We build rugged, low-vibration, modular structures: aluminum profile frames for flexibility, steel structures for high stiffness, granite bases or concrete-filled frames for vibration damping, depending on the application.
THE TEST SOLUTION
TMX test stand engineering
The technology behind our test systems
Modern test stands have to do more than measure: they have to be accurate, efficient and adaptable. TMX combines mechanics, measurement technology, automation and software into well-matched systems that simplify and speed up your test processes.
Our technology is the result of years of experience, practical development and close cooperation with our customers. The outcome: custom, capable, future-proof test stand solutions that fit your requirements.
Research and development, quality assurance or end-of-line testing: with TMX technology you get the best of mechanics, measurement technology and software.
THE BASE
Mechanics: the solid foundation of every test stand
From idea to design
Our development process starts with a sound concept. We analyze requirements and boundary conditions and develop several approaches to find the best design. Experience shows that a simple sketch on paper often lays the foundation for a successful test stand concept. We then develop that initial idea in modern CAD systems, thinking through every detail systematically. Our in-house expertise is complemented by an established network of specialists who contribute valuable input on special requirements. The result is a solution that works in theory and proves itself in practice.
What matters to us in test stand mechanics
Stability
Quality
We use high-quality materials and finishes: painted or powder-coated surfaces as required, stainless steel for environmental simulation, special coatings or galvanized surfaces for demanding environments.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic working heights, generous space for loading and unloading devices under test and well-designed adapters for fast DUT changes make our systems easy to use.
Safety
Safety comes first on every test stand. After a detailed risk analysis we implement tailored safety solutions that provide maximum protection and good usability at the same time.
Loading units for force and torque control
To simulate realistic operating conditions, TMX test stands provide exact force and torque control, whether to generate counterforces or as a load machine in rotating applications such as motor testing.
Already in the planning phase we consider numerous technical aspects to ensure stable, reliable control. The dynamic behavior of the controlled system is particularly demanding, especially with direct coupling between DUT and load system. Unwanted effects such as stick-slip, resonances or gear backlash can influence system behavior and call for targeted measures. We rely on a well-engineered mechanical design with a stable, low-vibration substructure and a well-matched coupling that allows precise control.
Our custom loading units ensure safe transmission of force and torque. High-quality couplings and specially designed adapters provide a stable connection and compensate shaft misalignment. Intelligent control algorithms, feedforward concepts and adaptive methods suited to endurance runs optimize control quality and use the full bandwidth of the actuators, for realistic test conditions with maximum efficiency and operational safety.
Environmental simulation: realistic test conditions
To test the function of components under extreme influences, modern test stands have to reproduce realistic environmental conditions: temperatures from -40 °C to +180 °C and controlled humidity have long been part of TMX's standard repertoire.
Integrating drive systems and electronic components places special demands, because not every component can be exposed to those conditions directly. Our specialists rely on a well-thought-out layout: sensitive parts are positioned outside the climate chamber, while thermally decoupled shafts and suitable feedthroughs provide a secure connection to the DUT. Moving elements such as rotating and linear drives have to pass through the chamber wall without affecting the climatic conditions inside. Proven solutions such as flexible seals, sealing air systems and special bearing designs are used here.
Temperature changes across the dew point cause condensation. TMX takes this into account in planning, with targeted air drying, surface-optimized material inserts and collection trays.
With more than 20 years of experience we have developed solutions for a wide range of requirements. Thanks to close cooperation with specialized partners we offer a broad spectrum, from adapting standard test chambers to developing custom drive-in cabins.
Calibration: designed in from the start
We think about calibration from day one, especially at critical measuring points where the entire measurement chain has to be fully calibrated. The test stand must be designed so that an external calibration service can integrate its measurement and loading equipment easily. A test stand records many quantities, but not every channel has the same accuracy requirements. We therefore distinguish three calibration levels:
- Factory calibration for standard channels, e.g. the temperature of a supply tank
- Traceable calibration for critical quantities
- DAkkS-accredited calibration for the highest precision and full traceability
THE ELECTRICS
Electrical: reliable connections
Well-designed control cabinets
A cleanly designed and built control cabinet is the basis for reliable test stand operation. At TMX we put great emphasis on a clear separation of power electronics from sensitive measurement and control technology to minimize mutual interference. Planning follows VDE guidelines and takes customer specifications and approved supplier lists into account. With EPLAN we rely on structured, efficient planning that simplifies construction and keeps later extensions and maintenance clear. We also plan early for cabinet sections that can be separated for transport with minimal rewiring, a decisive advantage with large test stands.
What matters to us in test stand wiring
Planning
With EPLAN we rely on structured, efficient planning that simplifies construction and keeps later extensions and maintenance clear.
EMC-optimized
A strong focus on EMC-compliant design: flat-braid grounding, consistent shielding concepts, shielded cable glands and, where needed, targeted use of mains and signal filters.
Clear separation
We keep power electronics and measurement and control technology clearly separated to avoid interference.
Transport
Transport and later relocation are planned from the start. Cabinet sections can be separated with minimal rewiring and put back into operation quickly.
THE CONTROL
Control and safety technology: intelligently networked
Flexible and reliable
For control technology we rely primarily on proven systems from Siemens and Beckhoff, networked over modern industrial protocols such as PROFINET and EtherCAT. CAN and CANopen are a fixed part of our portfolio. For seamless communication with other field bus systems we use capable gateways.
