Tire HSU test stand from TMX

Safety and comfort through accurate tire uniformity measurement

High-speed uniformity (HSU) describes how evenly a tire behaves when it rotates under realistic driving conditions. The smallest imbalance, out-of-roundness or structural inconsistency in the tire can cause noticeable vibration, faster wear or annoying noise such as cavity noise.

The TMX tire HSU test stand analyzes these effects with high-precision measurement technology, realistic loads and fully automated test sequences. It delivers the data that tire design, quality assurance and series release depend on.

Typical test requirements

• Measurement of runout, imbalance and cavity noise at high speeds
• Analysis of forces in radial, tangential and lateral direction
• Order analysis to find systematic causes of vibration
• Assessment of the influence of inflation pressure, structure, rubber compound and tread
• Tire uniformity testing for development and delivery release

The TMX HSU test stand in detail

The TMX tire HSU test stand combines rugged mechanics with precise measurement technology and smart test stand automation. Its main job is capturing dynamic behavior; special tests such as flat-spot analysis are available as options.

Test stand mechanics

A massive machine bed carries a stable, vibration-damped setup of drum and loading unit. The drum simulates the road, while the loading unit controls the specified vehicle weight (wheel load). A clamping unit holds the carriage, and with it the tire, exactly in position during the measurement.

• Drum for road simulation at up to 250 km/h
• Loading unit for exact wheel load (vehicle weight)
• Wheel mount with wheel force transducer for three force directions (radial, tangential, lateral)
• Massive machine bed with vibration damping
• Optional angle control to set the parking position for flat-spot measurement

Drive and control

Inverter-controlled drives for drum, wheel load and, where needed, wheel angle coordinate the test sequence. The controller synchronizes motion and measurement. The user chooses whether the speed points are approached under inverter control or the drum coasts down from a start speed. Wheel load is monitored and readjusted continuously.

• Inverter-controlled main drive for the drum (up to 250 km/h)
• Servo motor for wheel load control
• Optional angle adjuster for flat-spot measurement
• Control CPU for fully automated test sequences

Measurement and control technology

The core of the measurement is a high-precision wheel force transducer that captures force variation in three directions, supplemented by temperature, speed and pressure measurement. FFT and order analysis run directly after the test.

• Measurement of force variation in three directions (radial, tangential, lateral)
• Monitoring of tire temperature and drum speed
• Wheel load monitoring with readjustment
• Real-time data acquisition
• Evaluation up to the 64th order
• Optional: flat-spot special measurement

Operating software

The software guides the operator through the whole test, from preconfiguration and measurement to evaluation in 2D, 3D and color maps.

• TMX test sequence editor for all test modes
• Status display and order analysis directly after the test
• Automated flat-spot logic with sequence control
• Display as 2D curve, 3D waterfall or color map
• Extensive export and reporting functions

Summary

The TMX tire HSU test stand is a complete solution for analyzing tire uniformity in development and in series testing. Force measurement in three axes, smart automation and intuitive software make it a strong choice for manufacturers, suppliers and test service providers.