Company News

 Tire Abrasion/Treadwear - SNEAK PREVIEW

 Recently featured in the Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun (Japan Daily Industrial Paper), this latest technology Tire Abrasion/Treadwear Tester demonstrates some industry leading techniques.  Kokusai's use of its electric servomotor technology allows for 1/15th power consumption savings hundreds of thousands of dollars over years of testing.  Available in both a passenger/light truck and truck and bus version, this new machine uses mechanical torque in loop powertrain conversion to substantially reduce power consumption while increasing reaction time in control.  You can see the first published video of this product HERE 

3DED 3-Axis Simultaneous Electro-Dynamic Vibration

In response to our customers who love the Quake series of 3-Axis testing but want the same type of accuracy and reproducibility but with frequencies up to 2,000 Hz demand, Kokusai is now introducing a 3-Axis ED Shaker that actually meets MIL-STD-810 Standards. The Kokusai 3DED 3-Axis Simultaneous Electro-Dynamic Vibration Machine has a 5-2,000 Hz range with unparalleled response.  Borrowing some of the patented technology from the Quake and with an additional  5 years of R&D effort, the 3DED™ has successfully achieved the difficult goal of maintaining key measurables at higher frequencies.

Four Poster Vibration Tester

The Kokusai 3-axis four poster excitation testing system has been designed to focus on simulating super low frequency and displacement of road vibration using its especially engineered servo motor manipulation technology. Super low end displacement and vibration frequency from road vibration has been known as one of greatest factors causing vehicle’s vibration, noise and ride discomfort. The Kokusai system optimizes and applies the greatest features of electric servo motor technology such as; accurate reproducibility and precision stroke control regardless of stroke distance within system. G forces of up to 8 Gs are possible in the vertical direction and 5 Gs in the horizontal axes. The overall system has automatic wheel base adjustment and tread base adjustment. Each independent post can run various shaking profiles including random, triangle and field waveforms. 

The HydroTech - Hydraulic Replacement Unit

Kokusai introduces their latest product. The HYDROTECH is a revolutionary product that can replace your current, leaking, noisy, high maintenance, and expensive hydraulic system with a 100% self contained electro-servo actuation module. The HYDROTECH offers improvements in electric power consumption, using only 4% of the existing oil and removes all of the tripping hazards due to the connecting pipes between hydraulic systems. Maintenance time is reduced for general upkeep, hydraulic fluid replacement time, and hydraulic system adjustment along with other time consuming tasks. Please see the pamphlet for more information and call us to put together your customized cost justification.

NEW: The Quake is now available in Single or Dual Axis! 

Kokusai, a leading international supplier of vibration measurement equipment, is introducing their latest product. The “Quake” series of multi-axis, servo-controlled, vibration inducing machines that can “shake” product ranging from very small parts up to complete automobiles. This product line is used for testing the effects of vibration caused during shipment, handling and regular product use. Packaging strength, protection, and durability, product resistance to scratching and damage, and any other kind of vibration damage can be simulated and the final product evaluated. From this evaluation, warranty costs, product reject costs and even shipping insurance costs can be reduced.

The product line ranges from single axis shakers to tri-axis movement. Some models are capable of 6-axis movement which adds pitch, roll, and yaw. Vibration speeds can range up to 300Hz. Displacements of +-50mm (+- 200mm for seismic waveform) are possible on some testers. Some models target loads of up to 300,000N with torsion torque of up to 40,000Nm. The multi-axis machines have one table which eliminates time consuming and expensive multiple changeovers. These Windows controlled machines can run varying programs mimicking the actual transportation or other vibration hazards the customer’s product may see during their shipment to and use in the market. A data logging system can be utilized recording real-world forces from the customer’s current transportation methods and routes and feed that information back into the software for real-time simulation. The low inertia servo controlled technology eliminates the problems associated with hydraulics and allows for faster and more exact movements combined with cost savings due to reduced power consumption and environmental concerns associated with elimination of hydraulic oil waste.

Full Seismic and Earthquake Simulation models are available and can be custom designed to meet the customer’s needs.

The Vertical Impact System utilizes control test waveforms that are applied to the test. Additionally, an ultrahigh vibration line of Electro-Dynamic Vibration machines have a capability of frequencies as high as 3,000Hz. For more information on these products

High Speed Tire and Wheel Uniformity

Kokusai has released a new product to the automotive world. Based on experience in High Speed Uniformity testing on tires, Kokusai developed a machine that can test a Tire and Wheel assembly at High Speeds also. Several Japanese auto companies had already begun requiring high speed testing on their tires and wanted the capability to test on a tire and wheel assembly. Co-development of a machine that perform the same tests has been completed and a few of these machines are in production now.  

Flat Belt Testing

Certain aspects of the tire are not currently being tested and leading to “shake”, “shimmy” and other vibrations. Residual Cornering Forces and Self Aligning Torque are issues that continue to plague the automotive world. A development project, leading to a full working production prototype, has been completed and will be installed directly into the production line of a major Japanese auto company. This is a very unique machine offering new testing capability never seen before in the production world. 

Wheel Gauging and Wheel Balancing

Most major auto manufacturers are beginning to require not only wheel gauging, but also wheel balancing as part of their quality improvement initiatives. Kokusai has developed a combination gauger/balancing with the latest technology available. This combination machine will take the wheel from the customer-supplied conveyor and through a series of servo controlled lift and carry mechanisms smoothly and quietly move the parts through its various stations. The first stop is the code detection station that can not only identify the wheel, but also locate the angle of the valve hole for reporting gauge or balance results relative to the valve hole. The new Windows system software can also calculate the effect of the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) device and report the final results based on its effect. After code detection, the part is moved to the balance station for a fully dynamic measurement and then to the gauge station to measure wheel runout. Finally the part is marked with a variety of marking methods, including a pin stamp capable of engraving any information available in the system. The wheel is then sent down a reject chute or on into the next process in the customer’s plant. All processes take less than 10 seconds to complete. If balancing is not yet needed, the system can be purchased without this module initially and have it added seamlessly later on.