE inputs which are ideal for shock, vibration and acoustic measurement or general-purpose voltage measurement. The internal flash memory stores test configuration data for controlling up to 64 channels simultaneously in addition to storing real-time analysis data. Multiple output channels provide various signal output waveforms that are synchronised with the input sampling rate. A bright LCD screen displays testing status information. Ten monitoring connections on each unit are used to read signals of analog inputs and outputs. Built-in isolated digital I/O and RS-485 serial ports enable interfacing with other hardware.

  • Random vibration control
  • Sine-on-random (SoR)
  • Random-on-random (RoR)
  • Swept sine vibration control
  • Resonance search and tracked dwell (RSTD)
  • Multi-sine
  • Sine oscillator
  • Classical shock control
  • Transient time history (TTH)
  • Shock response spectrum (SRS) synthesis
  • Transient random control
  • Earthquake testing control
  • Time waveform replication
  • More vibration control software options

Ethernet connectivity allows the Spider-81 vibration test controller to be physically located far from the host computer. This distributed structure greatly reduces the noise and electrical interference in the system. One computer monitors and controls multiple controllers over the network. Since all the control processing and data recording are executed locally inside the controller, the network connection will not affect the control reliability.

The Spider-81 vibration test controller is built on IEEE 1588 time synchronisation technology. Spider-81 vibration test controllers on the same network are synchronised within nanoseconds. With such unique technology and high-speed Ethernet data transfer, the distributed components on the network truly act as one integrated system.

  • Analog Inputs: 8 BNC connectors per Spider-81 vibration test controller. Spider-81 and Spider-80X front ends can be networked to form a 512-channel count system. Charge, voltage or IEPE, single-ended or differential, AC or DC coupling, 160 dBFS dynamic range, 24-bit A/D converters, range ±20 volts, up to 102.4 kHz fs per channel, 8 BNC connectors per Spider-81 front-end
  • Analog Outputs: 2 BNC connectors per unit, 100 dB dynamic range, 24-bit D/A converters. ±10 volts
  • Channel Phase Match: better than ±1.0 degree, up to 20 kHz
  • Peripherals: 8 isolated DIO; 10 monitoring channels, LCD display with navigation buttons, RS-485, ground connection, abort contact switch, start and abort buttons
  • Dimensions: 440 x 66 x 330 mm (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 4.2 kg
  • Power: Up to 18 watts during operation
  • Computer Connections: 100Base-T, RJ45 female connector supports connection to computer or network switch
  • Internal Memory: Flash memory for data storage is 4 GB per unit
  • Operation Modes: Connected to computer or stand-alone Black Box mode

Discuss your needs with an expert

Our technical experts will discuss your requirements and guide you to the shaker system that best suits your application.


Resources and further reading

An introduction to Sentek Dynamics vibration testing systems

Whether you are shopping for your first shaker system, or just new to the range, Sentek Dynamics have a large offering for consideration. To gain an overview and understanding of what is offerend and why, you can view the video and also download a brochure for future reference.

What's required to bring vibration testing in-house?

How to select a vibration testing system

Brochure: Sentek Dynamics vibration shaker systems