STEP Lab's broad range of dynamic and fatigue test systems, with capacities up to 200 kN, positions us as one of the leading manufacturers of linear-motor-based electric machines. Our systems allow actuators of different sizes to operate simultaneously, serving a wide variety of material and product test applications:
- EA Series — Electromechanical Actuators: ideal for tests requiring accelerations up to 2 g and dynamic loads up to 200 kN; flexible use in multi-actuator applications
- UD, HUD and XUD Series — Linear-Motor Electrodynamic Actuators: can reach accelerations of tens of G, operate at frequencies up to 300 Hz, and carry 40 kN continuous load and 80 kN peak load
- BV Series — Torsional Actuators: adapted to specific test needs requiring torsional load
1. Axial-Torsion Test Systems (BV Series)
Designed for combined axial and torsional loading, the BV Series provides comprehensive mechanical characterization of materials and components. Offered across a wide load range with torque capacity up to 1000 Nm, these systems combine a compact, rigid design with the flexibility to fully integrate with EA and UD series actuators.
The BV Series supports both static and dynamic test profiles: torsional fatigue, combined-load fatigue and multi-axial stress analysis. It is fully compatible with climate chambers, strain gauges and a wide range of grips/accessories.
- Control of two or more synchronized electromechanical axes
- Absolute rotary encoder
- High-resolution 24-bit data acquisition
- Remote control capability
- Separate, independently positioned control station
- Simple, flexible test management via the graphical Test Center interface
- Wide range of grips, custom test accessories and load cells
- Integration with strain gauges and climate chambers
| Parameter | BV020 | BV035 | BV060 | BV080 | BV100 | BV170 | BV230 | BV1000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous torque | 15 Nm | 25 Nm | 45 Nm | 55 Nm | 80 Nm | 135 Nm | 160 Nm | 850 Nm |
| Dynamic torque (sinusoidal fatigue) | 20 Nm | 35 Nm | 60 Nm | 80 Nm | 100 Nm | 170 Nm | 230 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Test speed | 350 rpm | 350 rpm | 200 rpm | 150 rpm | 200 rpm | 200 rpm | 100 rpm | 85 rpm |
| Max. static axial load* | 15 kN | 50 kN | 50 kN | 50 kN | 50 kN | 50 kN | 50 kN | 100 kN |
| Max. dynamic axial load* | 10,5 kN | 35 kN | 35 kN | 35 kN | 35 kN | 35 kN | 35 kN | 100 kN |
| Cooling | Air | Air | Air | Air | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water |
| Max. rotation count | ±10000* | |||||||
| Absolute rotary encoder | Integrated | |||||||
* Higher values available on request.
Application areas: Biomedical (implants, bone and soft-tissue mechanical characterization, surgical instrument testing), Automotive (axle shafts, rubber components, fasteners, suspension part fatigue testing), Aerospace (composite materials, structural components, combined-load fatigue analysis), Material testing (metals, plastics, polymers, torsional fatigue and fracture testing).
2. Multi-Axial Test Systems
Most engineering structures are affected by complex multi-axial stresses arising from load non-uniformity, geometry and material. With the industry's widest actuator catalog — EA Series electromechanical and UD/HUD/XUD Series linear-motor electrodynamic actuators — STEP Lab offers flexible structures, selectable by test type, that allow multiple actuators of different sizes to operate simultaneously.
| Actuator Family | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Linear motors (UD/HUD/XUD) | Suitable for tests requiring accelerations of tens of G, frequencies up to 500 Hz, 100 kN continuous load and 120 kN peak load. |
| Electromechanical actuators (EA) | Suitable for tests requiring accelerations up to 2 G with dynamic loads up to 200 kN; flexible in multi-actuator applications. |
3. Cruciform Biaxial Systems
Cruciform biaxial test systems, designed for advanced material testing, deliver reliable and accurate results through precision engineering and state-of-the-art technology when evaluating materials under tensile, fatigue and fracture conditions.
STEP Lab offers a broad system range with dynamic and fatigue test capacity up to 200 kN. These systems are designed for precision and versatility, with high-rigidity ring-shaped load frames and four innovative actuators. This design provides precise control of material behavior under a variety of stress conditions; ideal for biaxial tension, low-cycle fatigue (LCF), high-cycle fatigue (HCF), thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) and fracture testing.
The user-friendly Test Center software provides synchronized operation across all axes, seamless PC integration, waveform generation, calibration and performance monitoring. The cruciform test bench can be requested with either electromechanical or electrodynamic actuators.
| Variant | Actuator Type | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| UD Variant | Linear motor | Suitable for tests requiring accelerations of tens of G, 500 Hz frequency, 100 kN continuous load and 120 kN peak load. |
| EA Variant | Electromechanical | Suitable for tests requiring accelerations up to 2 G with dynamic loads up to 200 kN; flexible in multi-actuator applications. |
Key Features
- Maintenance-free
- High reliability
- High efficiency
- Multi-axis management from a single controller
- Wide operating range
- Fast, easy installation
BV Series — Supported Standards
Plastics — Static:
Metals — Static:
Rubber — Static:
Bicycle — Static / Fatigue:
Biomedical — Static / Fatigue: