CASE STUDY | Roller Test Rig

Wyma Solutions is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of post-harvest vegetable and fruit handling equipment. Christchurch-based, they have production facilities on two continents and machinery operating in more than 50 countries.

THE CHALLENGE

Wyma wanted to conduct accelerated lifetime testing on support rollers used in their equipment.

The scope was to design a machine to test four rollers simultaneously and continuously under several times the expected load. This would determine the long term capabilities of the rollers, which they made from various compositions and materials, to determine the most cost-effective and long lasting option.

THE SOLUTION

To minimise costs, many off the shelf components were used.

The required loads were applied via hand pumped hydraulic rams. A pressure gauge combined with hydraulic accumulators meant that once the load was applied, the system would need little further intervention.

Orienting the test rig upright meant the gearmotor only needed to overcome rolling resistance, allowing use of a smaller gearmotor. Using a locking hub meant a lower tolerance machined fit could be used on the shaft and hub, and the need for a keyway was removed.

Caliber provided full calculations, design, and drawings of the mechanical and hydraulic equipment, as well as cost estimates and quotes for the parts and equipment required.

This information gave Wyma the information they needed to ensure the rollers are fit for purpose and will last. They have the added benefit of a test rig that can be used for other applications.