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Customer solution –
Test bench automation for faucets

Highest quality through effective endurance testing – The GROHE testing laboratory

Automating endurance test benches

The tasks of S.E.A. in the GROHE test laboratory include, in particular, the development and implementation of a modular software infrastructure for the convenient and reliable operation of a wide variety of test benches, as well as the standard-compliant implementation of the electrical measurement technology and automation infrastructure for a wide variety of test benches.

Aerial photograph of the GROHE facility in Hemer, the location of the endurance testing laboratory for automated faucet test stands developed by S.E.A. Datentechnik.
Aerial photograph of GROHE Hemer

Highest quality through intensive endurance testing –
The GROHE testing laboratory

GROHE is a leading global brand for integrated bathroom solutions and kitchen faucets. Since 2014, GROHE has been part of the strong brand portfolio of LIXIL, a leading manufacturer of pioneering water technologies and building equipment. To offer “pure joy of water,” every GROHE product is based on the brand values of quality, technology, design, and sustainability.

The GROHE laboratory in Hemer is the first development laboratory in the sanitary industry to be successfully reaccredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) for testing fittings.

Row of automated test stands for temperature and pressure cycling tests in the GROHE endurance testing laboratory, developed by S.E.A. Datentechnik.

Long-term customer satisfaction
A focus for S.E.A. and GROHE

Since 2006, S.E.A. has been a reliable partner in the development and implementation of automated, innovative test benches and measurement technology. S.E.A. customer solutions are used for endurance testing and to control the sustainable energy/water concept of the laboratory infrastructure.

GROHE components and products, such as a wide variety of fittings, are tested for durability under extreme conditions in the test benches and operated automatically tens of thousands of times. The test bench’s measurement technology evaluates the function during the endurance test.

An essential aspect of the decades of successful collaboration is the unrestricted trust between GROHE and S.E.A. This is the only way to continuously adapt goals and implement long-term strategies effectively and successfully.

Automated multi-channel faucet testing rig in the GROHE endurance testing laboratory, equipped with pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for long-term pressure and flow durability tests, developed by S.E.A. Datentechnik.
The image shows a complex multi-channel test rig located in the GROHE endurance testing laboratory. The system is equipped with multiple actuators, valves, sensors, and flow lines designed to perform highly automated long-term durability tests on faucets. Developed by S.E.A. Datentechnik, the rig simulates realistic operating conditions such as pressure cycling, temperature variations, and mechanical actuation. The photograph highlights the precision, automation depth, and industrial robustness of the testing environment.

S.E.A. as a partner for test bench creation
in hardware and software

Development and endurance test benches

S.E.A.’s portfolio covers a wide range of services, including software development and control cabinet construction. This offers the opportunity to discuss hardware and software tasks with the customer, find optimal solutions, and implement them efficiently.

S.E.A.’s tasks in the GROHE test laboratory include, in particular, support in the development and implementation of a modular software infrastructure for the convenient and reliable operation of a wide variety of test benches, as well as the standard-compliant implementation of the electrical measurement technology and automation infrastructure of a wide variety of test benches.

NI CompactRIO systems with real-time capability are used in the automation technology of many test benches and the laboratory’s water supply infrastructure. The CE-oriented creation of the automation technology and the technical support provided by S.E.A. are of crucial importance to GROHE. The operating concepts and hydraulics of the test benches were defined and set up by GROHE.

Automated multi-channel faucet durability GROHE test stand in the GROHE endurance testing laboratory with integrated control cabinet and safety indicators, developed by S.E.A. Datentechnik.
Endurance test bench with S.E.A. control cabinet

The control cabinet contains all the measurement and control technology, based on the modular NI (National Instruments) CompactRIO platform, and other industrial components for power supply and safe plant operation.
The software has been implemented entirely in LabVIEW with the support of S.E.A.

Piktogramm für eingebettete Soft- und Hardware-Systeme

The software used for test bench automation

The software is modular and based on NI LabVIEW. The configurability of the software for a wide variety of test benches and the user-friendly interface are key aspects here. LabVIEW supports the required modularity and attractive user interfaces with a high level of user comfort. As a long-standing NI partner, S.E.A. can contribute its LabVIEW expertise to software development and ensure effective implementation.

Separate monitoring software provides a central overview of all test benches in the entire test laboratory at all times.
The complete test laboratory in Hemer was set up and partially modernized by S.E.A. in close cooperation with GROHE.

Screenshots of the software used

Screenshot of the testing software user interface in the GROHE endurance testing laboratory, developed with S.E.A. Datentechnik.
Screenshot of the GROHE test stand software showing temperature, pressure, flow and actuator measurements for automated faucet durability testing.
Screenshot of the S.E.A. Datentechnik software user interface with measurement and analysis values for test and inspection systems.
Screenshot of the software user interface showing measurement and control values for automated test stands (temperature, pressure, flow) by S.E.A. Datentechnik.
Screenshot of the GROHE test stand software during pressure calibration using the WIKA CPC4000 module, showing real-time pressure, flow and temperature values.

Customer Testimonial: What Our Customer Says

S.E.A. has been supporting us in setting up and modernizing our test laboratory since 2006. Initially, the focus was on consulting and support in the development of our modular software concept. Soon, S.E.A. also helped us select suitable hardware and build CE-compliant control cabinets, which are an integral part of our safety concept.
We benefit particularly from the internal coordination between software development and hardware integration at S.E.A., as this gives us a considerable time advantage in the design and setup of new test environments.
We can always rely on the cooperative and competent collaboration.

  • Ulf Flemig TD3 - Global Knowledge Laboratory R&D, LI Leader Measurement Technology & Laboratory Operations ,
  • GROHE AG

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