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Case Study:
Improving Hand-Arm Vibration Measurements

The Impact of Contact Force on the Accuracy of Hand-Arm Vibration Assessments

Introduction

How Contact Force Affects Accuracy in Occupational Vibration Assessments

This case study demonstrates how SVANTEK’s advanced vibration measurement systems enhance the accuracy of hand-arm vibration assessments by addressing the critical role of contact force during measurements. By using precise instrumentation and optimized sensor placement, the study highlights how SVANTEK solutions minimize signal distortion, reduce variability, and improve reliability in real-world occupational vibration monitoring.

Measurement Operator

SVANTEK Consultants

The tests were carried out by SVANTEK vibration experts using a controlled setup with an electromagnetic shaker. The team carefully evaluated the influence of sensor placement and applied signal filtering techniques to replicate conditions frequently encountered in field investigations.

Challenge

Assessing the Influence of Operator Contact Force in Hand-Arm Vibration Testing

The key challenge was to assess how varying push forces applied by operators affect the accuracy of hand-arm vibration measurements. The study involved simultaneous vibration and force monitoring using two adapter types under ISO-compliant test signals. Ensuring repeatability across multiple users and tools, while maintaining standard conformity (ISO 5349-1, ISO 5349-2, ISO 10819), was essential to validate the influence of contact force on vibration exposure assessment.

SV 106 meters with sensors and the accelerometer installed on the vibration exciter handle

Technology Used

Advanced Hand-Arm Vibration Measurement with SV 106 and Force Adapters

SV 106D – Human Vibration Meter

SV 105D – Hand-Arm adapter with traxial aceleromete

SV 106D and SV 105D

Expert Insight

Reliable Field Testing Helps Architects Ensure Acoustic Compliance

“With advancements in sensor miniaturization and MEMS technology, we can now measure both contact force and tri-axial vibration at the exact point of hand-tool interaction. This allows us to eliminate uncertainty related to sensor placement and tool-only mounting. The result is a far more accurate and representative evaluation of actual operator exposure — fully aligned with ISO 5349-2 and ISO 10819.”

Jacek Kuczyński, Vibration Expert

SV 105AF Hand-Arm Vibration adapter with tri-axial MEMS acelerometer and contanct force sensor

Result

Accurate dynamic stiffness values were achieved only with proper force signal filtering.

Sensor position on the plate had a significant impact on recorded amplitude.

SVANTEK equipment enabled repeatable, high-precision measurements in real-world conditions.

The study validated SVANTEK systems as reliable tools for structural vibration analysis.

Force levels applied by the operator on the handle

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