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  2. product tested
  3. manual controls and switches

Manual controls and switches

Switches come in many different configurations... toggle, rotary, mercury, push-button, reversing, relay and circuit breaker. Multiple contacts may be controlled by the same knob or actuator, and the contacts may operate simultaneously or alternately. A switch may be operated manually (such as a light switch or a keyboard button) or may function as a sensing element to detect the position of a machine part, liquid level, pressure, or temperature, such as a thermostat.

What they all share in common is the need for smooth and consistent operation when actuated by pushing, pulling or twisting. The load/displacement or torque/angle characteristics of switch mechanisms can be accurately and repeatably measured by Mecmesin force and torque measurement equipment. It is even possible to identify and report the parameters of the 'open' and 'closed' electrical contact points.

Mechanical controls generally use a lever and cables. They allow an operator to move the lever with a mechanical linkage that moves the corresponding control in relation to the lever movement. Uses include throttle, gear-shift , brake and other control systems in industries such as automotive, aviation, marine and engineering. Mecmesin force and torque testing instruments are ideal for measuring the operating efforts required by a user of such control devices.

Some of our customers

Featured case studies

Ventilator component compression test of piping

Testing ventilator and breathing assistance apparatus components

Read more
Handbag rotating clasp torque test with custom fixtures

Handbag clasps and other luggage components

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Watch strap spring bar tensile strength test

Force testing of watch components and attachments

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Standards

Featured or equivalent test standards for Mecmesin solutions in this section

ISO 6425

Horology - Divers' watches

NF S86-604

Horology - Characterization of metallic bracelets for watches

NF S86-606

Watch industry. Test methods for leather and non-metallic bracelets
Automotive switchgear toggle/rocker/push-button switch testing development
Case study

Automotive switchgear controls testing systems

Ventilator component compression test of piping
Case study

Testing ventilator and breathing assistance apparatus components

Handbag rotating clasp torque test with custom fixtures
Case study

Handbag clasps and other luggage components

Watch strap spring bar tensile strength test
Case study

Force testing of watch components and attachments

Watch casing fixtures for bezel torque to turn testing
Case study

Watch bezel adjustment torque testing

Motorcycle switchgear test station
Case study
BMW logo

Motorcycle switchgear actuation forces

Automotive window and sunroof winder tester with AFTI
Case study
Ford logo

Automotive window winder turning effort

Force measurement test to access a cigarette lighter mechanism
Case study

Child safety - force to access lighter

AFTI with stand and PVC pipes range
Case study
NawaPlastic

PVC pipe valve actuation torque

Thermostatic radiator valve torque test close up
Case study
Pegler Yorkshire logo

Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) operational torque

+44 (0)1403 799979
info@mecmesin.com

PPT Group UK Ltd
t/a Mecmesin
Newton House
Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold, West Sussex
RH13 0SZ
United Kingdom

PPT Group UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 414668.

Mecmesin is a PPT Group brand.

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Force testing

Systems

  • Universal testing machines
  • Large format compression testers
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Instruments

  • Digital force gauges
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Compression test on foam sample

Materials testing

Systems

  • Universal testing machines
  • Low-force materials tester

Instruments

  • Falling dart impact testers
Tensile test on plastic material sample

Torque testing

Systems

  • Automated torque testers
  • Motorised torque testers

Instruments

  • Digital torque testers
Torque test on bottle cap

Accessories

  • Force loadcells
  • Torque sensors
  • External sensors
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  • Grips and fixtures
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