Bushing Proof Load Tester (Measures 3000N-6500N force)

Aircraft bearings play a pivotal role in aerospace applications, providing essential support for heavy loads and ensuring the smooth functioning of aircraft systems. To mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure, it is of paramount importance to ensure the safe and accurate installation of critical application bearings.

The process of bearing installation encompasses various steps, including inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and alignment, all aimed at ensuring proper functionality. One technique for securely fastening bearings in place involves bearing staking or swaging. This method entails applying the appropriate force to reshape the housing material around the bearing, creating a mechanical interference fit without causing damage to the bearing, its components, or the bearing housing. The use of bearing swaging or staking tools in this process helps prevent unwanted movement or rotation of the bearing during operation.

Nevertheless, even when following the correct mounting procedures, there remains a potential risk of bearing damage during installation or exposure to excessive loads. Consequently, proof testing becomes a crucial step in guaranteeing that the bearing can endure its specified loads and operate safely.

Bearing proof testing involves subjecting the bearing to a load higher than its expected operational load, verifying its capacity to withstand stress. If the bearing successfully withstands this load, it passes the proof test and is deemed safe for use. Conversely, if it fails the test, it must either be replaced or reinstalled. 

"Load cells serve as indispensable components within bearing proof load testers, tasked with the precise measurement of the applied force on the tested bearing. They deliver accurate data regarding the bearing's capacity to withstand the designated loads. These load cell sensors can be tailored to measure a broad spectrum of loads, ranging from mere grams to several thousand pounds, all with a remarkable degree of precision. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for evaluating bearings engineered to handle substantial loads.

Within a bearing proof load tester, load cells find their position between the load source and the V-Groove of the bearing undergoing testing. The source of the load can take the form of a manual instrument, such as a torque wrench, or an automated bearing proof load tester. As the load is applied, the load cell detects and records the force being exerted upon the bearing, transmitting this valuable data to the IHH500 Handheld Display. If the data indicates that the bearing is incapable of withstanding the load, it necessitates replacement or reinstallation to ensure the safety of operations.

Additionally, a linear displacement sensor, typically in the form of a DTI gauge, is typically interposed between the bearing and the load source. As the load is incrementally applied, the bearing undergoes slight displacement. The linear displacement sensor captures this movement, transmitting the data to a control unit, where it can be documented and subjected to analysis."