The Critical Role of Steel Tube Assemblies in Automotive Test Benches

One of the primary functions of steel tube assemblies is the transmission of high-pressure fluids. They can stably convey hydraulic oil, brake fluid, or compressed gas, guaranteeing that the test objects receive realistic working pressure and flow conditions. This is essential for accurate testing results, as it allows the test bench to replicate the hydraulic and pneumatic environments that vehicles encounter during actual operation. Thanks to their excellent pressure resistance and anti-pulsation performance, steel tube assemblies ensure that the experimental conditions are consistent with real-world scenarios.​

Compared to hoses, steel tubes offer significant advantages in terms of stability and safety. They have almost no volume expansion, which prevents pressure fluctuations from affecting test accuracy – a crucial benefit, especially in high-frequency pulsation tests. Additionally, the flexible pipeline arrangement made possible by the combination of ferrule fittings, tee joints, valves, and other components allows for the quick construction of different test circuits, facilitating the switching of test working conditions with ease.​

Steel tube assemblies also boast impressive product features. Constructed with high-quality carbon steel or stainless steel precision seamless steel tubes and paired with DIN 2353 / ISO 8434-1 ferrule fittings, they can typically withstand pressures ranging from 25 to 40 MPa, with high-end models capable of handling up to 63 MPa. Their durability is exceptional, with excellent fatigue resistance and anti-pulsation performance, making them suitable for long-term high-pressure operation. The smooth inner walls of the tubes reduce fluid resistance and medium contamination, while the ferrule fittings provide reliable sealing, maintaining stability without leakage even under high-frequency pressure impacts. Moreover, the high standardization of joints and tee accessories ensures good modularity and maintainability, enabling easy expansion, replacement, and maintenance.​

Proper installation is key to maximizing the performance of steel tube assemblies. When selecting materials, it is important to choose the appropriate steel tube wall thickness and material based on the pressure level of the test bench to avoid "high-pressure under-matching". The correct pre-installation of ferrules is another critical step; special pre-installation tools should be used to ensure that the ferrules are properly engaged, preventing leaks caused by on-site incorrect installation. For pipeline layout, it is advisable to minimize elbows and stress concentration points. When necessary, pipe bending machines should be used to form smooth transitions. During installation, forced docking or twisting should be avoided to ensure that the joints fit naturally, reducing the risk of fatigue. After long-term operation, regular inspections of the joint tightening torque and sealing conditions are recommended, and vulnerable parts should be replaced in a timely manner.​

In conclusion, steel tube assemblies in automotive test benches are more than just "fluid channels"; they are the core guarantee for ensuring the accuracy of test data and the safety of experiments. With their high-pressure bearing capacity, excellent durability, and reliable sealing performance, they have become irreplaceable basic components of test benches. Through reasonable installation and maintenance, the stability and service life of test equipment can be significantly improved, providing solid support for the research, development, and verification of key automotive components such as chassis, electronic brakes, and shock absorbers. As the automotive industry continues to advance towards higher performance and greater safety, the role of steel tube assemblies in ensuring the reliability of testing processes will only become more crucial.