The University of Akron’s Mechanical Engineering Department came to item with a unique
application involving the use of high-speed photography to determine the distortion of
metal sealing rings.
At the start of this project, Akron engineers quickly realized that standard photography
tripods were not sturdy enough to deliver top quality results in high-speed applications.
A successful ongoing relationship with item North America lead Akron engineers to make a
phone call and visit to item’s North American Headquarters just a few miles from the
University campus.
Based upon direction and sketches provided by Jack Braun, Senior Mechanical Engineer in
Akron’s engineering program, item engineers were able to design and build an XYZ dual
camera gantry capable of manual movement of thirty inches in all directions. Locking
levers and adjustable leveling feet were used to insure solid and robust connections,
allowing the engineering test team to obtain the high quality results that were expected.
Dual high-speed cameras (200,000 frames per second) were mounted on a Y-axis featuring
item’s 10mm D10 bearing units. The X-axis was created using a horizontal center gantry
spanning two robust structural aluminum side columns with 14mm D14 bearing units. A center
mounted electric winch provided motion in the Z-axis.
This set up allowed Akron engineers to successfully photograph metal seals that were
spinning at approximately 15,000 revolutions per minute.
Jack Braun stressed that University spending and budgets are critical to the success of
all engineering projects. item North America was able to work with Akron University to
recommend methods to save costs while maintaining project integrity.
According to Jack, working with item was a simple and pleasurable experience both
personally and financially.
The University of Akron Engineering Department was extremely pleased with the engineering
and design assistance, the quick turnaround time and the value that they received while
working with item on this important project.
