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Shakers

TIRA Vibration Systems, stands as a pioneering force in the realm of vibration testing and analysis. With a rich history dating back to its establishment, TIRA has been at the forefront of shaker development since 1947. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous engineering of their vibration solutions, embodying the precision and innovation associated with German technology.

 

TIRA’s comprehensive range of vibration systems is designed to meet the diverse needs of industries requiring precise testing and analysis. From research and development laboratories to quality control in manufacturing, TIRA’s vibration systems are trusted for their reliability and accuracy. The company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of vibration technology is apparent in their cutting-edge solutions, making TIRA a cornerstone for those seeking top-tier vibration testing equipment.

 

Explore here or direct on their website to delve into the intricacies of TIRA’s vibration systems and discover how they continue to shape the landscape of industrial testing with their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

Tira-company-airview

TIRA GmbH - The Company

TIRA sets new trends with complete systems for industry and research. System technology from one hand for persistently enhanced safety and quality, competitive leads and image.

The today’s focus of TIRA comprises technical applications for measuring and testing. TIRA is specialised in the field of user-oriented projects, manufacture, and development of Vibration testing, Material testing and Balancing systems which are nowadays the three core businesses of this traditional enterprise.

By excelling in these three fields and extending their own mechanical production center, an unparalleled business structure has been established in the industry, providing optimal opportunities and benefits to users worldwide: complete solutions from one company.

Internationally renowned automotive manufacturers and suppliers, rolling-stock builders, manufacturers of aviation and aerospace equipment, research facilities and institutes, test centres etc. gain benefits from TIRA and their products.

Their products are developed in permanent interaction with users of manifold industries. The successful symbiosis of conventional technology with conscientious research and development lays the groundwork for healthy growth of their company.

Investments, technology transfer and international co-operation relationships are efficiently used to improve overall competencies and TIRA location sites. As globally committed company and know-how supplier, TIRA contributes to the development of future-oriented products and intelligent production technologies as well as to the establishment and extension of economic structures.

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Vibration Test Systems

TIRA Vibration Systems proudly presents a distinguished range of shakers, embodying decades of expertise and innovation in vibration testing. Crafted with precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, TIRA’s shakers are at the forefront of reliability and performance.

These robust systems cater to diverse industrial needs, delivering exceptional accuracy in dynamic testing scenarios. Whether utilized in research, product development, or quality assurance, TIRA’s shakers offer a versatile solution for simulating real-world vibrations with unparalleled control and consistency. Elevate your testing capabilities with TIRA’s shakers, where excellence in design meets the rigorous demands of contemporary vibration analysis.

shakers-permanent-magnet-9n-to-400n

Vibration Test Systems (shakers) 9 N to 400 N

These vibration exciters (also called shakers) use permanent magnets and are available as portable and stationary systems for simulating ambient vibration conditions. Robust design ensures a long service life, and typical applications include structure analysis and testing smaller subassemblies. These shakers are characterized by high lateral and axial stiffness and come in lightweight construction as specified by industrial users.

New rare earth magnets have been added to the range of conventional Alnico magnets, reducing weight from 36 kg to 12 kg for easy handling particularly in mobile applications. Our shakers have proven their worth in environmental labs, universities and industrial production lines both for components and calibration. These complete systems enable testing in accordance with national and international standards such as DIN, ISO, BS, MIL, IEC and ASTM.

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

shaker-vibration-exciter-120-2700n

Vibration Test Systems 1000 N to 2700 N

  • Long-time operation
  • Minimum maintenance effort
  • High cross-axial stiffness
  • Mounted pivotable in a rugged trunnion with vibration isolators
  • Automatic centering of the armature
  • Pneumatic or electronic load compensation for heavy test loads
  • LS-Shakers with up to  45 mm displacement and electronic zero-point regulation with adjustable stiffness
  • Optional degauss kit to reduce stray magnetic field
  • Multiple safety devices
  • Coarse filter unit for cooling air
  • Squeak&Rattle Option (low noise operation without blower)

