The Customised Solution
The ten test stations are arranged in two groups of five test units each. Flexible clamping fixtures hold different steam iron models. When lowered, the soleplates align themselves automatically on the fabric web. An additional weight applies a defined extra contact force while the appliances are moved repeatedly across the ironing fabric.
Adjustable pneumatic actuators operate the buttons and steam functions of the test units. Their position and actuation stroke can be adapted to each appliance model. Automatic water filling supplies the tanks, and level detection supports the test sequence. Water consumption and steam rate are recorded for analysis.
After an adjustable travel distance, the worn section of the fabric web is automatically replaced from the roll. For cleaning cycles, the test bench moves the irons over a separate collection station. There, the appliance’s own self-cleaning function can run; the water discharged from the soleplates is collected and drained.
The control system is based on the WSK Steam Station platform. Freely programmable test sequences and assignable pneumatic functions enable different load profiles. Temperature measurement, data logging and analysis accompany the test and form the basis for comparing the appliances throughout the test.
Test System Functions
- Parallel testing of ten steam irons in two groups of five test stations each
- Automatic raising, lowering and traversing on the fabric web
- Flexible test unit fixture with automatic soleplate alignment
- Pneumatic actuation of buttons and steam functions
- Automatic water filling and level detection
- Distance-based automatic fabric change from the roll
- Automatic approach to the cleaning position with water collection and drainage
- Programmable test sequences plus logging and analysis of test data
- Optional: detection of optical appliance signals and cleaning of limescale residue from the fabric web
Facts and Figures
- 10 test stations, arranged in 2 groups of 5 test units each
- 1,000 to 1,200 mm net travel on the ironing fabric
- 0.3 to 0.4 m/s travel speed on the fabric web
- 20 N additional contact force per iron via an extra weight
- Automatic dosing of small water quantities, e.g. 100 ml
- Automatic fabric change after an adjustable travel distance, e.g. 10 km
- 4 pneumatic connections per test station for assignable actuation functions
- 1 temperature measuring channel with type K thermocouple per test station
Benefits for Development and Quality Assurance
Defined movement and operating sequences create comparable test conditions for different models and development stages. Parallel testing increases the number of appliances tested simultaneously. Automated filling, fabric change and cleaning sequences reduce recurring manual intervention during endurance runs.
The recorded data supports the assessment of temperature behaviour, water consumption and steam output over the service life. This makes changes traceable and allows design improvements to be evaluated on a comparable data basis.
Want to test household appliances under realistic conditions?
Send us your appliance variants, the required load profile and the parameters to be measured. We develop the right solution for automated functional, comparative and endurance testing.
Request a Test Bench More References
