NEW TESTS ON CHILD CAR SEAT BUCKLES REASSURE CONSUMERS

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NEW TESTS ON CHILD CAR SEAT BUCKLES REASSURE CONSUMERS
19 May 2003 - Lloyd Instruments

Britax, a leading high street supplier of child car seats, has chosen the latest LFPlus affordable, low force testing machine from Lloyd Instruments to check the release mechanisms on its child car seat buckles in a fast, accurate and reliable Quality Control process.

For years, Britax relied heavily on conventional force gauges to test car seat buckles. With strict Euro NCAP standards gaining wider acceptance with consumers and vehicle manufacturers alike, a more accurate and reliable testing solution was required. Britax selected the Lloyd Instruments' LF Plus due to its high specification, value for money, versatility, and accompanying service expertise. The buckles are currently being tested to meet ECER44.03 European standards.

Britax was first attracted by the modular nature of the LF Plus, which allows users to choose various options in the final design. Unlike other low force machines, this machine also features a generous working area to test larger than average sized samples. It comes with a 1kN (225lbf) force capacity and accepts XLC Series load cells or CHATILLON digital force gauges as the load measuring device. Britax took advantage of the machine's versatility and designed their own grips for child car seat buckles. Lloyd Instruments also supply a wide range of grips and fixtures.

Britax is particularly interested in two testing conditions. The first one measures the peak forces of the seat button in a relaxed state, to prevent accidental release of the buckle. The second measures the button in a 'loaded' state, so the buckle has sufficient restraining strength yet is not too difficult to open if a passenger has become trapped.

For additional control, Britax is using the new Lloyd Instruments' NEXYGEN MT V4.5 software, with its vast library of international standard test set-ups. New features on this comprehensive upgraded version include strict multi-level user security and audit trails for full traceability of data, video capture and playback of 'live' tests for training and additional analysis, integrated Lab VIEW industry platform drivers and more.

http://www.lloyd-instruments.co.uk

About: Lloyd Instruments
Lloyds Instruments are an established manufacturer of materials testing systems, polymer test instruments and texture analysers. Lloyd Instruments universal materials testing machines have been recognised worldwide as the standard for accurate, dependable materials analysis and testing for almost 30 years. The company's testing systems and ISO TickIT accredited data analysis software have gained great acclaim for their ease-of-use, excellent reliability and precision measurement.

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  • For May 2003
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