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

vibration-exciter-340-15kn

Vibration Test Systems 4 kN to 15 kN

  • Clamping table (Armature) ø180 mm, ø230 mm or ø340 mm
  • Designed for Long-time operation
  • Minimum maintenance effort
  • High cross-axial stiffness
  • Mounted pivotable in a rugged trunnion with combined rubber/air isolators
  • Automatic centering of the armature
  • Fully automatic pneumatic load compensation for heavy test loads
  • 50.8 mm (2“) displacement
  • Degauss kit to reduce stray magnetic field (optional low degaussing for further reduction)
  • Multiple safety devices
  • Coarse filter unit for cooling air
  • Squeak&Rattle Option (low noise operation without blower)
  • Wheels&Rails Option (shaker is displaceable on rails)

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

vibration-exciter-440-35kn

Vibration Test Systems 22 kN to 70 kN

  • Electrodynamic shaker with trunnion
  • Power save function (field power reduction)
  • Optional Dual Bearing-System for enhancement of cross axial stiffness and reduction of wear (larger or equal to 27 kN)
  • Air glide option (shaker is displaceable on air cushions)
  • Multiple safety devices
  • Clamping table (Armature) ø340 mm, ø440 mm or ø640 mm
  • Designed for Long-time operation
  • Minimum maintenance effort
  • High cross-axial stiffness
  • Mounted pivotable in a rugged trunnion with combined rubber/air isolators
  • up to 76.2 mm (3“) displacement
  • Automatic centering of the AIT-system and the armature
  • AIT-system fixable to use the full displacement also at low frequencies and heavy loads
  • Fully automatic pneumatic load compensation for heavy test loads
  • Air-cooling blower with optional fan speed control
  • Available as RIT, AIT or LB trunnion system* (smaller or equal to 35 kN)
  • Degauss kit to reduce stray magnetic field (optional low degaussing for further reduction)

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

watercooled-shaker-840-300kn

Vibration Test Systems 74 kN to 300 kN

  • Watercooled shakers with closed cooling circuit
  • Hydrostatically guided
  • Payloads of up to 2500 kg
  • Up to 76.2 mm (3“) displacement
  • Dual Bearing-System for enhancement of cross axial stiffness and reduction of wear
  • Automatic permanent conductance monitoring of the cooling water
  • Shaker water circuit with overpressure
  • Automatic centering of the AIT-system and the armature
  • AIT-system fixable to use the full displacement also at low frequencies and heavy loads
  • Power save function (field power reduction)

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

induction-ring-vibration-exciter-shaker

Induction Ring - Vibration Test Systems 140 kN

Induction ring shakers operate with an all-metal moving coil with a single winding, in which an alternating voltage is induced by surrounding static coils, thus setting the moving coil in motion. Cooling is provided by a combined water/air cooler. The external cooling unit also provides the lubricant for the hydrostatic bearings, which enable friction-free mounting of the vibration armature.

Advantages of induction ring shakers:

  • No power connection to the vibration armature necessary -> Less failure susceptibility
  • High mechanical strength of the moving coil -> Greatly reduced maintenance requirements
  • High acceleration values
  • High resonance frequency of the vibrating armature

Check out all models with corresponding datasheet here

Slip-Tables

Discover the advanced range of slip tables from TIRA Vibration Systems, a testament to precision and adaptability in vibration testing. Engineered with meticulous attention to detail, these slip tables are designed to seamlessly integrate with TIRA’s vibration systems, offering unparalleled control and reliability. Ideal for a variety of applications, from automotive testing to aerospace evaluations, TIRA’s slip tables ensure accurate simulation of real-world vibrations. With customizable features and a robust build, these slip tables exemplify TIRA’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern industrial testing. Elevate your vibration testing experience with TIRA’s innovative slip tables, where engineering excellence meets the challenges of dynamic testing environments.

