Product Testing That Builds Confidence: Vibration, Burn-In, and Thermal Testing
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
In simulated avionics, performance isn’t proven when a unit powers on—it’s proven after repeated use, long hours, and real-world handling. That’s why strong product testing isn’t optional. It’s how you protect training uptime, reduce maintenance surprises, and ensure every delivered unit behaves the way it should.
At Simtek, we believe the best products are the ones that keep working—consistently—after the stresses of production, shipping, installation, and daily simulator operation.
Why Testing Matters in Simulation Hardware
Simulation environments can be deceptively demanding. Controls get actuated repeatedly, panels get handled by countless trainees, and systems run for long periods. Add shipping and installation cycles, and you have a product that must be built—and tested—for durability and stability.
Good testing helps validate:
Reliability over time
Stable performance across operating conditions
Confidence in repeatable builds
Early detection of issues before delivery
Vibration Testing: Designed to Handle the Real World
Vibration testing helps ensure assemblies can withstand the realities of transport, installation, and operational environments—without loosening, drifting, or failing.
It’s not just about “surviving.” It’s about confirming:
Connectors stay secure
Hardware remains mechanically sound
Wiring and terminations hold up under stress
Performance stays consistent after exposure
Burn-In: Catching Early-Life Failures Before the Customer Does
Burn-in is one of the most valuable tools for preventing “infant mortality” failures—issues that can appear early in a product’s life.
Running hardware for extended periods under controlled conditions helps reveal:
Marginal components
Intermittent behaviors
Assembly-related issues
Stability concerns that wouldn’t show up in a quick power-on test
The goal is simple: identify problems in-house, not in your simulator.
Thermal Testing: Verifying Performance When Conditions Change
Thermal testing helps confirm products operate reliably as temperatures change—because materials expand, electrical behavior shifts, and tolerances can stack up in ways that affect performance.
Thermal testing supports:
Consistent functionality as conditions vary
Confidence in lighting, displays, and electronics behavior
Validation that the unit remains stable through transitions
Reduced risk of temperature-related field issues
Testing Isn’t Just a Step—It’s a Mindset
Testing is most effective when it’s part of a larger quality approach. That means:
Clear acceptance criteria
Documented results
Repeatable methods
Continuous improvement based on test feedback
When testing is treated as a core discipline—not a checkbox—customers see the difference in reliability, uptime, and long-term supportability.
How Simtek Supports Reliable Delivery
At Simtek, we take pride in building simulated avionics and cockpit hardware that customers can trust. Incorporating vibration, burn-in, and thermal testing into our approach helps us deliver products that perform consistently, hold up under heavy use, and keep training systems running.
Because in training, uptime matters—and reliability is mission-critical.
