Sheppard follows the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process during research and development of new products in accordance with our ISO/TS 16949 certification.
Product development engineers use the Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) tool to make decisions that help mitigate failure modes throughout the development phase and prior to production launch. The DFMEA is supported by engineering calculation and assessment which may include tolerance studies, CAD models, finite element analysis, mechanism simulations, and validations tests.
Our engineering and technology centers in Hanover, PA. and Rochester Hills, MI., have the capability to perform both destructive and non-destructive testing for product development and validation. These tests are conducted in accordance with: national and industry standards (e.g. ASTM and SAE); customer design requirements; or internal Sheppard procedures. Test programs are often used to evaluate product for the following characteristics:
- Hydraulic pressure and flow response
- Noise signature
- Cycle life durability
- Impact load resistance
- Ultimate strength performance
- Stress/ strain condition
- High and low temperature exposure
- Environmental susceptibility
- Ergonomic accessibility
In addition to lab testing, we have the ability to instrument vehicles with data acquisition equipment to evaluate “on road” vehicle performance and driver preferences.
Learn more. Contact our Engineering group to discuss your specific product or project requirements today.