Oil-film-slip-table

Oil-film guided slip tables

Increasing demands on vibration testing require additional slip table systems, also ensuring tests in horizontal direction on large and heavy specimens in mounting position. The Monobase design allows quick and precise alignment and coupling of shaker to the slip table. Shaker and slip table are mounted on a common frame.

The TIRA Monobase slip tables are available in different versions:

  • Index XS: for vibration test system: TV 5220, TV 54216
  • Index S: for vibration test systems: TV 50350
  • Index SM: for vibration test systems: TV 55240
  • Index M: for vibration test systems: TV 56280
  • Index L: for vibration test systems: TV 51010, TV 57315
  • Index XL: for vibration test systems: TV 59322, TV 59327, TV 59335
  • Index XXL: for vibration test systems: TV 59349 – TV 59412
  • Index XXXL: for vibration test systems: TV 59413, TV 59416, TV 59420
  • Index LX: for vibration test system: TV 59430

Models XXXL and LX on request.

Oil-film slip tables consist of a precision grinded and lapped natural granite block with a magnesium plate that slides on an oil film. Four linear guides guarantee the lateral guidance of the slip plate and minimize transverse motion.

Special features:

  • Integrated oil pan
  • Non-contact displacement monitoring (only with AIT-System)
  • 100 mm displacement possible (with the appropriate shaker)

More information and datasheets

hydrostatic slip table

Hydrostatically guided slip tables

Increasing demands on vibration testing require additional slip table systems, also ensuring tests in horizontal direction on large and heavy specimens in mounting position. The Monobase design allows quick and precise alignment and coupling of shaker to the slip table. Shaker and slip table are mounted on a common frame.

The TIRA Monobase slip tables are available in different versions:

  • Index XS: for vibration test system: TV 5220. TV 54216
  • Index S: for vibration test systems: TV 50350
  • Index SM: for vibration test systems: TV 55240
  • Index M: for vibration test systems: TV 56280
  • Index L: for vibration test systems: TV 51010, TV 57315
  • Index XL: for vibration test systems: TV 59322, TV 59327, TV 59335
  • Index XXL: for vibration test systems: TV 59349 – TV 59412, TV 69440
  • Index XXXL: for vibration test systems: TV 59413, TV 59416, TV 59420
  • Index LX: for vibration test system: TV 59430

Models XXXL and LX on request.

Oil film slip tables with hydrostatic guidance from TIRA give you a compact system for a variety of vibration tests, including those of large and heavy specimens which generate high yaw, roll and pitch moments due to their high centers of gravity above the slip plate. These tables use high-pressure bearings with a separate hydraulic supply unit.

Special features:

  • Enclosed oil aggregate with return flow pump
  • Integrated oil pan
  • Non-contact displacement Monitoring (only with AIT-system)
  • 100 mm displacement possible (with the appropriate shaker)

More information and datasheets

 

driver bar

Slip table – Driver bars

TIRA driver bars provide the link between shaker and slip plate. They are manufactured of magnesium and depending on size they are single pieces or welded together. Their geometric design enables perfect force transmission while minimizing the moving mass. Driver bars are available for vibration generators with different armature diameters from 120 mm to 840 mm.

More information and sizes

Amplifiers

TIRA Vibration Systems introduces a line of sophisticated amplifiers that complement their precision vibration testing solutions. Meticulously engineered to enhance the performance of shakers, these amplifiers exemplify TIRA’s commitment to delivering top-tier instrumentation for vibration analysis.

Designed with advanced features and unparalleled reliability, TIRA’s amplifiers play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of vibration testing across various industries. Whether in research and development or quality control applications, TIRA’s amplifiers stand as a testament to innovation, offering a seamless integration with their vibration systems to meet the exacting demands of modern testing environments.

analog amplifiers

Analog Amplifiers

  • Designed with state-of-the-art MOSFET transistors
  • Sine output power up to 1200 VA
  • Selectable operation in current or voltage mode
  • Backgroundlit multifunctional display
  • Safety management system monitors temperature, overcurrent, clipping and overtravel
  • High Signal to noise ratio of >90 dB
  • Low distortion factor <0.1%
  • Selectable operation voltage range (factory-preset: 100V, 120V, 230V)
  • Adjustable current limit
  • Operation with all permanent magnet driven shakers on the market
  • Optional connection for zero-point regulation (TMC) (for BAA 500 and up)

