Stabilizer Bar Test Machine (STAP)
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The Development and Quality Monitoring of resilient, highly stressed automotive components such as stabilizer bars, requires testing that represents actual vehicle conditions as accurately as possible. There are some essential test areas when determining the quality of spring steel, for example, fatigue strength under realistic load and environmental conditions.

Based on these requirements, IABG offers a stabilizer bar test machine capable of performing fatigue tests under normal laboratory atmosphere. Thus allowing the determination of stabilizer bar fatigue strength while reducing both time and cost.

Advantages of the IABG stabilizer bar test machines

  • Energy efficiency by utilising the principles of resonance in tests
  • Reliability and low maintenance
  • Designed to exclude all external forces and vibrations
  • Possible test types:
    • Release test with alternative bearings capable of running at higher frequencies
    • Assembly test with original bearings at low frequencies
    • Full axle configuration test for simulation of real kinematics
  • Tests for up to 43 mm thick stabilizer bars
  • Software-based testing, documentation and evaluation
  • Accepted by all leading car manufacturers
  • Compliant with German OEM standards (AK-LH 07) of springs and stabilizer bars


Relevant influences on Stabilizer Bars

  • Mechanical demands from
    • Tension of the bar
    • Axle kinematics
  • Damage to the surface and coating through Stone impact
  • Corrosive environment conditions


Experimental verification

  • Pre-damage caused by IABG Grit Impact Simulator
  • Corrosion in alternating cycle tests developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (Verband der Automobilindustrie, VDA)
  • Tests with original stabilizer bar bearings in instillation position
  • Statistical validation through systematic testing and a sufficient number of test items

Technical data

  • Test Specimens:
    all types of passenger vehicle stabilizer bars,
    one or two bars can be tested simultaneously.
  • Stabilizer bar diameter: d = 10 to 42 mm
  • Stabilizer bar length: L ≤ 2000 mm
  • Test frequency: f = 2 to 25 Hz
  • Loading conditions:
    constant and randomly variable amplitudes (block program), constantly alternating loads ( R = - 1)
  • Installation:
    Pel equates to 1 kW, on a level ground surface
  • Weight / Measurements of the machine:
    3,2 tons, L = 4500 mm, W = 1500 mm,
    H = 1800 mm