This flexibility allows optimal integration of our test stands into your existing infrastructure or the connection of special components. Integration with higher-level systems such as building management is as standard for us as barcode scanners and RFID readers for automated DUT identification.
For safety-critical applications or targeted access control we implement electronic key systems (EKS). They allow personalized user identification and authorization for maximum safety and control.
Integrated safety technology
For us, safety is no afterthought but an integral part of the overall concept. Depending on the control system we implement F-CPU with Siemens or TwinSAFE with Beckhoff. For simpler applications, dedicated safety relays or switching devices offer a cost-effective yet reliable solution. Door locking, light curtains, speed and standstill monitors and emergency stop systems are integrated to current standards. Safety components are selected from proven products by manufacturers such as Siemens, Pilz and Schmersal, or from the specific components you specify.
Intelligent automation for capable test stands
The right test stand technology is the foundation, but it takes well-designed automation to make the test stand efficient, flexible and reliable. From control technology and control algorithms to measurement technology, we offer custom automation solutions for your specific requirements.
DATA ACQUISITION
Measurement technology and sensors: precise data acquisition
Vendor-independent expertise
Every test stand has its own requirements. In measurement technology we therefore take a vendor-independent approach and choose the best solution with the best price-performance ratio for each application. Years of experience give us a thorough overview of the market and first-hand knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of different measurement and sensor manufacturers. This expertise lets us assemble the ideal combination of sensors, amplifiers and data acquisition systems for your measurement task.
What matters to us in measurement technology
Accuracy
A test stand is only as good as the data it delivers. TMX relies on current sensors and data acquisition systems that capture even the smallest deviations and guarantee reliable results.
Versatility
We capture almost every physical quantity: from classic ones such as temperature, pressure and speed to force and strain measurement with strain gauges, vibration measurement with ICP sensors, electrical quantities up to the kA range and high-voltage measurement.
Synchronization
We pay special attention to time-synchronous acquisition of all relevant channels, a decisive factor for establishing clear correlations between signals in complex test sequences.
Data integrity
Secure acquisition and storage of all measurement data is fundamental, especially in long-term tests or critical test processes. Our robust storage concepts ensure data integrity even in endurance runs over weeks or months.
Structured data management
Depending on your requirements we implement tailored data management, from simple file storage in defined directory structures to integration with complex database systems. Data can be provided for local evaluation and for central analysis platforms, enabling cross-site use and collaboration.
THE TEST SOFTWARE
Software: the intelligent link
Flexible, powerful and tailored
Software is the heart of a test stand. Our test software is tailored exactly to your requirements, from fully accessible development test stands with extensive analysis tools for R&D departments to simple interfaces for 24/7 production.
What matters to us in test stand software
Flexibility
Our software adapts precisely to your requirements. From development test stands with comprehensive settings to end-of-line test stands with maximum process reliability, we deliver tailored software for every application.
Online analysis
Powerful online analysis is the core of our test software. From simple statistics to complex power calculations, damage calculations and FFT analysis, we give you insight at the push of a button.
Configuration
Our intuitive interface makes complex measurement systems easy. With a few clicks you configure channels, optimize filters and control data acquisition and storage, precisely and directly.
Connectivity
Integration and networking is our strength. Special measurement systems, field devices, temperature chambers, databases or software tools such as MATLAB, Simulink or CANape: our software speaks the language of your technology and connects your systems seamlessly.
Proven software platforms
TMX test stand software is based on proven platforms and tools such as imc STUDIO, NI LabVIEW and WinCC for Siemens controllers and TwinCAT HMI for Beckhoff. These are complemented by our own developments in .NET and Python for flexible adaptation to specific customer requirements. Standard interfaces such as SQL, MQTT and OPC UA integrate further software components such as databases, web services or control units seamlessly.
The result: custom, individually tailored test software that offers exactly the functionality you need, no more and no less. Cleverly developed tools such as the TMX sequence editor extend the software and make it a unique TMX solution.
Efficient evaluation and custom reporting
Measurement data is evaluated either in real time during the test (online processing) or afterwards in post-processing. We adapt the structure exactly to your requirements, from simple directory storage to integration with databases such as MS SQL Server, Oracle or SAP.
Complex data analysis with extensive algorithms or a simple PDF report: the results are delivered where they are needed, in the format you require.
Test stand engineering with a well-designed maintenance concept
Minimum downtime, maximum availability
A reliable test stand is the heart of precise measurement and testing. But even the best technology only works efficiently in the long run if maintenance and spare parts availability are considered from the start.
TMX Solutions takes a holistic approach to test stand engineering. Each of our systems comes with a well-designed maintenance concept that includes regular inspections and preventive maintenance. Signs of wear are detected and corrected early, before they lead to costly downtime.
Another key element is guaranteed spare parts availability. Already during development we plan which components can be replaced quickly when needed and make sure critical spare parts are available at all times. This minimizes downtime and guarantees the highest possible system availability.
With our expertise and experience we make sure your test stand works precisely and reliably, long-term and efficiently.
Discover our complete test stand offering
Individual technologies and automation solutions matter, but it is the coordination of all components that makes a test stand truly capable. Learn more about our complete test stand portfolio.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Solve your test tasks now
Contact us for a no-obligation first consultation and discuss your test tasks with us. We look forward to hearing from you.
