Sled Test

When preparing a vehicle for market, it is critical to ensure the seating system will keep riders safe in the event of a crash. Sled testing is a cost-effective method to test seating apparatuses in a simulated crash without having to crash a full vehicle.

A sled test can analyze primary and secondary restraint systems, automotive seats, and seat belts to determine their safety in front, side, and rear impact collisions. The results of a sled test can validate a component’s design to government or OEM standards, among others.

Fast and efficient electromagnetic impact simulator

Element’s unique electromagnetic sled has the highest level of accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency when compared to any other sled system currently available on the market.

Our sled uses an electrical energy storage system rather than a traditional pneumatic system, reducing regeneration times from 30 minutes to just 30 seconds between shots. As a result of the enhanced accuracy of an electric system, the need to repeat calibration shots is removed, and, in the majority of cases, pulse matching is within 5% of target or less.

High-quality data and expert insight

An independent E Liner camera system is used in conjunction with the sled, allowing for automated positioning of six cameras and the elimination of unwanted camera motion associated with traditional outriggers.

After our experts expose the seating system to the vehicle crash pulse test, they evaluate the parts for structural damage and possible injury to the occupants. Customers receive the video of each test as well as a data report. Typically, our experts run three passes in a test scenario, but the number of tests can vary based on the customer’sDVP&R.

With over 100 years of experience, Element is dedicated to providing global automotive testing for your toughest material, component, or product challenges.

For more information on our sled test services, pleasecontact us today.