The Leather Seam Fatigue Tester is used to evaluate the fatigue resistance of seams in automotive seat surface materials. Seat surface materials (genuine leather, synthetic leather, fabric, etc.) are often spliced and stitched together. The seam strength and fatigue resistance of these seams directly impact the service life of the seat. Testing the strength and life of these seams can effectively predict the lifespan of the seat and identify improvements to improve service life.
The Seam Fatigue Tester is a two-station desktop machine used to evaluate the tear resistance or elongation of seam pinholes in textile or leather seat materials. Each test station includes a pair of grippers to secure the specimen, and a height gauge is used to set the gripper spacing at each test station to 140mm.
The specimen is placed in the grippers. The left and right grippers are adjusted to ensure the test spacing meets the standard. The number of test cycles is set. At the start of the test, a reducer drives the center gripper in reciprocating motion. A 3kg load is attached to the left and right grippers. As the center gripper reciprocates, the left and right specimens undergo a loading and unloading cycle. A proximity switch connected to a counter records the gripper's movement cycles. The test stops when the set number of test cycles is reached. The change in the seam opening at the seam is measured to determine the fatigue resistance of the material joint.
Working Principle
The working principle of this test mainly involves three aspects: First, it simulates actual use conditions. By accurately simulating the various stresses and strains that leather products may encounter during daily use, such as tension, compression, bending, and friction, the fatigue strength of the seams is comprehensively evaluated. Second, it utilizes a repetitive loading system. The equipment is usually equipped with one or more loading devices, such as cylinders or servo motors, which can apply cyclical forces to the leather sample. These forces can be either constant or variable according to actual needs, effectively simulating different use conditions. Finally, the control and adjustment process is involved. The tester generally has a precise control and adjustment system, which allows the operator to flexibly set the loading frequency, load level, number of cycles, and other related parameters to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the test results.
Operation Method
When performing carbon arc lamp weathering tests, the first step is to prepare the specimen. The specimens must be cut according to standard requirements to ensure consistent dimensions and intact seams. Common specifications are 10cm×10cm samples in both warp and weft directions. The specimen surface should also be carefully inspected to ensure there are no damage, burrs, or deformation to prevent these factors from interfering with the test results. Then, the equipment is installed and calibrated, and the specimen is securely fixed on the fixture. It is important to ensure that it is centered and without offset to avoid data deviation caused by uneven force during the test. In addition, the fixture spacing and clamping force should be reasonably adjusted according to the specimen type (such as leather, fabric) to ensure the stability and repeatability of the test. After that, the parameter setting link is entered. The number of cycles needs to be set, such as 2500 times; the load range, such as 29.4N (3kg); the test frequency, such as 30 times/minute; the bending angle/stretching mode should be selected according to the actual use scenario of the material. All these parameters are set through the touch screen or control panel. After completing the parameter setting, start the test. After confirming that the parameters are correct, start the equipment. The system will automatically perform cyclic loading and monitor the deformation of the joints, crack propagation and other data in real time. During the test, the staff should closely observe the status of the specimen and promptly record abnormal phenomena such as breakage and derailment. The last stage is data collection and analysis. The data system will automatically record indicators such as fatigue strength and durability and generate a test report. The staff will then use the software to analyze the crack formation time, fatigue life, etc. to evaluate whether the joint performance meets the standards.
Maintenance and Care
Fatigue testing machine fixtures: As a crucial component of the instrument, different materials require different fixtures. These fixtures are a crucial factor in the smooth conduct of tests and the accuracy of test results. Over time, as the fixtures wear out due to increased use, their gripping force can cause errors in test data. Furthermore, since the fixtures are made of metal, prolonged exposure to air can lead to rust and corrosion, which can also cause errors in test results.
Fatigue testing machine motors: These motors control the operation of the fatigue testing machine's components. Frequent use can lead to excessive temperatures, which can cause the entire machine to malfunction. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the motor's temperature, vibration, and internal wiring, and to clean the motor regularly.
Fatigue testing machine sheet metal: This is a protective layer on the fatigue testing machine's exterior, protecting it from oxidation and corrosion caused by air and water. If the sheet metal is accidentally scratched, it must be repaired promptly to prevent corrosion and possible failure due to impurities such as water. In addition to the above, the sheet metal can also be severely deformed during transportation due to bumps and collisions.
Fatigue testing machine sensor: It consists of two parts: sensitive elements and processing circuits. The most important and common reason for the failure of fatigue testing machine sensors is the overload of the test force. A series of chain reactions caused by overload, such as impact, cause the testing machine to fail to operate normally. Only by replacing the sensor and recalibrating the sensor can it work normally.
Wide Range of Applications
The leather seam fatigue strength tester plays a vital role in multiple key areas of the leather industry, encompassing leather product manufacturing, quality inspection, and product development. In leather product manufacturing, fatigue testing of leather seams using this tester is essential. This testing method allows for the timely identification and proper resolution of potential quality issues, effectively improving product qualification rates and ensuring that leather products meet quality standards.
In the field of quality inspection, this tester fully demonstrates its evaluation capabilities. It can accurately assess the fatigue performance of leather products produced across batches and using different processes, effectively ensuring stable and consistent product quality and ensuring consumers receive reliable leather products. The leather seam fatigue strength tester is also indispensable during the product development stage. Using the data and analysis provided by this tester, R&D personnel can optimize product designs and improve production processes, thereby enhancing product durability, strengthening market competitiveness, and increasing consumer appeal.
In summary, the leather seam fatigue strength tester is not only crucial for evaluating the fatigue resistance of leather products such as automotive seat surface materials, but also permeates the entire leather product manufacturing, quality inspection, and product development process. It plays an indispensable role, from promptly troubleshooting potential quality issues during manufacturing, to effectively ensuring product stability and consistency during quality inspection, to significantly improving product durability and market competitiveness during the R&D phase. Therefore, emphasizing and properly utilizing the leather seam fatigue strength tester is of far-reaching and significant significance for promoting the high-quality development of the leather industry and meeting consumer demand for high-quality leather products.
