Aerospace company reaps the benefit of using Zwick equipment

As Zwick continues to supply high-quality products that meet the demands of global organisations, one such company is reaping the benefits of our high-end universal testing machine, impact tester and micro hardness testing system.

Over recent years, the aircraft engine control system has increasingly become one of the most critical systems in the development of new engine programmes in the aerospace sector. At the same time, market demand has been growing for improved engine performance.

Aero Engine Controls (AEC), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce plc and Goodrich Corporation, was created to address this demand. The company provides a single solution for the design, manufacture, procurement, testing and support of high integrity, harsh environment control systems, including safety critical software, electronic, electrical and hydro-mechanical products.
As a joint venture, AEC is able to work closely with its parent companies. On Rolls-Royce’s aero-engine programmes, AEC is involved right at the beginning of the design process, from early concepts, all the way through into aircraft service, which helps achieve an optimised system.

Aero Engine Controls decided to update their component and material test facilities and as part of the supplier evaluation process, Zwick was able to offer professional advice and guidance regarding the optimum selection of testing products which would satisfy the rigorous testing standards employed by the company.

The recent installation of a Zwick 250kN universal testing machine and 450 Joule pendulum impact tester, utilised to meet the needs of AEC’s quality assurance, has been followed by the acquisition of a Zwick Model ZHµ micro hardness testing system.

The advanced hardness tester is equipped with multiple objective lenses and indenters and intuitive software to assist the operator in setting up test routines to ensure test results of the highest integrity. The test system is fitted with a motorised turret which facilitates an automatic test sequence when changing indenter and lens positions. A motorised load change, controlled via the PC, ensures that the specified test force is used every time. Optional software can also be used for automatic determination of effective case depth. The instrument was supplied with UKAS accredited indenters and test blocks, thus ensuring compliance with the latest ISO and ASTM standards.

As with all its major purchasing decisions, AEC embarked on a thorough evaluation process before committing to a single supplier. Bob Major, from the Manufacturing Engineering Department, said: “The hardness testing equipment will enable the company to cater for a significant increase in the throughput of test specimens and, in particular, provide us with a greater understanding of our nitriding heat treatment processes.”

He added that the equipment selection process was based on the fact that “Zwick demonstrated their ability to thoroughly understand my exacting requirements and their ability to provide ongoing local technical and service support of the installed product.”