Mastering Rotary Damper Testing: A Technical Guide to Ensure Performance and Reliability
Rotary dampers play a crucial role in various applications, from automotive components to furniture hinges, by providing controlled motion and reducing vibrations. To guarantee their quality, performance, and reliability, a comprehensive type test plan is essential. In this blog, we'll delve into the key testing methods for rotary dampers as outlined in a typical product type test plan, helping you understand how to ensure these components meet the required standards.
1. Overview of the Type Test Plan
Purpose
The primary goal of the type test plan is to ensure product quality, accuracy of tests, and meet customer requirements. It evaluates the performance and reliability of all the company's products.
Scope
It applies to the design, incoming materials, and finished product stages of all the company's products for type testing.
Basis and Standards
Testing is conducted according to design drawings and customer requirements.
Test Facilities
Reliability and type tests are carried out in the company's laboratory. The precision of all instruments and equipment used in the tests must meet standard requirements, and they should be calibrated and maintained regularly to ensure accuracy within the specified validity period.
2. Departmental Responsibilities
- Quality Department: Responsible for all incoming material and component type tests and follow-up.
- Purchasing Department: Handles communication, coordination, and follow-up with suppliers for any abnormalities in incoming material and component type tests.
- Engineering Department: In charge of the maintenance, upkeep, and calibration of all laboratory instruments and equipment. Also responsible for all finished product type tests, report generation, and analysis and improvement of any test abnormalities.
3. Key Testing Items and Methods for Rotary Dampers
| Test Item | Purpose | Test Method | Inspection Standard | Test Tools | Test Frequency/Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High and Low Temperature Testing | Assess performance under extreme temperatures. | - Low - temperature: Place product at -20°C, 65% humidity for 72h, then move to 25±5°C for 24h. - High - temperature: Place at 60°C, 65% humidity for 72h, then move to 25±5°C for 24h. |
Damping torque and drop time variation ≤30% vs pre - test; no oil leakage/damage. | Constant temperature and humidity test chamber, torque tester, test plate, stopwatch | - Samples: ≥5 pieces per batch; - New products: ≥5 pieces for first batch; - After mass production: Randomly sample 5 pieces for inspection every season. |
| Endurance Life Testing | Verify service life under repeated use. | Install dampers on life tester, move from start to open position, let drop from 70°-80° opening angle, conduct 30,000 tests, then stand for 24h. | Drop time >2s; damping torque and drop time variation ≤30% vs pre - test; no oil leakage/damage. | Life tester, test cover plate, torque tester | Same as high and low temperature testing. |
| Burst Pressure Testing | Check pressure resistance to ensure no failure under unexpected pressure. | Apply gradually increasing pressure until specified burst pressure is reached. | Withstand specified burst pressure without leakage/structural damage. | Pressure testing machine | As per product requirements or customer specifications. |
| Drop Time Testing | Measure time for damper to drop under specific conditions for smooth motion. | Conduct test at 25°C, measure time for damper to drop from a certain height/angle. | Drop time meets specified requirements (e.g., >2s as per endurance test). | Stopwatch, test fixture | As needed for product verification. |
| Temperature Cycle Testing | Evaluate performance under repeated temperature cycles. | Subject damper to multiple high - low temperature cycles (e.g., -20°C to 60°C) and check performance after each cycle. | Maintain performance; damping torque and drop time within acceptable range; no visible damage. | Temperature cycle test chamber | As per product standards or customer requirements. |
| Detergent Resistance Testing | Check if damper withstands detergent exposure without performance loss. | Immerse damper in detergent solution for specified period, then test performance. | No change in damping performance; no corrosion/damage on surface. | Detergent solution, test container | As per product application or customer requirements. |
| Pull - Out Force Testing | Measure force to pull out damper components for structural integrity. | Use force tester to pull out toothed part and measure required force. | Pull - out force meets design specifications. | Force tester | As per product design verification needs. |
| Salt Spray Testing (General Dampers) | Assess corrosion resistance in salt - laden environment. | Expose damper to 5% NaCl salt spray environment for specified time (e.g., 24h). | No significant corrosion/pitting on damper surface. | Salt spray test chamber | As per corrosion resistance requirements. |
| Salt Spray Testing (Electroplated Parts) | Ensure electroplated components withstand corrosion. | Similar to general salt spray testing, focused on electroplated parts. | No corrosion/peeling of electroplating layer. | Salt spray test chamber | As per electroplating quality requirements. |
4. Notes
- When customers have special requirements, those requirements and corresponding standards shall prevail.
- The aging test standards for raw materials and accessories are the same as above.
By conducting these comprehensive tests, manufacturers can ensure that rotary dampers meet the necessary performance, reliability, and quality standards, providing peace of mind for both producers and end - users. Whether you're a manufacturer, engineer, or buyer, understanding these testing methods is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of rotary dampers in various applications.
