QuakeLogic Blog Archive

Electromagnetic Shake Table: Inside QL-ATOM 25

QL-ATOM 25 desktop electromagnetic shake table with 50 kg payload for seismic simulation and modal testing

In short: The QL-ATOM 25 is a compact electromagnetic shake table that replaces hydraulic actuation with a digital closed-loop servo and electromagnetic actuator, giving ±125 mm stroke, DC to 30 Hz bandwidth, 1 g peak acceleration and a 50 kg payload. It runs on 110–240 VAC single-phase power, supports sine, sweep, random and earthquake-replay tests through EasyTest software, and needs no hydraulic maintenance.

An electromagnetic shake table is now a critical asset for modern structural dynamics and earthquake engineering laboratories. Traditionally, academic institutions and research facilities faced a massive challenge because large-scale simulator systems required extensive infrastructure, huge power demands, and high operational budgets. Fortunately, achieving precise, high-fidelity seismic simulations within a restricted laboratory space is now completely accessible.

To bridge this structural testing gap, QuakeLogic proudly introduces the compact QL-ATOM 25 Electromagnetic Shake Table System. This high-performance desktop laboratory solution delivers exceptional accuracy, absolute repeatability, and reliable dynamic testing for universities and engineering firms worldwide.

Electromagnetic Shake Table - QuakeLogic QL-ATOM 25 featured cover image for seismic simulation guide

Precision Engineering via Electromagnetic Shake Table Technology

At the absolute core of the QL-ATOM 25 is a digital closed-loop servo motion control system that works seamlessly with an advanced electromagnetic actuator. Unlike conventional hydraulic options that demand complex fluid maintenance and create constant leakage risks, this system ensures clean, silent, and entirely maintenance-free operations.

Furthermore, by utilizing precision linear guide rails and a high-resolution encoder for continuous position feedback, this dynamic platform guarantees unmatched positioning accuracy. Consequently, researchers can perform micro-level adjustments during sensitive experiments.

Key Technical Capabilities:

  • Generous Stroke Capacity: A total displacement range of $pm125text{ mm}$ allows for comprehensive dynamic movements.
  • Broad Operating Frequency: The system delivers exceptionally accurate motion profiles from DC up to $30text{ Hz}$.
  • High Acceleration Peak: It easily reaches up to $1text{ g}$ of peak acceleration while supporting a maximum payload capacity of $50text{ kg}$.
Electromagnetic Shake Table Testing Setup

Versatile Testing Modes and Software Capabilities

The QL-ATOM 25 electromagnetic shake table supports a comprehensive array of complex testing protocols. Operators manage every single simulation via the intuitive EasyTest Shake Table Control Software. Therefore, users can configure, execute, and monitor multiple specialized excitation modes with just a few clicks:

Electromagnetic Shake Table Control Software - Real-time seismic simulation data acquisition
  • Sine Excitation & Frequency Sweep: These options help identify natural frequencies, extract damping ratios, and validate structural mode shapes during structural dynamics and modal analysis.
  • Random Vibration Control: This profile effectively simulates real-world environmental ambient vibrations to evaluate material fatigue and long-term structural durability.
  • Earthquake Replay: The software replicates historical seismic events by using actual recorded acceleration data, which provides an indispensable tool for advanced earthquake engineering research.
  • User-Defined Motion Profiles: This capability grants research teams full creative control because they can upload custom displacement or acceleration waveforms effortlessly.

Integrated Data Acquisition and Enhanced Laboratory Safety

Data integrity and student safety remain critical priorities in any structural testing facility. For this reason, the QL-ATOM 25 includes a robust integrated data acquisition system that monitors displacement, velocity, acceleration, and frequency in real time. Because the software automates data logging, it generates professional, printable test reports instantly.

In addition, users can effortlessly export all experimental data into widely utilized formats, including CSV, TXT, and MATLAB-compatible files for deep post-test analytical evaluation. Consequently, you can review the complete structural dataset and comprehensive technical layout directly through the integrated system software dashboard.

Safety is maintained at the highest level through a multi-layered hardware and software protection suite. The structural testing platform includes an easily accessible emergency stop button, physical hardware limit switches, automated software motion limits, overcurrent protection, and automatic fault shutdown procedures. As a result, the machinery guarantees safe operation under all circumstances.

Empowering Engineering Education and Precision Calibration

Beyond advanced institutional research, the compact footprint and plug-and-play design make the QL-ATOM 25 perfect for university classrooms. It operates reliably on a standard 110-240 VAC single-phase power supply. Consequently, it allows civil engineering students to witness structural behavior, resonance, and seismic mitigation strategies firsthand.

