Mechanical Testing
Mechanical testing is an essential part of environmental qualification processes, aimed at validating the robustness, mechanical integrity, and reliability of electronic and electromechanical components under extreme physical stress. These evaluations are particularly critical in sectors such as aerospace, defense, and transportation, where components are exposed to severe mechanical loads during launch, transportation, and in-orbit operation.
At ALTER TECHNOLOGY, mechanical tests such as vibration, shock, and constant acceleration simulate real-world conditions to uncover design weaknesses, manufacturing defects, or potential early-life failures in systems. These tests ensure that equipment performs reliably throughout its expected lifecycle, helping to prevent catastrophic failures in mission-critical applications.
Mechanical testing is not only a means to fulfil compliance with sector-specific standards (e.g., ECSS, MIL, EN, ISO, JEDEC) but also a proactive strategy to increase product reliability, qualify suppliers, estimate life expectancy, and comply with customer requirements.
MAIN SERVICES
Vibration Testing
Vibration testing reproduces the dynamic mechanical stresses that components experience during transportation, launch, or operational use. It simulates environments such as those encountered during rocket launch, where extreme vibrational energy can cause mechanical failures or fatigue.
These tests are vital for evaluating the structural integrity of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Surface Mounted Devices (SMDs), connectors, and other EEE components. They help prevent latent defects that might only emerge under real operational stress.
ALTER TECHNOLOGY Capabilities
- Types of vibration tests: Sine, random, sine-on-random, random-on-random.
- Use of electrodynamic shakers and SRS tables.
- Custom tooling design to ensure proper component fixation and resonance avoidance.
- Electrical monitoring during vibration to evaluate real-time functionality.
- Support in the development of test plans and validation strategies.
- Thermal-vibration combined testing on request.
Applicable Standards
- ECSS-Q-ST-70-08C, ECSS-Q-ST-70-38C
- EN 60068-2-6, EN 60068-2-64
- ISO 19683 (Space systems)
- EN 61373 (Railway applications)
Shock Testing
Shock testing evaluates how well a component withstands sudden mechanical impulses—like those caused by explosive bolts, drop events, or impact loads during transport. It subjects devices to abrupt changes in velocity or direction that replicate real-life shocks.
Shock pulses are usually short in duration but intense in magnitude, which can lead to component detachment, solder joint cracking, or enclosure failures if not properly designed.
ALTER TECHNOLOGY Capabilities
- Classical mechanical shock and Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) methods.
- Use of drop towers, impact hammers, or electrodynamic shakers depending on test profile.
- Custom shock fixtures and interfaces designed in-house.
- High-speed data acquisition systems to monitor response.
- Combined mechanical and electrical monitoring during tests.
Applicable Standards
- EN 60068-2-27
- MIL-STD-202, MIL-STD-883
- ECSS-Q-ST-70-38C
- ISO 19683
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Constant Acceleration Testing
Constant acceleration testing determines the mechanical strength and structural integrity of components under steady-state high-g load conditions. These conditions simulate long-term exposure to inertial forces during space launch, missile guidance, or maneuvering phases in flight.
It is especially critical for high-reliability aerospace and military applications where component detachment or deformation under prolonged acceleration must be avoided.
ALTER TECHNOLOGY Capabilities
- Acceleration up to 50,000 g, depending on mass and configuration.
- Custom mounting fixtures and adapters to ensure correct orientation and load transfer.
- Evaluation of mechanical and solder joint integrity.
- Electrical testing during and post-test to detect latent failures.
Applicable Standards
- MIL-STD-883 Method 2001
- MIL-STD-202 Method 212
- ECSS-Q-ST-70-08C
More info:
Why choose ALTER?
With a focus on innovation, reliability, and performance, ALTER is your trusted partner for mission-critical testing solutions. Whether qualifying components for space missions or ensuring system reliability under extreme conditions, we deliver:
Compliance with space, defense, railway, and industrial standards.
In-house tooling design, simulation, and interface engineering.
Advanced capabilities for real-time electrical monitoring during mechanical tests.
Experienced engineers in designing test strategies tailored to mission requirements.
Proven history of testing for space-qualified missions and critical systems.
Partner with us for your testing needs
ALTER is here to help you ensure the success of your projects with accurate, reliable, and industry-leading laboratory services.