Choosing the Right Hipot Platform for Modern Manufacturing Electrical Safety Testing
Introduction Electrical safety testing has evolved from a standalone bench task into a critical, integrated part of modern manufacturing and product validation. As products become more complex — and production environments more automated — the choice of a hipot tester is no longer just about voltage range or leakage resolution. It’s about scalability, integration, data, and long-term flexibility. Vitrek’s V7X, 95X and the newest V10X series hipot testers represent three distinct approaches to electrical safety testing, each aligned with different stages of manufacturing maturity and operational needs. From Entry-Level Testing to Production Confidence For many organizations, electrical safety testing [...]
Capacitance Sensors Track Brake Rotor Thickness Variation
[Application Note 51018] Today’s cars and trucks offer unprecedented fuel efficiencies and handling characteristics – thanks, in part, to vehicle lightweighting. Applied to all vehicle components, lightweighting lowers stress and strain to improve mileage and boost overall performance. In keeping with this trend, today’s brake rotors are thinner and lighter than those of just a few years ago. In addition, many feature cooling vents to further improve performance. These changes, however, reduce available braking surface, forcing automotive engineers to consider alternative materials and designs. Problem Because the extreme temperatures and forces generated during braking can easily lead to rotor [...]
Thermal Expansion on Automobile Engine
For years the sole purpose of the oil pan was to act as a reservoir for the engine lubricant. Some modern engines now utilize the pan as a structural component. It is machined from a rigid steel or aluminum casting and designed to support the lower portion of the crankshaft bearings and rear main seal. This development has introduced a potential problem area that must be analyzed. As engines go through heating and cooling cycles it is essential that the engine block and oil pan expand and contract at nearly the same rate. If not, stresses can be introduced [...]
Compliance Testing of Harmonic Current Emissions According to IEC61000-3-2 and IEC61000-3-12.
Compliance Testing of Harmonic Current Emissions According to IEC61000-3-2 and IEC61000-3-12. Using the Vitrek PA900 Precision Harmonic Power Analyzer Introduction Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards is mandatory for electrical and electronic equipment sold in many global markets. Among these, the IEC61000-3-2 and IEC61000-3-12 standards specify limits for harmonic current emissions of equipment connected to low-voltage public supply systems. These limits ensure that individual devices do not contribute excessively to harmonic distortion on the power grid, which can lead to overheating in transformers, nuisance tripping of breakers, and interference with other equipment. The Vitrek PA900 Precision Power [...]
Spindle Run Out
Industry Automotive Applications Spindle Run Out Measurement Type Positioning Description Rotating targets frequently have an intermittent, uncertain or nonexistent ground path. This introduces unwanted noise, instability, drift and reduces accuracy of the measurement. MTI Instruments offers a unique “Push-Pull” capacitance measurement system that does not require a grounded target. It utilizes two probes, built into one body, that work together to complete the ground path. One probe pushes current into the brake rotor while the adjacent probe pulls the current out. The result is a “clean”, consistent electrical sensing path. As the [...]
Windshield Manufacturing
Industry Automotive Applications Oil Film Measurement Type Level Description In order to maintain proper profile and thickness within a glass furnace the extrusion plate spacing must be maintained at a predetermined gap. Unfortunately, due to process changes and temperature swings this gap can fluctuate significantly in short periods of time. This variation causes the glass thickness to change (check out our glass thickness measurement devices to accurately measure thickness), producing uneven temperature gradients and creating potentially weak glass panels. To control this critical parameter the manufacturing process requires automated active feedback [...]
Brake Rotors Thickness Variation
Industry Automotive Applications Brake Rotors Thickness Variation Measurement Type Surface Description Driving cross country or cross town, we give little thought to the operation or complexity of our vehicle braking systems. They only cross our mind when we absolutely need them; we never stop to think about the extensive design and testing that makes them such a lifesaver. Take the brake rotor for example. Under normal operating conditions it’s subjected to extreme temperatures and forces, which can cause rotor distortion and potential failure. To make certain it can withstand [...]
Oil Film Thickness Measurement
Industry Automotive Applications Oil Film Measurement Type Level Description A top marine engine manufacturer commissioned MTI Instruments to design and manufacture a non-contact sensor to measure the microscopic oil film layer between the engine cylinder wall and the piston ring. Engine testing is normally performed through a range of low RPM’s to high RPM’s (400- 6000) with piston linear speeds approaching 500 inches/second and at various torques. A measuring system with high frequency response and small sensor size was essential to keep engine machining to a minimum while not altering [...]
Power Analyzers: The Backbone of Modern Electrical Engineering
Introduction In the fast-paced world of electrical engineering, ensuring accurate power measurement is crucial for efficiency, reliability, and compliance. Power analyzers play a key role in industries ranging from renewable energy to semiconductor manufacturing, providing engineers with the insights needed to optimize performance and troubleshoot electrical systems. At the forefront of this technology is Vitrek, a leading provider of high-accuracy power analyzers designed for demanding applications. The Role of Power Analyzers in Engineering Power analyzers measure critical electrical parameters such as voltage, current, power factor, and harmonic distortion. Unlike basic meters, these advanced instruments offer high precision measurements over [...]
Brake Rotors
Industry Automotive Applications Brake Rotors Measurement Type Surface Description Under normal operating conditions brake rotors are subjected to extreme temperatures and forces, which can cause rotor distortion and potential failure. To make certain it can withstand these conditions; extensive laboratory testing is performed to optimize design for longevity, short stopping distance, and vibration free operation. Extensive on-vehicle testing is done under real life conditions to test prototype units and engineering designs. Test vehicles are driven for long periods of time while brake performance is monitored by a variety of sensors [...]







