STL develops rotary rim tester

May 12, 2005

Standards Testing Laboratories (STL) has unveiled its Rotary Fatigue Test Machine, which tests wheels.

The device is designed to "impart a constant, rotating, bending moment to the wheel through applying a load at 90 degrees to the wheel mounting face," say STL officials.

"This simulates the forces applied to the wheel when cornering during rotation. Wheel failures generated through this testing include both the inability to hold a load and/or a visually detected fatigue crack penetrating through the section of the wheel."