PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

MGA offers customers many solutions to evaluate product durability related issues. How a product or system performs over its lifetime of customer usage is critical to the customer's perception relative to quality. MGA has a number of experts on staff with years of experience to address virtually any life-cycle scenario.

Determining the Right Test

Perhaps the most important aspect of life cycle testing is the determination of the proper conditions for testing. Any life cycle test is one which simulates a life time or more of usage in a compressed time-frame. If the proper assumptions are not made, testing may produce misleading results. A number of factors need to be considered including:

How many cycles constitute one life?
What is the definition of one “cycle”, and are there different types of cycles?
Do extreme temperatures or other environmental conditions play a role in a product's life?
What is available to test with – is a custom-designed fixture needed?
What is the criteria for acceptable/un-acceptable results?
Should some wear and tear be expected?

Once these aspects have been analyzed, the test length and conditions can be determined. In many cases, tests are already defined and universally accepted within an industry. In other cases, especially for new products, custom life cycle protocols need to be developed. MGA’s engineers have years of experience in designing product life cycle sequences and this expertise is crucial when addressing product durability issues.

Types of Tests

There are many tools available al MGA to simulate product usage. The tools available at MGA include pneumatic actuated mechanical systems with computer PLC control, power motor systems that can be cycled via DC voltage controllers, robotic machines to simulate complex motions, and combinations of systems which combine various life cycle techniques. Examples of mechanical tests include tests such as door slam, aircraft/automotive seat adjustments, shifter actuation, consumer/building product simulation, etc. For power applications, DC voltages are supplied directly to the motor within a system. Examples of this type of test include automotive power window, lift-gate, seat cycling, power hand tool usage, and automated applications on military vehicles. Robots are used to simulate the repetitive motions that cannot be simulated with either linear or rotary cylinders. The most common example of this is simulating the motion of a human getting into/out of an automotive seat, sofa, or couch.

Other factors

For many types of life-cycle tests, the repeating of a cycle is only one aspect of the test. Cycling in extreme hot/cold conditions, corrosive environments, or conditions with Sand/dust intrusion can be simulated at MGA. In many cases, thc actual set-up can be moved into the specific environmental chamber for a portion of the cycles. In other cases, the test may be interrupted for salt spray application, dust exposure, etc. Another factor in life cycle testing is the method used for periodic checks. In many cases, efforts on a mechanism are performed, or more extensive functional checks are done to evaluate how well the product is performing.

Facilities and Personnel

MGA runs all life cycle tests 24/7 all year long. Extensive laboratories include dozens of cycling controllers, robots etc., combined with more than 15 walk-in or drive-in chambers. In addition, the staff at MGA is well recognized in a number of industries including automotive and aerospace. and is well versed in both OEM and supplier procedures. From a timing perspective, the staff at MGA is well suited to meet challenging test schedules, and welcomes the opportunity to handle both small and large projects.