Borghi & Saveri – testing with reliability built in
Borghi & Saveri has long been recognised for the quality and technical standard of the solutions it delivers to its customers. To achieve this, every element of each system must meet demanding requirements. For this reason, the company has chosen Rittal enclosure solutions to house the data acquisition systems in its engine test cells.
From scales to powertrain testing
When it was founded in 1935, Borghi & Saveri focused on the production of scales and weighbridges. The business focus soon evolved. Located in Emilia Romagna – a region that is still home to some of the world’s most renowned car and motorcycle manufacturers – the company developed the idea of using its products to measure torque from internal combustion engines.
This marked Borghi & Saveri’s entry into the automotive world, where it is today a widely recognised player. Over more than 85 years, the company’s production has continuously evolved in line with the most advanced requirements of the industry. Borghi & Saveri actively tracks new technologies and systematically builds expertise to improve its production standards. It is therefore no coincidence that the company is now deeply involved in the major developments around electrification and Industry 4.0.
The acquisition by Alma Automotive in 2019 brought additional electronic expertise and know-how in data acquisition systems into the organisation. Combined with Borghi & Saveri’s extensive experience in supplying dynamometer brakes, this has turned the company into an internationally relevant player in the testing sector. Since 2021, Borghi & Saveri has become a key supplier for the delivery and commissioning of complete test cells dedicated to the development and testing of conventional and electric engines, transmissions and special applications such as power take-offs and motorcycles.
Safety and reliability in data acquisition
“The supply of tools for the development and testing of critical components such as technologically advanced engines requires the use of components that are best-in-class in terms of quality and service life. This applies both to the structural elements and to all systems installed inside the test cells,” explains Filippo Nalon, Chief Operating Officer at Borghi & Saveri.
The main functions of the data acquisition systems include recording operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, vibration, torque and speed; performing real-time analysis of the collected data; generating detailed graphs and reports; and synchronising data with other equipment where required.
“Safety in data acquisition is essential. For this reason, we decided to use Rittal support arm systems and Rittal control enclosures for the acquisition systems – both suspended and floor-mounted – used in our test cells. In this way, all the electronics of the automation system are organised in a structured way and protected from the external environment,” Nalon continues.
To increase the protection of the electronic devices installed inside, the Rittal control enclosures are configured to achieve a protection rating of up to IP 65 and an impact resistance of IK 10.
Support arm systems and control enclosures as a modular platform
By choosing Rittal solutions, Borghi & Saveri has the assurance of having all the elements required to execute each project effectively and efficiently. This includes, for example, support arm systems that are essential for human–machine interface solutions. These systems can be configured in numerous variants and adjusted in length simply by cutting the profile, enabling highly customised solutions based on standard components that are available at short notice.
In addition, the Rittal system can still be fine-tuned even after the installation is complete, which helps to save time during commissioning and optimisation of the test cells.
The internal space of the control enclosures is used to maximum effect thanks to optimised dimensions and specific technical design features from Rittal. The high degree of standardisation across the mounting system allows a wide variety of configurations to be built from a relatively small number of components. This not only simplifies logistics and stock management, it also streamlines engineering and assembly activities.
Compact Rittal AX enclosure for inverter technology
The compact Rittal AX enclosure is another key component within the systems supplied by Borghi & Saveri. It provides a safe housing for the inverter that controls the active eddy current brake FM280.
This enclosure protects the high-voltage components from weather influences, dust and mechanical impacts, contributing directly to reliability and service life. At the same time, the compact AX enclosure is designed to facilitate installation and maintenance, which reduces system downtime. Overall, this Rittal solution helps optimise the performance and safety of the braking systems developed by Borghi & Saveri and improves the overall efficiency of industrial and automotive applications.
More efficient engineering with Eplan Pro Panel
To further increase engineering efficiency, Borghi & Saveri has also chosen to use the 3D engineering software Eplan Pro Panel for the design and implementation of the control enclosures.
“With Eplan Pro Panel, we can create a detailed digital visualisation of the schematics and generate a digital twin before entering the production phase. This digital twin contains all the information required by the design and production departments, including complete design data for the components and the machine specifications,” Nalon emphasises.
The results achieved so far confirm the company’s decision.
“Thanks to our system capabilities and the use of Rittal components, the data acquisition systems for Borghi & Saveri test cells are robust and essential tools for optimising and developing the next generation of powertrains,” Nalon concludes.