Furthermore, due to its high precision, technicians can utilize the system as an official calibration bench for external accelerometers and delicate seismic instruments.

Why QuakeLogic

This project demonstrates QuakeLogic’s ability to deliver full-cycle engineering solutions that combine hardware, software, and AI into a unified system. From concept to commissioning, every component is designed for precision, reliability, and long-term performance.

Let’s build the future of your facility together. Contact QuakeLogic today to discuss your custom project needs.

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SHAKE TABLE ATOM

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Key Takeaways

  • QL-ATOM 25 specifications: ±125 mm total displacement, DC to 30 Hz operating frequency, 1 g peak acceleration and 50 kg maximum payload.
  • An electromagnetic actuator with closed-loop servo control eliminates hydraulic fluid, leakage risk and routine maintenance while keeping operation silent.
  • EasyTest software runs sine excitation, frequency sweep, random vibration, earthquake replay from recorded accelerograms and user-defined motion profiles.
  • Integrated data acquisition logs displacement, velocity, acceleration and frequency and exports CSV, TXT and MATLAB-compatible files.
  • The table runs on standard 110–240 VAC single-phase power and doubles as a calibration bench for accelerometers and seismic instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specifications of the QL-ATOM 25 electromagnetic shake table?

The QL-ATOM 25 electromagnetic shake table provides a total displacement range of ±125 mm, an operating frequency from DC up to 30 Hz, peak acceleration up to 1 g and a maximum payload of 50 kg. It uses precision linear guide rails with a high-resolution encoder for position feedback, runs on 110–240 VAC single-phase power, and is controlled through EasyTest Shake Table Control Software.

How does an electromagnetic shake table differ from a hydraulic shake table?

An electromagnetic shake table drives the platform with an electromagnetic actuator under digital closed-loop servo control, so it needs no hydraulic power unit, fluid or seals. That makes it clean, silent and essentially maintenance-free, and suitable for classrooms and small labs. Hydraulic tables deliver far higher force and payload for large specimens, but require fluid maintenance, more power and more floor space.

Which test modes does the QL-ATOM 25 support?

Through EasyTest software the QL-ATOM 25 runs sine excitation and frequency sweeps for finding natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes; random vibration for fatigue and durability evaluation; earthquake replay using recorded acceleration time histories; and user-defined displacement or acceleration waveforms uploaded by the operator. Test data is logged automatically and printable reports are generated after each run.

Can a desktop shake table be used for teaching structural dynamics?

Yes. A desktop electromagnetic shake table such as the QL-ATOM 25 lets civil engineering students observe resonance, mode shapes and seismic mitigation strategies on scale models in a classroom. Its compact footprint, plug-and-play setup and standard single-phase power mean no special lab infrastructure is needed, and the integrated data acquisition system records displacement, velocity and acceleration for student analysis.

What safety features protect users of the QL-ATOM 25?

The QL-ATOM 25 combines hardware and software protection: an accessible emergency stop button, physical hardware limit switches at the ends of travel, software motion limits, overcurrent protection and automatic fault shutdown. These layers stop the table if a test exceeds configured displacement, current or fault conditions, which matters in student labs where inexperienced operators run experiments.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

Shake Table Solutions for Advanced Seismic Testing

QuakeLogic large-scale biaxial and uniaxial shake tables for earthquake simulation testing

In short: QuakeLogic's shake table solutions span a 5 ton biaxial hydraulic table (2 m x 2 m, ±200 mm stroke, up to 50 Hz, ±1 g at full load), a 4.5 m x 1.5 m uniaxial servo-electric table (1,000 mm/s, 0.1 to 15 Hz), 1 to 3 ton servo-electromechanical tables, a 500 kg compact platform, and a 1.5 ton hydraulic table reaching 2.5 g, all with closed-loop PID control.

When you look at modern civil engineering, implementing reliable shake table solutions is absolutely non-negotiable. Replicating real-world earthquake motions requires precise, reliable, and high-performance testing platforms. Therefore, QuakeLogic stands at the forefront of this field by offering an advanced lineup of large-scale systems. These platforms are perfectly tailored to institutional research, public procurement, and advanced structural engineering. As a result, teams can easily execute complex dynamic testing in any environment.

Comprehensive Shake Table Solutions for Every Project

Different engineering projects naturally require diverse payload capacities. Because of this, QuakeLogic’s versatile portfolio guarantees a tailored structural testing platform for every single laboratory footprint.

