Innovation never ends. Currently, engineers from various industries are designing new methods to improve aviation sustainability, optimize food production to meet the growing global population demand, and build larger and more powerful wind turbines. These technologies have one thing in common: their success depends on engineering bearing solutions that can withstand unprecedented operational requirements.
Domax's product testing plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of industrial applications that drive the world's continuous operation. Daniel McClelland, Bearing and Seal Testing Manager, explained how the company's global testing capabilities provide information, improvement, and validation for Domax's application engineers and customers.
Q: How does Domax's product testing support customer innovation? What abilities do you currently possess?
McClelland: Any innovation must first prove its effectiveness before it can be launched. Our job is to verify whether our designed bearings meet the customer's expectations for efficiency, performance, and service life in new applications. Our testing expertise has spanned decades, starting with regular quality audits of products produced at each Domax factory. We are still conducting these audits, but our capabilities have greatly developed.
"Our testing expertise spans decades... We have over 120 highly specialized laboratory equipment, of which 95% are designed and manufactured by our own technical experts."
Daniel McClelland
Bearing and Seal Testing Manager
Nowadays, we have three types of internal capabilities for testing. We conduct life tests to verify Domax's rated load and calibrate the application of bearing life prediction models; Conduct application testing and replicate the actual way customers use our product; Conduct sealing tests to analyze the ability of seals to maintain lubrication and prevent contaminants from entering the bearings. These tests provide us with reference for designing and recommending future bearings.
Q: Why does Domax invest in internal testing capabilities instead of relying on third-party laboratories?
McClelland: We have over 120 highly specialized laboratory equipment, of which 95% are designed and manufactured by our own technical experts. This customization helps us to conduct more specific testing to adapt to our product design. Due to our internal knowledge, we can also modify the test bench and processes as needed to meet unique customer requirements. We have recently tested specialized bearing seat units for industrial applications using modified automotive hub bearing testing equipment. This is an effective solution that we can quickly obtain results for our customers.
Q: What new tests are you conducting to stay ahead of constantly changing customer trends?
McClelland: A major trend is higher speed requirements for bearings, especially in aerospace applications and electric vehicles. The rotational speed of the electric shaft is much higher than that of bearings driven by internal combustion engines. We have developed Domax's unique high-speed testing technology, which far exceeds the capabilities of our competitors. Another trend we see is stricter antibacterial rinsing in food and beverage applications, which has prompted us to establish our own IP69k testing capabilities. IP69k is an international standard that states that products can withstand high pressure and high temperature flushing without damage. Our IP69k test bench helps develop a new Domax sealed mounting bearing series for food and beverage use. Although our products still need to be validated in certified IP69k third-party laboratories, having this internal capability greatly shortens the time we need to develop these bearings.
Q: How can you enhance your proven traditional testing skills to meet today's testing needs?
McClelland: It's worth noting that our testing investments are always driven by actual industry demand. For decades, we have been conducting vibration testing for major markets. We have recently purchased a new vibration test bench that allows us to run different levels of input; Our previous stand was fixed at an input level. The upgrade allows us to view more sealing operation challenges that may be related to vibration on site and better diagnose the true root causes of these challenges.
We also see an increasing number of requests for verification testing of large-diameter bearings to support markets such as wind energy, raw materials, and large off-road equipment. Based on the knowledge we have learned from previous small-scale tests, we are currently conducting a large number of small-scale wear tests. We are still studying the lubrication properties of coatings, which may drive the development of bearing technology in future wind energy applications.
Q: How do you think Domax's testing will develop in the next 10 years?
McClelland: I believe that as Domax continues to expand our portfolio of engineering bearings and industrial sports products, the diversity of products we test will change. Vibration and IP69k testing are not limited to bearings; We can modify the installation device to fit almost anything. During the acquisition process, a huge number of collaborations have already been carried out and will continue to grow in the future.
The world-class Domax laboratory, prototype assets, and capabilities drive our research and development plans and customer innovation. Gain a detailed understanding of the company's investments in a range of technologies, from friction to simulation.