Tough test programme
Tested, tested and finally tested....
Testing is an essential part of the VALX concept. Our axles have been subjected to an exhaustive test programme - starting with the basic axle beam, through the complete axle assembly, on proving grounds around the world, and of course extended road tests under widely differing conditions.
All these tests subject the axles to conditions far tougher than those encountered in normal operation. The accelerated wear and tear reveals any potential weaknesses that may arise in many years of service.
Extensive lab tests
The
axle beam, all major components and complete axles are subjected to
an extensive range of lab tests to find stress limits and failure
modes. Many of these tests are industry-standard, while others are
specified by certification bodies such as TÜV. Tests have been
carried out at a number of facilities, including the renowned MI
Technology automotive test center in Leyland, UK.
Benchmarking of results
The results from these lab tests
allow benchmarking against established products, and they form the
basis for next-generation designs. Correlations with actual
operating conditions are in many cases known, allowing valid
conclusions to be drawn about product lifetime under a wide range
of actual operating conditions.
Tough proving grounds
The
proving ground tests included tens of thousands of kilometres of
rough roads, pavé, corrugations, kerb strikes, emergency stops,
water troughs and many more. Trailers and axles were subjected to
obstacles like these at proving grounds in the UK (MIRA), the
Netherlands (DAF) and China (Ding Yuan). These are recognised as
among the world's toughest test facilities. Endurance tests
simulated distances of over 1 million kilometres at each
location.
Field testing
There's no substitute
for road tests under actual trailer operating conditions. These
provide final validation of the test findings, and confirm that
reliability and durability in the field will match expectations.
The VALX axles have therefore been tested over many thousands of
kilometres in different fleet applications and environments: from
mountain ranges to arctic circle, on all kinds of surfaces, and
with a wide range of loads including flat-bed trailers and
tankers.