LDS standard head expanders increase the effective mounting surface of an LDS shaker's armature so existing shaker systems can accommodate larger payloads. They are designed with finite element (FE) analysis and cast from a high-strength, aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with excellent damping properties. Each kit ships complete with fasteners and fitting tools for immediate testing. Four square sizes run from 24 in (610 mm) to 48 in (1,220 mm), with usable frequency up to 2 kHz and an optional thermal barrier for climatic chamber use.
Sizes: 24 in (610 mm), 30 in (762 mm), 39.4 in (1,000 mm), and 48 in (1,220 mm) square
Material: high-strength, aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with excellent damping properties
Usable frequency range: up to 2 kHz, subject to control strategy, payload characteristics, and test profile
First vertical resonance: 2,047 Hz (24 in on 440/640 mm armatures) down to 537 Hz (48 in), nominal
Standard insert sizes: M8 or 3/8 UNC across the range; M10 on the V875LS, V8, and V9
Compatible shakers: V850-440, V875-440, V875-640, V875LS, V8, and V9 in all four sizes; V830-335 in the 24 in (610 mm) size only
Supplied with: full mounting kit with tools, lifting eyebolt, and user manual
Option: thermal barrier kit for each size
At a glance
Aerospace-grade magnesium alloy for high strength and minimal force dispersion
Usable frequency range DC – 2,000 Hz for broad test coverage
Guided versions support payloads up to 1,200 kg beyond armature capacity
Sizes 610, 762, 1000 and 1220 mm, with thermal barriers for chamber tests
Sizes
610 to 1,220 mm square
Four square sizes matched to LDS armature counter-bore patterns, from 24 in (610 mm) up to 48 in (1,220 mm).
Dynamics
Published resonances
First vertical resonance is published for every size, from 2,047 Hz down to 537 Hz, with first-mode data supplied per unit.
Chamber-ready
Thermal barrier option
A 0.75 in (20 mm) barrier rated from –94 to +446 °F (–70 to +230 °C) is available for every size.
What it is used for
Some of the use cases for LDS standard head expanders include:
Larger mounting surface: increasing the effective mounting area beyond the shaker armature.
Larger payloads: mounting test articles that exceed the armature footprint.
Multiple test items per run: increasing the quantity of test items in one test to reduce testing time.
Offset centers of gravity: securing payloads whose center of gravity sits away from the armature axis.
Combined climatic testing: using the optional thermal barrier with a climatic chamber.
Key features
FE-designed magnesium casting: aerospace-grade magnesium alloy with excellent damping properties.
Tested dynamic performance: accurate, in-house tested dynamic performance, with first-mode data supplied.
Complete mounting kit: armature screws, dedicated wrench key, torque wrench, lifting eyebolt, hazard warning labels, and user manual.
Keyed payload inserts: keyed payload attachment inserts in grid and armature patterns.
Corrosion resistant: non-machined parts are painted; machined parts are coated with lubricant.
Short lead time: standard off-the-shelf design.
Accelerometer options: CCLD accelerometers with TEDS available.
Other insert patterns: available to special order.
Why engineers pick it
Matched to LDS armatures. Counter-bore patterns match the V830-335 and the 440/640 mm armatures on the V850, V875, V875LS, V8, and V9.
Known dynamics. First vertical resonance is published for every size, and first-mode data is supplied with each head expander.
Ready to test. Each kit arrives with its fasteners, torque wrench, and lifting eyebolt.
Chamber-ready. A 0.75 in (20 mm) thermal barrier rated from –94 to +446 °F (–70 to +230 °C) is available for every size.
Guided and unguided head expanders
Unguided head expanders let you test payloads whose dimensions exceed the shaker's armature work surface. They accommodate larger, not heavier, articles, so they provide no additional load support. The four standard sizes on this page are unguided.
Guided head expanders let you test payloads heavier than the shaker alone can support, up to 1,200 kg. They are available for the LDS V875, V875LS, V8, and V9x, whether trunnion- or combo-mounted, in a 1,200 mm square size. Contact W5 for guided head expander specifications and availability.
Thermal barrier option
The optional thermal barrier reduces thermal conductivity between the payload and the shaker during operation with a climatic chamber. It has clearance holes matching the head expander's insert pattern and M6 inserts along the edges for chamber seal clamping strips. It is supplied with lifting eyebolts, clamping strips, corner clamping strips, and attachment screws. A barrier is available for every size in the range, and other insert patterns can be supplied to special order.
Configuring and scaling
Select the head expander size and insert type on this page and use Request Quote to order. Contact W5 for items the selector doesn't cover: thermal barrier kit, non-standard insert patterns, guided head expanders, accelerometers, and cables.
Two fitment notes: the 48 in (1,220 mm) head expander is not recommended and not offered as a standard option for the V850-440, and the V830-335 is served by the 24 in (610 mm) size only.
Get your head expander specified and supplied
W5 Engineering is the authorized North American distributor for LDS / Brüel & Kjær. We match the head expander size and insert pattern to your shaker armature, payload footprint, and test profile, and add the thermal barrier if you're running with a climatic chamber. Contact us with your shaker model and payload details and we will return a part number and quote.
