Newry based testing company approached by Irish Training Network

LEADING testing company, Resonate Testing has partnered with Irish Government funded training network, Space Industry Skillnet, to deliver specialised training on testing processes for companies working within the space industry in Ireland. 

Renowned for its high-quality testing services and expertise, Newry-based Resonate Testing was approached by Space Industry Skillnet to create and deliver a bespoke training course on vibration and shock testing, which are hugely important aspects of testing within the space industry, amongst others.

While focused on the space industry, the training is equally suited to a wide range of industries. The goal of the upskilling opportunity is for engineers, project and program leads to understand vibration and shock testing as part of a product development life cycle.  Product testing assists in the development phase, or in demonstration of customer or regulatory performance requirements.  

The training is targeted at best practice which demonstrates reliability, performance validation or verification of specification compliance. Benefits span across those creating or reviewing test specification, to companies with in-house shaker systems that want to give their test engineers a grounding in the fundamentals of how their systems work. 

The first in a series of training sessions took place at Resonate Testing’s facility, where six different companies from across Ireland availed of the service, thanks to the support offered by Space Industry Skillnet. The goal is that subsequent training events will include companies from across the Island and further afield.

During the two-day training course, participants gained a fundamental understanding of vibration and shock testing, and how real-world exposure is replicated on a shaker table. Furthermore, data acquisition systems can provide an unparalleled insight into the responses for the test unit when exposed to the vibration and shock environments. In turn, this data is frequently used in conjunction with finite element analysis of the components to support optimisation during the development phase, or supporting fault finding or problem solving should issues be observed. 

As the course developed, attendees were introduced to the various types of test systems available, which can be tailored to best suit different applications, and given an introduction to advanced testing methods for more complex testing approaches. Attendees then undertook hands-on consolidation of the course content, setting up and running full scale testing in Resonate Testing’s state-of-the-art vibration lab. 

Space Industry Skillnet is an enterprise-led training network for Irish companies that are, or that want to be, involved in the delivery of technology and services to the global space market, including the European Space Agency. 

Network Manager, Catherine Lenehan, said, “We wanted to offer a course that would help companies become more aware of the different types of testing and requirements for more efficient vibration tests, thus helping them to save money. Due to Resonate Testing’s experience in testing equipment for Space applications and knowledge of the industry, in collaboration with our network members, we selected the company as our training provider. 

“This has been a very positive experience for us to date, and participants have been extremely impressed with the training content and delivery from Resonate’s team, in addition to the facilities at their testing centre. We look forward to seeing how the course develops and the subsequent benefits.”

Conor Barry, Test Engineer at Resonate Testing is overseeing the training course. Speaking about the partnership, Conor said, “When Space Industry Skillnet approached us about providing a training course on vibration and shock testing at the end of 2021, we were delighted to participate. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise in shock and vibration testing, but it has the potential to ensure quicker turnaround times in the future, for tests from our customers that have attended the course. 

“This will provide a more efficient service and feed into the initial goal from Space Industry Skillnet of helping customers to save money. It has been a real team effort from Resonate Testing, but also a great opportunity for us to work alongside the training network.”

The course was developed by Resonate Testing for Space Industry Skillnet and funded by Skillnet Ireland through the Irish Government Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, with contribution from the network members of Space Industry Skillnet.

Tom Mallon, Resonate Testing Managing Director, supports the training and upskilling and said, “We look forward to strengthening our links with Space Industry Skillnet, and taking advantage of our strategic location by offering the training to UK, NI and Irish based companies. Witnessing the benefits for participants, we call upon Northern Ireland’s regional development and investment bodies to follow a similar approach and actively support the upskilling of the workforce to enable the region to compete on the global stage.”

Resonate Testing’s recent projects in the Space Industry include the James Webb Space Telescope and ESA’s Lunar Pathfinder spacecraft.

NEWRY-based Resonate Testing will be representing the region at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 10^th Triennial Fire and Cabin Safety Research Conference in New Jersey, USA this week as the company has secured an opportunity to present its research findings during the three-day event.