High-Capacity Biaxial Shake Table Solutions

High-capacity hydraulic and servo-electric shake table solutions

For large-scale structural models requiring multi-axis high-energy simulations, the QL – Biaxial Hydraulic Shake Table (5-Ton Capacity) offers an expansive 2 m × 2 m steel platform. This system delivers a ±200 mm stroke and operates at frequencies up to 50 Hz. Consequently, it achieves an impressive ±1 g acceleration even under a full 5-ton payload condition. Furthermore, it replicates severe earthquake ground motions with closed-loop PID precision. For more information on customization, check out the QuakeLogic Products.

Uniaxial Servo-Electric Shake Table Solutions

When long specimens require precise linear dynamic response analysis, the QL – Uniaxial Servo-Electric Shake Table provides an elongated 4.5 m x 1.5 m aluminum testing surface. By utilizing energy-efficient servo-electric drive technology, this system achieves peak velocities of 1,000 mm/s. Additionally, it operates over a 0.1–15 Hz frequency range with a ±200 mm stroke.

Sustainable and Maintenance-Free Testing Layouts

Many modern research facilities prefer avoiding the complexities of hydraulic fluids. For this reason, QuakeLogic offers robust servo-electro-mechanical shake table solutions that lower power consumption significantly:

  • 3-Ton Systems: Features a 2 m x 2 m table size alongside an advanced IP-based control system for seamless remote operation.
  • 2-Ton & 1-Ton Models: These turn-key platforms easily replay recorded earthquake data via intuitive PC software.
  • 500 KG Platform: This compact 1500 mm x 1500 mm layout brings precise dynamic testing capabilities to limited laboratory spaces.

Meanwhile, if your project demands extreme acceleration profiles, the SHAKETABLE 1.5 TON HYDRAULIC delivers a massive 2.5 g acceleration. Thanks to its high-speed servo-hydraulic actuation reaching 1.2 m/s, it ensures unparalleled high-frequency replication accuracy. For global standards on earthquake testing methodologies, you can review the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute guidelines.

Turnkey Control and Data Integration

Turnkey control software and data acquisition for shake table solutions

An advanced testing platform is only as good as its control system. Our shake table solutions feature closed-loop PID control architectures operable via advanced PC software. For instance, the systems natively support replaying historically recorded earthquake time-histories. Naturally, they also generate predefined waveforms like sine, triangle, and square shapes.

To ensure data-driven analysis, these testing systems integrate seamlessly with external data acquisition hardware. This setup includes the TESTBOX 2010 Digitizer, QL-VIBRA Accelerometers, and linear displacement transducers (LVDTs).

Why QuakeLogic?

This project demonstrates QuakeLogic’s unique capability to deliver full-cycle engineering solutions that seamlessly combine advanced hardware, intuitive software, and cutting-edge AI into a unified system. From initial concept to final on-site commissioning, every component is rigorously designed for absolute precision, long-term reliability, and unmatched structural testing performance.

Let’s build the future of your facility together. Contact QuakeLogic today to discuss your custom project needs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LARGE SCALE SHAKETABLES

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Key Takeaways

  • The 5 ton biaxial hydraulic table: 2 m x 2 m platform, ±200 mm stroke, 50 Hz bandwidth, ±1 g at full load.
  • The uniaxial servo-electric table offers a 4.5 m x 1.5 m surface, 1,000 mm/s peak velocity, ±200 mm stroke and 0.1 to 15 Hz range.
  • Servo-electromechanical 3 ton, 2 ton, 1 ton and 500 kg models avoid hydraulic fluid and cut power consumption.
  • The 1.5 ton hydraulic table reaches 2.5 g with servo-hydraulic actuation up to 1.2 m/s.
  • Controllers use closed-loop PID, replay recorded earthquakes, generate sine, triangle and square waves, and integrate with TESTBOX 2010 and QL-VIBRA sensors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a biaxial and a uniaxial shake table?

A uniaxial shake table moves the specimen along one horizontal axis, which suits long specimens and linear dynamic response studies; QuakeLogic's servo-electric uniaxial table has a 4.5 m x 1.5 m surface for this purpose. A biaxial shake table drives two horizontal axes at once, reproducing the multi-directional ground motion of real earthquakes for large structural models, as the 5 ton 2 m x 2 m hydraulic system does.

When should I choose a servo-electric shake table instead of a hydraulic one?

Choose servo-electric or servo-electromechanical shake tables when the facility wants to avoid hydraulic fluid, pumps and the associated maintenance, and when lower power consumption matters. They cover payloads from 500 kg to 3 tons in QuakeLogic's range. Choose hydraulic tables when the test demands extreme acceleration, such as the 1.5 ton hydraulic table's 2.5 g at 1.2 m/s, or very high energy multi-axis motion.

