IABG commences operation of innovative cylinder head test stand

As manufacturer of special test stands and technical provider we planned, implemented and commissioned the complete system as a general contractor on the IABG premises in Ottobrunn.

With the cylinder head test stand it is now possible to simulate the thermal stress on cylinder heads in the laboratory under time-lapse and to subsequently proof the endurance limit. The cylinder heads can already be tested in a very early development stage, without the complete engine. This is how we stay abreast with the ever decreasing development cycles in the automobile industry. Complex field tests can hence be reduced to a minimum.

Core of the plant is a combustor operated with a propane oxygen mixture, on which cylinder heads of different dimensions can be tested in continuous operation with very high performance using 6 separately adjustable burners altogether. The test specimens can be heated to operating temperature in very short time and be cooled down to a moderate temperature with a glycol-water-mix in freely definable and selectable cycles. Two separate cycles with different inlet temperatures are available for the cooling water.

All components are designed for an automated continuous operation without operator personnel in the test room. An IR camera system is installed at the test stand, which monitors temperatures and recognizes and documents possible tears. The open structure allows inspections during continuous operation. The test stand can be controlled fully automatically via a pre-defined user interface. A control stand, as well as a separate assembly area and a storage room are part of the test facility.

IABG currently operates the test stand in the context of an investor/operator model for a car manufacturer exclusively and is in charge of employment co-ordination, quality management and maintenance issues.
The cylinder head test stand is another milestone for IABG on the way to a strategic development partner of the automobile industry with the emphasis on customized full services in the areas testing and simulation.