The renowned environmental simulation testing laboratory Aspect Quality GmbH, based in Reutlingen, offers insight into its daily testing operations. Heiko Walter, one of the two managing directors, explains how the testing systems and SIMPATI software of Weiss Technik contribute to the success of the company.
“Fast, flexible, and with a flair for the unconventional” – this is how Aspect Quality GmbH can best be described. Founded in 2006, the Swabian testing laboratory tests products from the automotive, aerospace, solar, and high-tech industries as well as from the medical technology sector. These include body components, cables, wiring, e-mobility components, and even unusual items such as alternative packaging for frozen instant coffee. With a broad range of services, including climate, temperature, and corrosion cycling tests as well as solar simulation and salt spray testing, the company regards itself above all as a development partner.
Precise control, simple operation
In addition to more than 25 test systems and a walk-in climatic chamber from the Reiskirchen-based plant manufacturer Weiss Technik, the testing laboratory also uses the associated “S!MPATI” software. “With S!MPATI 4.70, the recording and evaluation of the test chambers have improved considerably, thus making the work much easier”, says Aspect Quality Managing Director Heiko Walter. He adds that using the software has also made the analysis process easier.
“The systems are complex. S!MPATI is perfectly tailored to the systems and impressively user-friendly given its wide range of functions”, says Walter. He confirms that the software also runs with absolute reliability. “Even though we use the program extensively because of the many standards our tests must meet, if an error occurs, we immediately receive a warning message”, explains Walter. “This way, the systems are well monitored.” He adds: “Only S!MPATI allows us to define the start and end conditions for a temperature shock test.”
Quick updates, new possibilities
“The software updates are carried out quickly”, confirms Walter. He emphasises that they always try to schedule updates for times when the test chambers are not heavily in use. “Here at our Reutlingen site, we’ve virtualised all our monitoring computers – there are no physical machines anymore. When setting up a new virtual computer, we installed the update, added all the features, and connected it to the chambers – effectively an update on the fly, moving seamlessly from one version to the next”, says Walter.
With the new S!MPATI 4.80 update, additional functions are available. “For example, this version allows us to overlay recordings from different points in time and makes it possible to compare current tests with previous ones – for instance, during requalifications”, says Walter. This allows users to determine whether the behaviour of the chambers has changed, which, according to Walter, improves the monitoring and reliability of the testing processes.
Maximum performance, fascinating applications
The testing systems from Weiss Technik are equally impressive. “What particularly impresses us about the walk-in test chambers is their extremely wide temperature range – from minus 70 to plus 180 degrees Celsius”, says Walter, adding: “Not every climate chamber can handle such a range.” And that’s not all, as Walter points out: “With the climate chamber from Weiss Technik, we can even load large, heavy items. Thanks to the drive-under design, it works perfectly.”
Among the testing equipment, Walter also has his personal favourites – for instance, the chamber with simulated sunlight “because that’s an extremely fascinating subject.” Or the corrosion test chamber, “because that’s where the most happens”, he continues, explaining: “If you want to test the corrosion resistance of a product, you place it in the chamber and might end up retrieving nothing but a small pile of rust afterwards. That’s a very interesting application.”
18 years of Weiss Technik ensuring successful climate testing
Since 2007, Aspect Quality GmbH has relied on products from the manufacturer based in Hesse. At that time, Walter and his business partner Markus Theurer chose Weiss Technik as their supplier. The company also sees itself as ideally equipped for the future with Weiss Technik. Walter describes the collaboration as excellent and highlights the close, high-level exchange with the Weiss Technik specialists. “From them”, says Walter, “I also receive important insights that concern the continuation and future of our company. After all, I want to know where the technologies are heading – for example, the transition to CO₂ refrigerants. Weiss Technik doesn’t give me standard sales jargon but rather clear, technically sound information.”