More information and datasheets

 

digital amplifiers

Digital amplifiers

  • Single axis pulse width modulated amplifier
  • Easily expandable due to modular design (Model A 6*)
  • Color-LCD-Touchscreen
  • Display of error indication and system parameters in clear text
  • Multiple switchable field levels (for energy-saving)
  • Safety management monitors temperature, overcurrent, overtravel and air supply of the vibration test system
  • High clock frequency power modules of 102 kHz ±5%
  • Low distortion factor of up to < 0.2 %
  • Integrated mains switch and line filter
  • 4 Sigma peak current
  • Remote control available
  • Operation with nearly all shakers on the market

More information and datasheets

 

Head expanders and special fixtures

head-expander

Head expanders

TIRA head expanders are manufactured from magnesium and provide an expansion of the armature table.

The unique design of the head expanders and special control strategies allow tests up to 2000 Hz (depends on resonance frequency). Head expanders especially provided with ‘vibrodamp’ can be subjected to test frequencies above 1000 Hz. This damping process reduces amplification of upper frequency resonances.

If a test needs excentric clamping of the testobject or higher transverse moments, TIRA also offers guided head expanders.

Apart from the range of standard head expanders TIRA also offers customized fixtures for round, square or rec tangular working areas up to 2000 mm lateral length or diameter.

More information and datasheets

 

fixture

Fixtures

In order to perform multi-axis vibration tests, L & T fixtures and cubic designs, as well as specially engineered support fixtures can be manufactured to meet any particular testing requirements.

The special design of these fixtures allows tests of up to 2000 Hz.

More information and datasheets

 

Shaker basics - The Shaker (also called vibration exciter)

The mode of function of a shaker corresponds to that of a loudspeaker. The vibration movement is generated by the interaction of electric current passing through the plunger coil and a magnetic field. The force used to accelerate the moving element comprised of a ribbed body and the wrapped plunger coil is proportional to the coil current, the magnetic flux density, and the length of conductor in the magnetic field. The vibration level of shaker can therefore be controlled by electric current intensity.

Graph 1 shows the sectional view of a shaker. In case of small shakers, the magnetic field is generated by means of permanent magnets and, in case of larger, base-mounted ones, by means of electromagnets. The maximum achievable acceleration is dependent on current intensity and total effective mass to be moved. At low frequencies, however, the limits of vibration velocity and displacement (travel) are reached earlier than those of acceleration.

Graph 2 shows the acceleration as a function frequency in double-logarithmic (log-log) scale. The displacement limit is represented as a straight line with a slope of 12 dB/octave. A vibration velocity limit is often encountered on larger shakers, depending on the warm-up of springs and the maximum output voltage of power amplifier. This vibration velocity limit is represented as a straight line with a slope of 6 dB/octave. The upper frequency limit depends on the self-resonant frequency of moving element.

Shaker-basics-shaker

Shaker basics - The Control

A defined vibration amplitude of armature is required for vibration testing. The frequency response curve, however, is not flat but shows resonance peaks. Other resonances will be produced by the specimen. That is why the gain must be varied with the frequency run, comparing the actual vibration value of armature with specimen to a specified setpoint value. The vibration table control mainly consists of frequency generator, vibration meter and control amplifier (Graph 3).

Shaker-basics-control

Shaker basics - The Power Amplifier

The frequency response curve of a shaker driven by a constant current can be broken down into three sections. The first two ones represent the spring-mass system of moving element and its suspension with a self-resonant frequency of 20 Hz. In the third section, axial resonances in the moving element will occur, thus defining the upper frequency limit of a shaker. This limit is typically over 3 kHz for large shakers.

