Choosing the right vibration test system for your product involves a systematic evaluation of your product requirements, the test standards you must meet, and the performance specifications of the testing equipment. As LinkoTest, we guide clients through this process by focusing on the core parameters that define the test environment, helping you understand How to Choose a Vibration Test System..
1. Define Your Product and Test Requirements
The first step is to thoroughly understand what you need to test.
| Requirement | Key Questions to Ask | Why It Matters |
| Product Characteristics | What is the mass (payload) and size of your product? | Determines the required force and table size of the shaker. |
| Test Profile (The Input) | Are you testing for Sine, Random, or Shock? What is the required frequency range (Hz)? | Defines the controller and shaker type (e.g., Electrodynamic is best for Random). |
| Test Severity | What are the required acceleration (G) and velocity (in/s or m/s) levels? | Directly determines the required force rating of the shaker and amplifier power. |
| Displacement | What is the required maximum peak-to-peak displacement (stroke)? | Crucial for low-frequency tests (e.g., transport simulation). |
| Environmental Needs | Do you need to run the test at extreme temperatures or humidity? | Requires an environmental chamber integrated with the shaker. |
| Standards Compliance | Which industry standards must you meet (e.g., MIL-STD, ISO, ASTM)? | Dictates the exact test parameters and waveform types you must be able to generate. |
2. 2. Key Specifications: How to Choose a Vibration Test System Exciter
The choice of shaker system components must directly correlate with the requirements defined above. Focus on these critical specifications:
A. Maximum Force Rating (F max)
The most important specification. The shaker must generate enough force to move your product at the required acceleration level.2
Where:
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M(payload) = Mass of the product + Mass of the fixture/Table + Mass of the Armature.
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A(required) = Maximum required acceleration (in G, converted to $m/s^2).
You must select a shaker with an F(max) significantly higher (e.g., 20% to 30% margin) than your calculated required force.
B. Maximum Displacement (Stroke)
This determines the shaker’s ability to achieve high G-levels at low frequencies. Low-frequency tests require large stroke.
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Rule: For a given acceleration (G), the required displacement is inversely proportional to the square of the frequency. If your test requires high G at low Hz (like transport simulation), you need a shaker with a long stroke (e.g., 2 inches peak-to-peak or more).
C. Frequency Range
Ensure the shaker and controller can operate across the required test frequency spectrum.
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Electrodynamic Shakers typically offer the best performance, handling ranges from 5 Hz up to 2,000 Hz or higher, necessary for most Random Vibration tests.
D. Table Size and Configuration
The armature table must be large enough to mount your test item and fixture. If the product is very large, you may need a head expander (a larger plate bolted to the armature) or even a slip table (for testing in the horizontal axis).
3. Selecting the Controller and Amplifier
A. Vibration Controller
Ensure the controller is capable of generating the required test profile:
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Software Capability: Must support the specific Sine, Random, and Shock test types required by your industry standards.
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Channels: Must have enough input channels to connect all the required control and monitoring accelerometers.
B. Power Amplifier
The amplifier must be precisely matched to the shaker’s continuous force rating to ensure reliable, high-power performance throughout the entire test duration without overheating or distortion.
4. Final Considerations
| Consideration | Action |
| System Margin | Always oversize the shaker and amplifier (1.5x to 2x safety margin) to account for fixture weight and future testing needs. |
| Fixture Design | The test results are only as good as the fixture. Ensure your test fixture is stiff, lightweight, and its first resonance frequency is well above the test frequency range. |
| LinkoTest Consultation | Consult with our engineers early in the process. We can help you calculate the exact force and performance specifications based on your product mass and required G-levels, ensuring you select a system that is compliant and cost-effective. |
Would you like me to help you calculate the necessary force rating for your specific product and test requirements?