It is thoroughly checked and examined.

Stay cool: In a specially equipped and climate-controlled workspace for cooling and tempering devices, SMC rental equipment awaits, conducting customer tests and supporting new and further developments.

New Central Laboratory for the German Technical Center of SMC in Egelsbach

"Valves, actuators, cooling and temperature control devices – all of them must be tested before we deliver them to our customers," says Ferdinand Rein, Section Manager of the Engineering Services Department at SMC. "To maintain the high level of product quality, all products must meet stringent testing criteria." The leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electrical automation technology has opened its new 550-square-meter central laboratory for the German Technical Center (GTC) in Egelsbach after a year of comprehensive planning and renovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art testing and measurement technology, the new lab is now divided into various separate units – from temperature-controlled testing laboratories for cooling and temperature control devices to climate chambers for extreme environmental conditions. Thanks to the latest 3D printers, the over 90 SMC engineers at the GTC can carry out not only product tests but also highly flexible prototype testing.

The workplaces in the new central laboratory are specifically equipped according to needs and represent the entire SMC product range within the lab. A precisely controlled laboratory climate and modern technology provide ideal conditions for accurate measurements and reproducible test conditions.

Test Laboratory for Cooling and Temperature Control Devices

Whether for cooling spot welders and high-performance computers in 19-inch enclosures or for laser applications: regardless of the industry, temperature plays a central role in almost all processes and influences the quality and properties of the final product. Therefore, the new GTC central laboratory has its own specially equipped laboratory unit for the "Cooling and Temperature Control Devices" department. Primarily, this unit is intended for maintaining and repairing rental equipment used in cooling and temperature applications. Routine tasks include replacing wear parts, adjusting or modernizing device software, and troubleshooting complaints. Additionally, the laboratory is used for customer testing. The engineers at SMC also support further development and new product innovations.

From the Arctic to the Sahara: Environmental Simulation for Large and Small

SMC devices are not only used in dry halls: they must also withstand extreme weather conditions. A dedicated laboratory area is therefore specifically devoted to environmental simulation. All sizes had to be considered – from tiny valves and electric axes to cooling systems with the volume of a small car. The focus here is on functional testing and durability tests. Tests under customer-specific operating conditions provide valuable insights for the individual design of SMC technologies. They also reliably replicate, analyze, and practically solve potential problems during deployment. The climate-adjustable working range extends from arctic minus degrees to triple-digit temperatures. Relative humidity can also be set across the entire range. The test results provide insights into product behavior in extreme conditions and also benefit the development process.

Developing Prototypes Flexibly with 3D Printers

In addition to the individually equipped workplaces for product testing and repair, the new central laboratory also offers space and equipment for highly flexible prototype testing. During development, adjustments to the shape of new components are often necessary. "The laboratory is equipped with 3D printers that allow us to directly produce and test the required modifications," says Ferdinand Rein. "And of course, we work closely with our manufacturing facility here in Egelsbach." This way, there is no long wait for the completion of new prototypes – supporting shorter development times.

"The new GTC central laboratory is an important building block of our growth-oriented corporate strategy," summarizes Ferdinand Rein. "With it, we are prepared for increasing demands on quality and quantity in the testing sector in the future."