Engineering summary
Why QuakeLogic Offered Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table is the Superior Choice Compared to Quanser’s Biaxial Shake Table II: engineering guidance from Quak...
Selecting the right shake table for research, testing, and educational purposes requires careful consideration of design, performance, longevity, and overall user experience. Both QuakeLogic and Quanser offer bi-axial shake tables, there are key differences that make the QuakeLogic Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table (Servo Motor) the clear choice for clients seeking a superior, user-friendly, and high-performance solution.
Below, we outline the primary advantages that set our equipment (shown on the left) apart from Quanser’s (shown on the right).
1. Higher Operating Frequency and Larger Payload Capacity
QuakeLogic’s biaxial shake table operates at a maximum frequency of 20 Hz, which is double that of Quanser’s biaxial shake table II (10 Hz). This higher frequency allows for a wider range of testing scenarios, especially when high-frequency vibrations or accelerations are involved.
Additionally, our equipment offers a larger payload area of 500×500 mm and a maximum stroke of ±100 mm, enabling the testing of larger and heavier models. Quanser’s smaller payload area (460×460 mm) and smaller stroke (±76.2 mm) limit its capacity to accommodate similar testing scenarios.
QuakeLogic’s shake table has a capacity of 50 kg at 2g peak acceleration simultaneously in both the X and Y directions. In contrast, Quanser’s shake table can only achieve a maximum acceleration of 1.0g in the X direction and 2.5g in the Y direction with a significantly lower payload of 7.5 kg. This makes our shake table far superior in terms of handling larger payloads with higher and more balanced acceleration across both axes. In fact, at 7.5 kg payload our shake table can achieve more than 4 g acceleration in both the X and Y directions.
2. Software Integration: EasyTest Software vs. Third-Party MATLAB Solutions
One of our biaxial shake table’s greatest strengths is the inclusion of its proprietary EasyTest Software, which provides an intuitive, comprehensive interface for operating the shake table. EasyTest is fully integrated with the hardware, meaning there is no need for costly third-party software.
On the other hand, Quanser’s system requires the purchase of MATLAB/Simulink, along with toolboxes to operate the system. This dramatically increases the overall cost and complexity of using the system. QuakeLogic’s system is ready to use out of the box.
3. Durability and Dust Protection
Durability is another area where QuakeLogic’s system excels. Our Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table is equipped with dust covers that protect the internal components from environmental contaminants, extending the system’s operational life. These protective features ensure consistent performance over time, even in challenging environments.
By contrast, Quanser’s shake table has exposed components, including rails, making it more susceptible to dust, debris and falling objects during the testing. Over time, this exposure can degrade the system’s performance and shorten its lifespan, leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced reliability.
4. Remote Control and User-Friendly Operation
The QuakeLogic system is IP-based, allowing for remote control and monitoring—an essential feature for modern testing environments. This flexibility enables users to operate the system remotely, improving the efficiency and convenience of testing workflows.
Furthermore, QuakeLogic’s EasyTest Software ensures that users can quickly set up and conduct tests without needing specialized programming skills or additional training. Quanser’s reliance on MATLAB/Simulink, however, adds an extra layer of complexity and operational difficulty.
5. Aesthetic and Practical Design
QuakeLogic’s Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table boasts a compact, visually appealing design with a dust-protected structure, making it ideal for educational and research labs. In contrast, Quanser’s system, with its exposed components, is not only less visually appealing but also less practical in terms of maintenance and long-term durability. QuakeLogic’s polished and professional appearance reflects the advanced engineering inside, making it the better option for clients who value both form and function.
6. Comparing Technical Specifications
When comparing the technical specifications of QuakeLogic’s shake table with those of Quanser’s, the differences are striking:
| Feature | Quanser Biaxial Shake Table II | QuakeLogic Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 610 x 460 mm x 130 mm | 800 x 800 x 225 mm |
| Total Weight | 27.2 kg | 78 kg |
| Top Stage Dimensions | 460 x 460 mm | 500 x 500 mm |
| Maximum Travel (Stroke) | ±76.2 mm | ±100 mm |
| Maximum Acceleration | 2.5 g with 7.5 kg payload | ±2 g with 50 kg payload ±1 g with 100 kg payload |
| Maximum Velocity | 399 mm/s | 1,000 mm/s |
| Operational Bandwidth (Frequency) | 10 Hz | 20 Hz |
8. Conclusion: A Superior and Cost-Effective Solution
In comparing the QuakeLogic Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table with the Quanser Biaxial Shake Table II, QuakeLogic’s advantages are evident. With a specifically engineered bi-axial design, integrated EasyTest software, superior mechanical components, dust protection, and greater operational frequency and payload capacity, our system delivers a high-performance yet cost-effective solution.
Clients such as NOKIA-BELLS-LAB have praised the ease of setup and exceptional performance of our shake table. The EasyTest software stands out for its intuitive design, allowing users to focus on testing rather than on lengthy configurations or troubleshooting.
