Plant&Equipment

News
OPERC and
Saint Gobain
Abrasives
collaborate
on HAV
It is almost three years since the Hand-arm
Vibration Test Centre (HAVTEC) was launched at
Loughborough University by Dr David J. Edwards
and Dr Neil Mansfield, and an agreement made
to publish the HAVTEC register on the OPERC
website. Since then, thousands of tools and
appendages have been tested and the team at
Loughborough University now have perhaps the
most comprehensive repository of real life testing
data anywhere on the planet. However, in recent
times the scope of the centre has expanded. Not
only are the vibration exposures for new tools
measured, but also for old tools. Furthermore,
the centre is assisting manufacturers in
the development and redesign of tools and
equipment. Commenting on the centre,
Dr Edwards said:
“HAVTEC is there to protect and educate
people working with vibrating plant and
equipment; it is only natural therefore that
the centre should evolve to address
more complex issues and expand
current knowledge.”
One exciting development has been a new
research project commissioned by Saint Gobain
Abrasives. For many years, Saint Gobain has
led the field with its innovative research into
floor, tile and masonry saws. However, in recent
years experts within the company have also
acknowledged the value of consulting with
external specialists.One important issue facing
Saint Gobain is that of hand-arm vibration (HAV)
and how to reduce vibration from its equipment
to levels capable of enhancing operator comfort
without impacting upon machine performance.
This is essentially the conundrum facing all plant
and equipment manufacturers.
4
February 2008