The frequency response curve for a shaker with constant voltage input can also be broken down into three sections. The lower self-resonant frequency, however, appears considerably damped, providing an easier control of vibration level. The constant driving voltage is generated by power amplifiers of low impedance output and normally preferred for almost all vibration tests. In the medium range, however, current control will partially be more advantageous, primarily in such cases where the shaker is used as force generator or run in non-feedback control mode. Unlike voltage control, this requires a high impedance output of amplifiers which will often have selectable impedance outputs (Graph 4).

Shaker-basics-amplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions about shaker systems

When determining the required force for an electrodynamic shaker, it’s important to account for both the mass of the test specimen, the mass of the shaker’s armature and all additional masses added on top of the shaker. The total force needed can be calculated using the formula:

Force (F)=Total Mass (m)×Acceleration (a)

  1. Mass (m):
    The total mass is the sum of the mass of the test specimen, any fixtures, the armature of the shaker and any additional masses you add on the shaker (head expander, slip plate, thermal barriers, liquids flowing tough objects, etc…):

    Total Mass (m)=Mass of Test Specimen+Mass of Fixtures+Mass of Armature+Mass of attributes

  1. Acceleration (a):
    This is the required acceleration level, usually specified in meters per second squared (m/s²) or in multiples of ‘g’ (where 1g = 9.81 m/s²). The acceleration value depends on the testing standard or specific requirements (defined by the profiles you want to generate on the shaker).
  2. Calculating the Force:
    To find the force required, use the total mass and multiply it by the desired acceleration:
    F=Total Mass (m)×aFor example, if your test specimen has a mass of 10 kg, the fixture weighs 5 kg, and the armature has a mass of 3 kg, and the required acceleration is 50 m/s², the calculation would be (not taking in account any additional weight added):Total Mass (m)=10 kg+5 kg+3 kg=18 kg

    F=18 kg×50 m/s2=900 N (Newtons)

  1. Additional Considerations:
  • Safety Factor: Include a safety factor to ensure the shaker can handle unexpected variations.
  • Frequency Considerations: Higher frequencies may require more force, so verify the shaker’s capabilities across the frequency range.
  • Fixture Design: Consider the mass and design of the fixture, as it can impact the required force.

Including the armature’s mass in your calculations ensures a more accurate assessment of the force needed, helping you select the right shaker for your testing needs. If you need further assistance, our team is here to help!

An electrodynamic vibration system is a testing apparatus that generates controlled vibrations through electromagnetic force. It typically consists of a shaker, amplifier, and control system to simulate real-world vibrations for various testing purposes.

An electrodynamic shaker operates by passing an electric current through a coil within a magnetic field, creating a force that moves a mass (armature). This movement induces vibrations in the attached device or structure for testing.

These systems are employed for diverse tests, including product durability assessments, quality control, modal analysis, and environmental simulations. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics utilize them extensively.

The main components include the shaker (which imparts vibrations), amplifier (to boost and control the signal), and control system (for programming and monitoring the tests). Accelerometers and sensors are also integral for data acquisition.

Consider factors such as the required force and displacement levels, frequency range, and the size and weight of the test object. Consulting with vibration testing experts can help tailor the system to your specific needs.

Yes, electrodynamic shakers are available in various sizes and force capacities, making them suitable for testing large structures such as bridges, buildings, and aerospace components.

Absolutely. Electrodynamic vibration systems can generate not only sine wave vibrations but also random, swept sine, and shock waveforms to replicate real-world dynamic conditions.

Regular maintenance includes inspecting cables, ensuring proper cooling for the amplifier, and checking for wear and tear on the shaker components. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial for optimal performance. Our team at Quantify is more than happy to help you out with yearly preventive maintenance or break down repairs.

Users should follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer, including proper grounding, securing test objects, and using personal protective equipment. Training on equipment usage is also recommended.

Yes, many systems allow integration with environmental chambers, data acquisition systems, and additional sensors to create comprehensive testing setups. Compatibility and integration options depend on the specific system and manufacturer.