For anyone in need of a reliable, easy-to-use shake table that minimizes setup time and maximizes operational efficiency, QuakeLogic’s Portable Bi-Axial Shake Table is the ideal choice. Its seamless user experience and long-term reliability make it perfect for research institutions, universities, and industries dedicated to seismic and vibration analysis.
To learn about our biaxial shake table, please visit the product page HERE.
Reference:
Technical specifications for the Quanser Shake Table II were sourced from the official Quanser website.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-04
Executive Summary
Shake tables reproduce controlled motion in the laboratory so engineers can evaluate components, assemblies, soil boxes, and structural models under seismic inputs. This article has been expanded as an engineering resource for readers evaluating shake tables concepts, instrumentation choices, and monitoring workflows. The discussion is educational and should be paired with project-specific review by qualified engineers, applicable codes, owner requirements, and equipment documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Define the engineering objective before selecting sensors, test equipment, trigger thresholds, or reporting workflows.
- Use calibrated instrumentation, documented installation practices, time synchronization, and traceable data handling where measurement quality matters.
- Interpret measured data in context: site conditions, structure type, noise environment, sampling rate, bandwidth, and boundary conditions all affect conclusions.
- Use authoritative references and project-specific criteria rather than relying on generic thresholds or unsupported performance claims.
Technical Explanation
In practical shake tables work, the engineering system is more than a sensor or a test platform. A credible workflow includes the measurement objective, instrument selection, mounting or boundary conditions, sampling and timing strategy, data validation, event or response detection, engineering review, and reporting. Weakness in any part of that chain can reduce confidence in the final interpretation.
For monitoring applications, engineers should document sensor orientation, coupling, environmental exposure, dynamic range, frequency bandwidth, data logger configuration, clock synchronization, communications, and maintenance procedures. For testing applications, engineers should document input motion, fixture design, payload properties, control limits, safety interlocks, acceptance criteria, and post-test data review.
Engineering Applications
| Application | Engineering Question | Typical Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Research and education | How does a structure, component, or sensor respond under controlled conditions? | Test plan, calibrated data, input motion, boundary conditions, and repeatable observations. |
| Critical infrastructure | Is the asset response normal, changing, or potentially unsafe after an event? | Baseline data, event records, thresholds, inspection workflow, and engineering sign-off. |
| Industrial facilities | Can monitoring support operational continuity and response decisions? | Site-specific criteria, reliable telemetry, alarm logic, maintenance records, and documented procedures. |
People Also Ask
What should be specified before buying equipment?
Specify the measurement objective, frequency range, amplitude range, environment, data format, timing needs, installation constraints, reporting requirements, and applicable standards or owner criteria.
Why do references and standards matter?
They provide terminology, acceptance criteria, test methods, and documentation expectations. They do not replace engineering judgment, but they reduce ambiguity and make results easier to review.
How should data quality be checked?
Review calibration status, timing, clipping, sensor orientation, signal-to-noise ratio, environmental artifacts, data completeness, and whether the record supports the engineering decision being made.
Related QuakeLogic Resources
- 40-Ton Uniaxial and Biaxial Hydraulic Shake Tables
- Beginners Guide to Actuators
- QuakeLogic Shake Tables for EV Charging Station’s California Certification
- University of Washington Receives Next-Gen Seismic Testing Technology from QuakeLogic
- Related QuakeLogic products and technologies
- QuakeLogic Engineering Blog topic resources
References
Recommended Diagram or Download
Media placeholder: Add an original diagram showing the measurement chain from sensor or test platform to data acquisition, analysis, engineering interpretation, and reporting. Where this article becomes a buyer guide or application note, create a downloadable PDF version after engineering review.
Discuss a Monitoring or Testing Application
QuakeLogic supports seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound monitoring, vibration monitoring, data acquisition, and shake table testing applications. For project-specific guidance, contact QuakeLogic with the asset type, measurement objective, site constraints, and required deliverables.
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Topic cluster
Related engineering knowledge areas
- Earthquake EngineeringSeismic hazard, ground motion, structural response, fragility, and resilience guidance.
- Structural Health MonitoringMonitoring for bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, industrial facilities, and resilient infrastructure.
- Earthquake Early WarningOn-site detection, alerting workflows, seismic switches, and critical infrastructure warning systems.
- Infrasound MonitoringLow-frequency acoustic sensing for environmental noise, blast, UAV, volcano, and defense applications.
Definitions and references
Terms, standards, and source cues
- seismic hazard: related to Earthquake Engineering in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- ground motion: related to Earthquake Engineering in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- SHM: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- damage detection: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- earthquake early warning: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- seismic switch: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- infrasound sensors: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- low-frequency noise: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
Standards mentioned
- AC156 seismic qualification/testing references
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