Can a shake table replay a real recorded earthquake?

Yes. QuakeLogic shake tables use closed-loop PID control and PC software that natively replays historically recorded earthquake time-histories, so a laboratory can subject a specimen to the same acceleration record measured during a real event. The same software also generates predefined sine, triangle and square waveforms for frequency sweeps and calibration runs.

What data acquisition hardware works with these shake tables?

The shake tables integrate with external data acquisition hardware, including the TESTBOX 2010 digitizer, QL-VIBRA accelerometers mounted on the specimen and table, and linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) for direct displacement measurement. This lets engineers compare commanded and achieved motion and capture the dynamic response of the test structure synchronously.

What size shake table fits a limited laboratory space?

The 500 kg servo-electromechanical platform, with a 1,500 mm x 1,500 mm table, is QuakeLogic's compact option for limited laboratory floor space while still providing precise dynamic testing. The 1 ton and 2 ton turn-key models are the next step up, replaying recorded earthquake data through PC software without the infrastructure a hydraulic power unit requires.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide

Acoustic emission monitoring system detecting high-frequency stress waves in industrial rotating machinery

In short: Acoustic emission monitoring detects faults earlier than vibration analysis because it captures the high-frequency stress waves released by microscopic events inside a component, rather than waiting for the machine's overall movement to change. This gives maintenance teams weeks or months of lead time on bearing defects, gear wear, cavitation, crack growth and valve leakage. QuakeLogic offers 8-channel, 16-channel and portable AE systems with cloud dashboards and SCADA alarms.

In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, unplanned downtime is more than just a minor inconvenience—it results in severe financial losses, production interruptions, and critical safety risks. While traditional vibration monitoring has long been the standard choice for condition monitoring, many modern industrial assets require a far more sensitive approach. To detect early-stage defects before they escalate into catastrophic failures, companies are turning to advanced Acoustic Emission monitoring.

Acoustic emission monitoring visual for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"
Acoustic Emission monitoring system

Understanding Acoustic Emission Monitoring

Unlike conventional vibration analysis that measures the physical movement of machinery, Acoustic Emission monitoring detects high-frequency stress waves. These waves are generated by microscopic events occurring deep within mechanical components.

By capturing these subtle signals, this technology identifies developing faults weeks or even months before vibration levels become abnormal. This crucial head start provides maintenance teams with the valuable time needed to schedule repairs seamlessly, optimize resources, and completely avoid unexpected equipment breakdowns.

Macro photorealistic close up of internal bearing component with stylized visualizati for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"

This advanced technology is exceptionally effective at detecting:

  • Early-Stage Component Defects: Including bearing lubrication issues , early bearing defects , and gear wear.
  • Internal Mechanical Faults: Such as friction and rubbing , shaft misalignment , and mechanical looseness.
  • Fluid and Structural Issues: Including cavitation , crack initiation or propagation , and valve leakage.

Why Vibration Monitoring Alone Is Not Enough

Industrial scene featuring a complex and sealed motor and pump assembly located high for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"

Traditional vibration measurements face major limitations when dealing with complex industrial machinery. For instance, early defects often produce microscopic signals that fall way below conventional vibration detection thresholds. Furthermore, many critical components are physically inaccessible or located too far from standard measurement points.

Vibration monitoring frequently struggles with complex assets such as:

  • High-speed ventilators , centrifugal compressors , and turbo blowers.
  • Vacuum pumps and industrial fans.
  • Sealed motor assemblies and enclosed protective housings.

In all of these challenging applications, Acoustic Emission monitoring successfully identifies developing faults long before traditional systems register a single problem.

QuakeLogic’s Scalable Acoustic Emission Monitoring Solutions

Professional photo of networked multi channel acoustic emission sensor system deploye for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"

QuakeLogic offers complete, end-to-end solutions tailored to your specific industrial assets—from pumps and motors to gearboxes and valves. Depending on your facility’s operational needs, QuakeLogic provides versatile hardware configurations:

  • 8-Channel AE Monitoring System: Perfectly optimized for small facilities , critical equipment groups , or pilot projects.
  • 16-Channel AE Monitoring System: Ideal for large industrial plants , multiple production lines , and facility-wide monitoring.
  • Portable AE Inspection Systems: Designed for routine inspections , troubleshooting , condition assessments , and commissioning without requiring a permanent installation.

All online systems feature high-sensitivity sensors , industrial-grade data acquisition hardware , continuous 24/7 monitoring , real-time data processing , trend analysis , and automated reporting.

