Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-18 Origin: Site
Electric actuators must pass a series of quality assurance tests before leaving the factory. These tests ensure compliance with performance, reliability, safety, and environmental standards. Below is a detailed overview of the inspection procedures and recommended testing equipment.
Recommended Testing Equipment: Multimeter, Megohmmeter, Oscilloscope, Torque Tester, Signal Generator, Environmental Test Chamber, etc.
1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection
Appearance Check: Ensure the actuator housing is free from deformation, scratches, or corrosion. Labels should be clear and legible (model, voltage, current).
Mechanical Components: Check gears, spindles, and other transmission parts for smooth operation without jamming or abnormal wear.
Sealing and Enclosure: For IP-rated models (e.g., IP65 and above), inspect gaskets and seals. Perform waterproof testing if required.
2. Electrical Performance Testing
Insulation Resistance: Use a megohmmeter to test insulation resistance between power terminals and housing (≥100 MΩ at 500V DC).
Dielectric Withstand Voltage: Apply 1.5x the rated voltage or standard test (e.g., 1500V AC for 1 minute) to confirm no breakdown or leakage.
Voltage Tolerance: Confirm proper operation within ±10% of the rated voltage (e.g., 220V AC ±10%).
3. Basic Functional Tests
Travel Control Accuracy: Verify the actuator fully opens and closes with precise end positions. Check repeatability (e.g., ±0.5° or ±1mm).
Limit Switch Operation: Test manual or automatic triggering of limit switches to ensure correct stop and signal output.
Position Feedback: Validate 4-20mA, 0-10V, or digital signals match the actuator's position. Test linearity of potentiometers or encoders.
Manual Operation: Check that manual override (handwheel or clutch) functions correctly and smoothly.
4. Dynamic Performance Testing
Running Time: Measure full stroke travel time (e.g., 30s for 90° rotation) and confirm it matches specifications.
Torque/Thrust Verification: Use a torque meter or load cell to ensure rated torque (e.g., 50Nm) is achieved.
Overload Protection: Apply 120% load and confirm overload protection or alarms are triggered.
Noise and Vibration: Monitor for abnormal sounds; vibration levels should be within standard limits (e.g., ≤0.1 mm/s).
5. Communication and Protocol Testing (for Smart Electric Actuators)
Fieldbus Communication: Test protocol compatibility with Modbus, Profibus, etc., including reading/writing parameters.
Remote Configuration: Validate HART, Bluetooth, or other wireless configuration and diagnostics functions.
6. Environmental Adaptability Testing
Temperature Testing: Operate the actuator at extreme temperatures (e.g., -30°C to +70°C) to ensure consistent performance.
Humidity Resistance: Test in high-humidity environments (up to 85%) to evaluate insulation and corrosion resistance.
Ingress Protection (IP) Test: Perform water spray (IP65) or immersion test (IP67) as per protection class.
7. Safety and Protection Features
Overheat Protection: Simulate overheating to ensure the motor shuts down and an alarm is activated.
Phase Sequence Protection (for 3-phase motors): Reverse phase connections to verify the actuator prevents operation or triggers an alert.
Emergency Stop: Check whether external ESD signals can immediately cut power for safety.
8. Endurance and Life Cycle Testing (Sample-based)
Mechanical Durability: Run continuous operation for a defined number of cycles (e.g., 100,000 cycles) and inspect wear or performance drop.
Electrical Endurance: Conduct rapid start-stop cycles to test the lifespan of relays or contactors.
Conclusion
By following this electric actuator testing checklist, manufacturers can ensure that each unit meets performance, safety, and durability standards before shipment. For batch acceptance, it’s recommended to use AQL-based sampling for efficient quality control.
