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LABA7 explains how an electromagnetically-actuated damper test system generates enhanced accuracy and control for a vital aspect of racecar set-up
Lithuania is not the first country that springs to mind when you think about motorsport. Its most famous contribution is probably the Palanga 1006km, an unusual sportscar race held on a closed public highway that today features GT3 cars. However, dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that the Baltic nation has quietly become home to a rising star in suspension testing: LABA7.
The company, based in the capital city, Vilnius, has already made a name for itself as a specialist in high quality suspension testing and servicing tools. Established in 2018 to develop and deliver high quality equipment such as Scotch-Yoke dynos, spring rate testers, corner weight scales and suspension bleeders, it is now disrupting the market further with its new electromagnetic-actuated damper test system, the EMA, which promises to raise the bar in terms of suspension testing technology. Combining cutting-edge technology, affordability, and a user-friendly design, the EMA delivers superior performance and value.
Precision testing
One of the EMA’s most innovative features is the integration of its control unit and data logger into a single board. This design allows the system to sample test results at an impressive 20kHz, avoiding possible phase shifts and ensuring data accuracy. The EMA controls electromagnetic motors and records data with precision down to a nearly imperceptible 50nm, detecting even the smallest changes in damper performance.
For motorsport teams, where every millisecond counts, having a testing system that delivers precise, repeatable results is invaluable. LABA7’s EMA is designed to do just that, offering exceptional accuracy and control.
Speed and power
Despite its meticulous precision, the EMA can also test dampers at extreme speeds and loads. It achieves a maximum velocity of 7m/s and can withstand an impressive acceleration of 40g. At the lower end of the spectrum, it can test dampers at just 1mm/s, essential for measuring seal drag and friction.
LABA7 offers the EMA in four models. The entry-level 30kW model delivers a peak force of 11.9kN at 2m/s, which is more than sufficient for most suspension systems. For those needing more power, the top-tier model produces a peak force of 45.4kN, ensuring robust testing capabilities across a range of applications.
Another standout feature of the EMA is its innovative power supply unit. Traditional electromagnetic shock dynos require high voltage and amperage inputs, often needing expensive and specialised infrastructure.
LABA7 solved this issue with a unique solution that stores energy in supercapacitors, releasing it only when the system is active during testing. As a result, EMA models can run on standard three-phase 380V / 8-16A inputs.
The smallest model can even be optimised to run from a standard 220 / 240V socket, making installation simple and cost effective.
Streamlined with software
LABA7 has designed the EMA’s software for ease of use. While it may sound like a cliché, the focus on user experience has resulted in an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, significantly reducing the learning curve for the user.
Motorsport teams are likely to appreciate the ability to edit custom waveforms before testing. This feature allows the operator to easily trim track data after importing it from telemetry devices. Focus on specific segments of a course can be invaluable when testing damper performance for specific real-world racing scenarios. Due to its high accuracy, the EMA can test any shock absorber and replicate a wide range of conditions, exposing the tiniest discrepancies in damper performance across a wide range of standard waveforms such as sine, triangle, square and pulse.
After testing, the software facilitates in-depth analysis by allowing operators to overlay individual cycles and slide graphs, making it easy to pinpoint performance gains or losses. In addition, the system integrates seamlessly with external sensors and other testing equipment, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of damper performance.
Another valuable feature introduced by LABA7 is a cloud-based shock dyno library. This service simplifies storage, sharing and analysis of data across multiple departments, and supports test data from both the EMA and Scotch-Yoke dynos.
The EMA’s modular design and remote troubleshooting capabilities also make maintenance simple and cost effective. LABA7’s Fast-Fix warranty further ensures quick resolution of any issues, with spare parts typically dispatched within a week, minimising the amount of disruption to motorsport teams’ test and race schedules.
Unlike hydraulic shock dynos, which require frequent maintenance due to potential leaks and fluid replacements, the EMA’s electromagnetic design involves fewer mechanical components that wear out over time. This not only reduces downtime but also slashes the overall cost of ownership.
Competitive edge
What truly sets the EMA system apart, though, is its affordability. Priced from €50,000 (approx. $55,170), it costs less than half compared to competitors’ products. LABA7 says it has been able to keep the cost down by minimising reliance on third parties.
As motorsport continues to evolve, the demand for precision, efficiency and cost effectiveness in suspension testing is greater than ever. LABA7’s EMA is a groundbreaking solution that meets these demands head on.
‘The EMA system represents a new benchmark in damper testing,’ says Andrius Liškus, founder and CEO of LABA7. ‘We combined high precision, energy efficiency and user-friendly design to create a tool that not only enhances performance but also makes advanced suspension testing accessible to more motorsport teams.
‘Our focus with the EMA system was to deliver cutting-edge technology without the high costs typically associated with advanced damper testing. By simplifying installation and reducing maintenance, we’re giving motorsport teams the tools to push performance limits without breaking the bank.’
By offering unmatched accuracy, energy efficiency and ease of use, all at a highly competitive price, LABA7 is positioned to become a key player in the motorsport
testing landscape.
For teams seeking to gain a competitive edge – and point out a team in any form of motorsport that isn’t – the EMA range sets a new standard in damper testing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on track. With these developments, LABA7 is helping to put Lithuanian engineering expertise on the map.
