Weiss Gallenkamp improve reliability of high performance audio products
31 July 2008
Harman International manufactures a range of automotive hi-fi systems, including fully integrated CD players, radios, cassette players, MP3 and minidisc players, and RDS tuners.
Harman Becker Automotive Systems is the automotive division of Harman International. The central focus of Harman Becker Automotive Systems is the development, production, integration and marketing of high-performance audio, entertainment, information and communication systems for the automotive and aftermarket industry. Weiss Gallenkamp were recently approached to provide an Environmental Stress Screening Test Chamber to Harman Becker, who have now purchased a WK11 800/70/10. This will be used to test Harman Becker products for their reaction to rapid changes of environmental conditions i.e. temperature change.
During the Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) test, the products are subject to precisely defined stress so that defects in components can be detected before leaving the Harman Becker plant. Detecting weak points considerably improves the robustness of the products, and unreliable systems are filtered out before they reach the customers.
Using ESS, the products do not simply function; they operate correctly for a long period of time. The quality itself is substantially improved, customer satisfaction increases and the sale of reliable products likewise. Reliable products ensure that the reputation of the likes of Harman Becker remains a good one. ESS leads to reduced costs as product failures do not occur during the warranty period when they are already in the possession of the customer.
ESS reduces the risks which can occur in products due to components or processes and there is less risk involved when a new product or new technology is introduced. ESS means quick feedback. Construction or process problems can be detected more rapidly which means a quicker learning curve. Also, feedback is obtained directly from in-house quality assurance and not via the customer.
Released By
Weiss Gallenkamp
