quality & tests
For us, quality is the guiding principle that runs through the entire company. We strive to be the best supplier of our technical textile products. In order to achieve this goal, we regularly test and simulate our materials, products, production methods and assembly methods. Would you like to know exactly how and what we do to ensure that we deliver the best quality? Then follow the ‘red thread’!
For us, quality is the guiding principle that runs through the entire company. We strive to be the best supplier of our technical textile products. In order to achieve this goal, we regularly test and simulate our materials, products, production methods and assembly methods. Would you like to know exactly how and what we do to ensure that we deliver the best quality? Look for yourself by scrolling down!
TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW
Testing is a very important factor for us to ensure that our incoming materials meet the requirements, that our new developments are well designed and that our assembly methods meet the desired quality.
calculating & simulating
Before we reach the test phase, we often perform simulations on our products and new developments. We do this, for example, to see whether a product is capable of distributing certain forces in the right way.
Details in execution
Thanks to these extensive tests and simulations, we know the places where extra protection or reinforcement is needed. For each of these places a form of protection has been applied in order to extend the lifespan as long as possible.
Testing is a very important factor for us to ensure that our incoming materials meet the requirements, that our new developments are well designed and that our assembly methods meet the desired quality.
Before we reach the test phase, we often perform simulations on our products and new developments. We do this, for example, to see whether a product is capable of distributing certain forces in the right way.
Thanks to these extensive tests and simulations, we know the places where extra protection or reinforcement is needed. For each of these places a form of protection has been applied in order to extend the service life as long as possible.
TO MEASURE IS TO KNOW
Entry control
Tensile testing of our material
The foil used in many of our products is purchased from a quality West European supplier. As soon as the rolls enter our factory, they undergo a quality test. Various tensile tests are carried out in both the warp and weft direction of the foil to ensure that the foil has the right strength.
WELDING CONTROL
OUR WELDING RITUAL
When welding foil, it is crucial that the coating of both layers adheres well to each other. External influences can affect the quality of the weld and the product. To make sure that the welds are made properly, every day and before every new project, we start with making test welds. All test welds are checked by the quality manager and only when he approves it, the real work can begin!
Welding control
Our welding ritual
When welding foil, it is crucial that the coating of both layers adheres well to each other. External influences can affect the quality of the weld and the product. To make sure that the welds are made properly, every day and before every new project, we start with making test welds. All test welds are checked by the quality manager and only when he approves it, the real work can begin!
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE TEST
JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS…
Many Flexxolutions products come into contact with chemical substances in different ways, such as disinfectant for the Flexxomat. We have more than 50 jars with different foils and components that are tested for their chemical resistance. Some jars have been there since 2014! By means of these tests we determine which foil is most suitable in places where it is in contact with chemical substances.
COMPONENT SIMULATION TEST
COMPONENT SIMULATION TEST
tensile testing
of complete parts
In addition to the tensile testing machine in our laboratory, we have another two. The second is used in Oldenzaal for R&D and product development and the last, largest, tensile testing machine can be seen here on the picture. It is used to test complete parts in full size on tensioning load. For example, we use it to test the parts where the welding strips are welded to certain roof parts.
COMPONENT SIMULATION TEST
COMPONENT SIMULATION TEST
tensile testing
of complete parts
In addition to the tensile testing machine in our laboratory, we have another two. The second is used in Oldenzaal for R&D and product development and the last, largest, tensile testing machine can be seen here on the picture. It is used to test complete parts in full size on tensioning load. For example, we use it to test the parts where the welding strips are welded to certain roof parts.
PRODUCT TEST OF AN INSPECTION OPENING
new developments
After the theoretical design of a new product has been completed and simulated on the application in practice using SolidWorks, we build a prototype in full size. Various tests are done on this, such as tensile tests & long duration tests as you can see here on the picture. We regularly develop new products together with Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the UT. In this way we learn from the students and they learn from us.
PRODUCT TEST FLEXXOVALVE
new developments
Our four types of pressure valves for over- and underpressure are extensively tested as well at a self-built test setting for set pressures and realised flow rates. During these tests we were able to carry out optimisations, such as a better position of the viewing window in the valve.
PRODUCT TEST FLEXXOVALVE
new developments
Our four types of pressure valves for over- and underpressure are extensively tested as well at a self-built test setting for set pressures and realised flow rates. During these tests we were able to carry out optimisations, such as a better position of the viewing window in the valve.
ASSEMBLY TESTS
IMPROVED ASSEMBLY METHODS
Both of the tensioning methods used by Flexxolutions are pre-tested in our factory for strength and weather resistance. Outside, near the factory, there are a few test stands where we can simulate real situations and test our methods well. During the Assembly Days which take place twice a year, the methods are extensively evaluated with our assembly teams.
Calculating & Simulating
Mixing simulations
for the Flexxobag
Before we extensively test the components and products, we also carry out simulations on a number of products. The video shows how the flow profiles of a manure bag with agitators behaves from time t=0 (the moment the agitators are started). With such a simulation, we can determine the optimal positioning of the mixers in relation to the geometry of the manure bag.
mixing simulations
for the flexxobag
Before we extensively test the components and products, we also carry out simulations on a number of products. The video shows how the flow profiles of a manure bag with agitators behaves from time t=0 (the moment the agitators are started). With such a simulation, we can determine the optimal positioning of the mixers in relation to the geometry of the manure bag.
bending simulations
for the flexxosilo
In addition to mixing simulations for our manure bag, we also perform bending simulations for our Flexxosilo. During the filling of a silo bag, forces are applied to the silo frame and that is what is simulated here. The steel frame is simulated for deflection and tension to make sure that the design of the silo bag with the frame is well attuned to heavy situations during use.
FORCE CALCULATIONS ON INNOVATIONS
AT THE DESIGN STAGE
In this newly developed inspection opening for a biogas roof, it was investigated whether the forces and deflections caused by the silo roof are correctly transferred to the silo wall. It is also examined whether the bending forces remain within the elastic range.
FORCE CALCULATIONS ON INNOVATIONS
at the design stage
In this newly developed inspection opening for a biogas roof, it was investigated whether the forces and deflections caused by the silo roof are correctly transferred to the silo wall. It is also examined whether the bending forces remain within the elastic range.
FORCE CALCULATION COVER
FOR THE FLEXXODOMER
The forces that occur with a Flexxodomer due to the biogas pressure, the bearing air pressure and external forces such as wind, rain and snow are calculated in three-dimensional models. This allows the design of the biogas roof to be optimized based on occurring forces and ensures a long-term use of the biogas cover. These calculations are used by the engineering department to determine the optimal cutting shape of the foil membrane.
Details in executions
REINFORCEMENT
ONE OF THE HUNDREDS IN ONE PRODUCT...
We apply reinforcements to optimally distribute the occurring point forces over a larger surface area. The reinforcement in the picture protects the foil against wear that can result from the tensile force of the pulley.
PROTECTION
AGAINST WEAR OF THE WELDING STRIPS
Due to the continuous movement of a silo roof as a result of wind, an abrasive or cutting effect occurs in the top section. However, this additional double-layer protection significantly increases the lifespan of the roof.
PROTECTION
AGAINST FRICTION OF THE HEIGHT METER ROPE
Due to the continuous movement of the sub-membrane, the rope of the altimeter rubs back and forth over the foil. This extra layer of protection prevents any wear.
ASSEMBLY QUALITY
PROTECTION OF MEMRANE AGAINST SILO WALL
A sharp concrete edge of a silo tends to cut into the tensioned film. Our mechanics grind off these sharp edges and then apply an extra layer of felt that offers the desired protection.