Following recent work with the FAA Tech Centre in Atlantic City that saw Resonate Testing assist with the design and introduction of ‘The Sonic Burner’, a kerosene burner for fire testing, the company has secured two presentation slots at the prestigious event.

The Triennial conference takes place every three years and is one of the leading conferences globally to inform the international aviation community about recent, ongoing and planned research activities in transport category airplane fire and cabin safety.

Olivia McAvoy, Graduate Engineer at Resonate Testing, will be presenting the company’s research and development findings in hazard minimisation in aircraft. The company replicated aircraft conditions and what would happen to structures, which inadvertently suffered from small gaps and holes, in the event of a fire. The work directly challenges assumptions and is aimed at the continuous development and application of ever-improving best practice during aircraft design and development. 

Additionally, Resonate Testing is the only UK or European fire test laboratory working to support the introduction of a new globally standardised and accepted kerosene burner, and will be presenting a comparison on two different types of burners, the Carlin and Sonic, during the conference.

Speaking about the opportunity, Olivia said, “Hazard minimisation in aircraft is hugely important and when we realised that there was no current data available, we knew that this was an area that needed to be explored. Resonate Testing is an innovative organisation, and we have no doubt that this is just the beginning of much more investigations in this area. I’m looking forward to presenting our findings at the conference and learning from those in attendance to see how we can further develop our R&D.”

Managing Director at Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, added, “It’s important that our team understands the importance of supporting the wider aerospace community, whilst also using R&D to sharpen our knowledge and experience to ensure we meet our customers’ needs. The R&D that has been conducted to date will support future discussions on hazard minimisation on aircraft, that will hopefully be continued following the conference. We’re proud to be championing this research.”

Resonate Testing has extensive experience providing high quality testing and certification services to global customers across all industrial sectors.

At the Medical Technology Ireland Show 2022 at Galway Racecourse

With our Flaming Box and Rolling Road, we showcased the Resonate Testing capabilities to the attendees of the show.

Stand 134 at the show attracted a lot of attention from attendees who wanted to know all about our testing services and bespoke capabilities (and how the flaming box worked !!!).

Our Rolling Road featured all the courier and transportation companies that operate in the UK & Ireland as well as worldwide to showcase our ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) certification as a packaging test lab.

We are looking forward to attending the show again in 2023 (20^th & 21^st September 2023, Galway Racecourse) #ResonateTesting #Testing #TestingIreland #MedicalTesting #MedicalTechnologyIreland2022 #MedicalTechnologyIrelandExpo #Galway

Resonate test delighted to be given the opportunity to present at the FAA Tenth Triennial International Aircraft Fire and Cabin Safety Research Conference held in Resorts Hotel-Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA from October 17-20, 2022

Olivia McAvoy will be presenting company R&D efforts regarding

· An Extended Study into the Comparison of the Carlin and Sonic Burner

· A Study into Flame Ingression and Flame Arrestor Testing

On a profession level the conference offers Resonate the ability to participate in Peer discussion on developing best practise and trends in the industry.

On a personal level the conference offers the opportunity to meet with old friends with the regulator’s and industry communities.

We look forward to a busy week!

Our team attended the Newry Chamber Employee and Team awards on Thursday night at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, where we were nominated in two categories;

• Manufacturing and Engineering Team of the Year and
• Manufacturing and Engineering Employee of the Year, which recognised the outstanding contribution of our Graduate Engineer, Olivia McAvoy.

We were delighted that Olivia was awarded Manufacturing and Engineering Employee on the night, and our team was Highly Commended in the Manufacturing and Engineering Team of the Year.

These both are great achievements for the company and we are extremely proud to be recognised amongst many of the fantastic businesses within the Newry Chamber area.

A big congratulations to Olivia and our entire team, and to all the winners on the night!

Check out some images from the awards below. #ResonateTesting #TestingIreland #NewryChamberAwards2022 #Newry #NewryChamber #Manfacturing #Engineering #Awards

#BIGNEWS from Resonate Testing Limited who've completed shock testing on the hardware that will be used on the ESA Lunar Pathfinder Spacecraft.

