Exciter WaveHitMAX

Overview
The WaveHitMAX is a smart modal impact hammer that provides automated, reproducible and high‑precision mechanical excitation for structural dynamics testing. The device processes signals internally and prevents double hits. Users can set number of hits, impact force and delay between hits to account for damping and response times; zero‑point and impact‑force searches are performed automatically.

Advantages / Key Benefits

• Fully automatic single hits with validation for quality assurance
• Automatic search and setting of user‑defined impact force
• Automatic zero‑point search with manual zero setting option for low‑mass test objects
• Position changes between hammer and specimen without re‑setup
• Micro‑hit mode and manual mode for special testing cases
• Designed and assembled in Germany; CE certified

New Model: WaveHitMAX MK2
The MK2 adds a direct voltage (DIR) sensor output in addition to internal signal processing and BNC outputs. DIR output reduces measurement noise, enables external recorder analyses (e.g. FRF, experimental modal analysis, coherence) and supports external calibration (DAkkS / ILAC).

Software WaveHit
The included WaveHit software provides full control and configuration via an intuitive GUI. Key features: automatic Ethernet connection (Plug‑and‑Hit), fully automated calibration (MK2 only), real‑time hit classification including single‑hit detection in LDV mode, automatic interruption on invalid hits (LDV), and CSV export for post‑processing.

Control

• WaveHit software for Windows 10 (64 bit)
• Integrated display with keypad
• Wired trigger (M12)
• Operation via device LED display or WaveHit GUI

Masses & Tips
Five tips of varying hardness influence the excited frequency range:

• Metal (hard)
• Plastic (medium)
• Rubber (soft)
• Rubber (extra soft)

Four additional masses are available to increase impact force:

• 2 g (for low‑mass test objects, micro‑hit operation)
• 12 g
• 60 g
• 100 g (for high‑force operations)

Connections
Back panel connectors include:

• M12 trigger input
• BNC signal output
• Ethernet connection
• Integrated power supply (240 V AC)

Force Sensors
Different ICP® force sensors cover various force ranges. Example configurations:

• Uniaxial sensor max 2,224 N, sensitivity 2.25 mV/N
• Uniaxial sensor max 444 N, sensitivity 11.2 mV/N

Sensor Specification (excerpt)
Available ICP® force sensors: ICP® force sensor – 445 N | ICP® force sensor – 2224 N
Impact force ranges: 15–450 N | 20–2200 N
Sensitivity (MK1 BNC ADC/DAC) / (MK2 BNC DIR): MK1: 20 mV/N / 11.24 mV/N | MK2: 4 mV/N / 2.24 mV/N
Impact pulse width: ≥ 0.80 ms
Linearity error: < 1 %

Software & Integration

• Control and configuration via graphical user interface
• Automatic Ethernet connection (Plug‑and‑Hit)
• Fully automated calibration including zero‑point and force range detection (MK2 only)
• Real‑time hit classification with color‑coded feedback (e.g., single‑hit detection)
• LDV mode with automatic interruption on invalid hits
• CSV data export for external post‑processing

Applications

• Production testing
• Modal testing / Experimental modal analysis
• Acoustic resonance testing
• Condition monitoring
• Material testing
• Impact hammer testing / Frequency response function testing

Technical specifications (excerpt)

• Model: WaveHitMAX (variants: MK1, MK2)
• BNC output: MK1 ±10 V, noise floor < 100 mV (1 %); MK2 ±10 V, noise floor < 100 mV (1 %) or ±5 V direct sensor output (DIR)
• Impact interval: 600 ms – 1 h (display limited; GUI allows larger range)
• Number of hits: 1 – 1,000,000 or start/stop mode
• Impact pulse width: ≥ 0.80 ms (depends on force, tip and specimen)
• Linearity error: < 1 %
• Available ICP® force sensors: 445 N and 2224 N variants
• Impact force ranges: 15–450 N and 20–2200 N (depending on sensor)
• Sensitivity examples: MK1: 20 mV/N and 11.24 mV/N; MK2 DIR: 4 mV/N and 2.24 mV/N
• Connections: Ethernet, M12 trigger, BNC signal out; integrated 240 V AC power supply
• Operation: WaveHit GUI (Windows 10), integrated display, wired trigger