The Power of Cloud-Based Analytics

Engineer analyzing predictive maintenance data on a large control room monitor showin for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"

A standout advantage of QuakeLogic’s ecosystem is its secure, cloud-based monitoring platform. Users can access real-time asset health dashboards from anywhere in the world using a standard web browser.

The platform tracks AE activity , energy levels , and trend indicators. If an anomaly occurs, the system instantly dispatches real-time alarm notifications via email , SMS , mobile alerts , or direct SCADA and control room integrations. This centralized approach allows your team to monitor assets across multiple plants, remote facilities, or offshore installations from one unified screen.

Complete Deployment, Training, and Support

A successful predictive maintenance program requires more than just high-tech hardware. That is why QuakeLogic’s expert engineers handle the entire lifecycle of your deployment:

  1. Full Deployment Services: Including site assessments , sensor placement design , system commissioning , and seamless integration with your existing infrastructure.
  2. Comprehensive Training: Empowering your team with deep knowledge of AE fundamentals , data interpretation , fault identification , and software operation. Training is flexibly delivered on-site , remotely , or via customized workshops.
  3. Ongoing Technical Support: Ensuring your team can confidently leverage AE technology to make highly informed maintenance decisions.

Why Choose QuakeLogic?

Conceptual visualization of integrated hardware software and AI systems powering futu for "Acoustic Emission Monitoring Guide"

This project demonstrates QuakeLogic’s unique ability to deliver full-cycle engineering solutions that seamlessly combine hardware, software, and AI into a unified system. From initial concept to final commissioning, every component is engineered for precision, reliability, and long-term performance.

By partnering with us, you can substantially reduce downtime , lower maintenance costs by replacing parts based on actual condition , extend asset life , and dramatically improve facility safety.

Let’s build the future of your facility together. Contact QuakeLogic today to discuss your custom project needs and modernize your predictive maintenance program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ACOUSTIC EMISSION MONITORING SYSTEM

Visit us at products.QuakeLogic.net

Key Takeaways

  • AE sensors detect high-frequency stress waves from microscopic events, flagging faults weeks or months before vibration levels become abnormal.
  • Typical detections: bearing lubrication issues, early bearing defects, gear wear, misalignment, looseness, cavitation, crack propagation and valve leakage.
  • Vibration monitoring struggles with high-speed ventilators, centrifugal compressors, turbo blowers, vacuum pumps and sealed motor housings.
  • QuakeLogic's 8-channel system suits pilot projects; the 16-channel system covers whole plants; portable units handle inspections.
  • The cloud platform tracks AE activity, energy and trends, with alarms via email, SMS, mobile or SCADA integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does acoustic emission monitoring differ from vibration monitoring?

Vibration monitoring measures the physical movement of a machine, so it registers a fault only once the defect is large enough to change the overall motion. Acoustic emission monitoring instead detects the high-frequency stress waves generated by microscopic events such as crack initiation or friction deep inside a component. Because those signals appear far earlier, AE identifies developing faults weeks or months before conventional vibration thresholds are crossed.

What faults can acoustic emission monitoring detect?

Acoustic emission monitoring is effective at detecting early-stage bearing lubrication problems and bearing defects, gear wear, friction and rubbing, shaft misalignment, mechanical looseness, cavitation in pumps, crack initiation or propagation, and valve leakage. These are the microscopic events that produce stress waves long before they grow into failures measurable by vibration analysis.

Which machines benefit most from acoustic emission monitoring?

Assets where vibration analysis struggles benefit most: high-speed ventilators, centrifugal compressors, turbo blowers, vacuum pumps, industrial fans, sealed motor assemblies and equipment inside enclosed protective housings. In these cases early defects produce signals below vibration detection thresholds, or the critical components sit too far from accessible measurement points, while AE sensors still pick up the stress waves.

How many channels does an acoustic emission monitoring system need?

It depends on the number of assets and the scope of coverage. QuakeLogic's 8-channel AE system is sized for small facilities, critical equipment groups or pilot projects, while the 16-channel system is intended for large plants, multiple production lines and facility-wide monitoring. For routine inspections, troubleshooting or commissioning without a permanent installation, a portable AE inspection system is the better fit.

Can acoustic emission alarms be integrated with SCADA or a control room?

Yes. QuakeLogic's cloud-based platform tracks AE activity, energy levels and trend indicators continuously, and when an anomaly is detected it dispatches real-time alarms by email, SMS or mobile notification, or directly into SCADA and control-room systems. Dashboards open in a standard web browser, so assets across multiple plants, remote sites or offshore installations can be watched from one screen.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.