The mission will help lay foundations for providing the dedicated comms, navigation and operations services to upcoming explorations of the Moon.

The Newry-based business has been working in partnership with Dr Ben Kieniewicz from European Engineering & Consultancy Ltd (EECL) to conduct testing on the two payload modules that EECL is supplying ESA. These modules will provide the first ever SatNav position fix outside of earth's orbit.

Lunar Pathfinder is due to launch in 2025 and will offer nearside, farside, orbit and polar services to missions launching in the coming years, laying the foundations for a constellation of telecomms and navigation satellites around the Moon.

Read More:

https://bit.ly/3ThDbHR

#ResonateTestingLtd #LunarPathfinder #Newry

Space is not just something other nations do – it is something that we do in Northern Ireland and do very well, that’s according to Robert Hill, Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office, when speaking to the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), David Morris MP, during a visit by him to Northern Ireland last week.

The APPG’s job is to raise awareness in Parliament of the importance and opportunities of space-based capabilities to the UK economy, policy making, society and the space community, as well as highlight and promote the benefits from the UK's investment in space and its leading role within the global space economy.

During his visit, Mr David Morris MP, visited both Newry test facilitator, Resonate Testing and award-winning software company, Skytek in Belfast. Tom Mallon, managing director of Resonate Testing was quick to point out that “there is much potential and opportunity within the Northern Irish Space Industry Cluster, whether it’s in upstream or downstream products or services, however we must not be left behind the other nations.”

“I believe there is an excellent prospect to create a commercially viable incubator and realise a commercially successful space industry within Northern Ireland but what is needed is practical and financial support.”

Robert Hill, who is also the Chair of the Northern Ireland Space Leadership Council and the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group (NISSIG), hosted by ADS, said, “It was a pleasure to meet Mr Morris MP and discuss the many exciting opportunities for the sector in Northern Ireland. There are many emerging opportunities to upscale Northern Ireland, and I want to do everything in my power to develop the region as a globally recognised place for the space sector, its innovation and creativity, and with companies like Resonate Testing and Skytek, we are doing just that.

He continued; “It is essential, however, for Northern Ireland to be part of the UK Space Strategy and provide proactive input, rather than reacting to a strategy already in place. Access to space has never been better as launch costs get less expensive, the private sector grows and the proliferation of lower cost satellite constellations and mega constellations.

“The next ten years will see an exponential growth in commercial space activities and Northern Ireland has these capabilities to support this global development. Data Analytics and Cyber will be key drivers for the space sector in the next decade with increasing demand for satellites as a service.”

Mr David Morris MP, APPG Chair, said; “It was wonderful to visit Northern Ireland and chat with both Tom [Mallon] and Rita [Malosti] about the ongoing work of Resonate Testing and Skytek. It was very insightful, and I believe that Northern Ireland given its microscopic nature, would be a great test bed for the sector.

“The UK Government is committed to supporting Northern Ireland, and businesses like Resonate Testing and Skytek show the importance of Northern Ireland to the UK, as well as showcasing the world-class talent and expertise that exists.”

Rita Malosti, Head of Space Activities, Skytek, said, “I was delighted to brief David Morris MP on the activities of Skytek. We’ve been operating for over 20 years and as a software development company, specialising in the space sector, we’ve many key partners. With a highly skilled and innovative team we’ve a proven track record and we are now looking to invest further in R&D for an Earth Observation centre, alongside our many products.”

Invest Northern Ireland also contributed to the visit and gave Mr Morris MP an overview of the space sector in Northern Ireland. This included showcasing the local companies and universities that are involved in global space programmes through innovation on the ground and in orbit; next generation lunar missions and deep space missions; and the aspiration to double Northern Ireland’s space sector by 2030.

Dr Leslie Orr, ADS(NI) added; “Northern Ireland has a growing space sector with great capabilities in both downstream and upstream. I must thank Mr Morris MP for visiting Resonate Testing and Skytek to gain a better understanding of this sector and its challenges. The excellent contribution that both these companies make, along with many others, show how important this sector is to both the UK and Northern Ireland economies.”

Next up in our 'Meet the Team' feature is our Quality Engineer, Ian Stewart. Find out more about Ian below:

Tell us more about your position as Quality Engineer:

I have a reasonably broad remit taking in Quality, Business Systems and Customer Support.

Length of time working for the company

Just over six months

What is your background?

I graduated in electrical and electronic engineering, but started work in Quality Assurance for a telecoms and automotive electronics manufacturing company. I became Quality Manager, looking after the quality management system, but also BS and CECC product qualification approvals.

I then managed an environmental test and validation laboratory in a global automotive electronics manufacturing company for 18 years.

Favourite part of the job?

I am enjoying working in the Resonate team. There is a real “can do” attitude and customer focus. I’m still learning about different parts of the business.

What does a typical day involve?

I’m not sure there is a typical day at Resonate! Work to date has included planning for development and extension of  Resonate’s test capabilities into new areas, reviewing management system processes and operation, preparing training material, reviewing customer test requirements, as well as some hands on testing support.

The common factor is working with the Resonate team to deliver for the customer.

What opportunities have you been given as a member of the team at Resonate Testing?

In a relatively short time with the company I’ve been able to support in the ISO 9001 annual surveillance audit, and I’ve also had the opportunity to progress the company to achieving ISTA Certified Laboratory status for packaging testing.

How do you like to relax outside of work?

Saturday mornings, I do Parkrun – I got past the 100 milestone in January.

I play the clarinet and have recently joined Lisburn Community Orchestra. I also enjoy playing the guitar and singing.

I volunteer with Scouts, and have carried out quite a few roles over the years.

THE Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns MP visited Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing on Wednesday 20^th April 2022 to engage and gain a detailed understanding of the company’s work, the sectors it services and the ongoing challenges it faces, as well as its future plans for growth.

Established in 2016, Resonate Testing found a niche in the testing services market, offering a range of high-quality testing and certification services across all industrial sectors, which has driven significant growth and demand for the testing facilitator’s services.

Having recently diversified into the space sector, Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, sees huge potential and opportunity for SMEs looking to enter the space industry across the UK. Northern Ireland is engaging in a Northern Ireland Space Strategy to create a firm and realistic foundation from which to grow the space sector, and enhance the region’s standing in the space community.

Following the visit, Tom said, “Resonate Testing was delighted to host the Minister of State for Northern Ireland and have the opportunity to show him our highly innovative testing facility, meet some of our expert team and give a demonstration of high shock and fire testing, and how we integrate practical solutions with key software to deliver results to our customers.

“We explained to the Minister about the many capabilities that we have from fire, flammability and packaging to shock, environmental and climatic testing, and the opportunities that are available to our company within the space sector throughout the UK. It is important that we maximise these opportunities and realise the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, otherwise the region may be left behind its British counterparts, if support is not provided.“

Following the visit, Minister of State Conor Burns MP said; “It was wonderful to visit Resonate Testing and hear about the great success of a family run business, seeing how alive its entrepreneurial spirit is and innovative in its approach.

“The space sector in the UK is going from strength to strength, with the UK Space Industry recently reporting that the size of the space industry in Northern Ireland has tripled in the past year.

“The UK Government is committed to supporting Northern Ireland, and businesses like Resonate Testingshow the importance of Northern Ireland to the UK, showcasing the world-class talent and expertise that exists here.”

Resonate Testing’s customer base ranges geographically from Europe, USA and Brazil, to Canada and Japan, as well as across the Island of Ireland and the UK. During the global pandemic, the company minimised any disruption to services thanks to the introduction of its innovative and forward-thinking high quality video stream service in 2019, which was recognised with a platinum level Innovate NI Innovation Accreditation.

Ian Stewart has been appointed as Quality Engineer with Newry based testing company, Resonate Testing.

Bringing extensive experience in quality management and testing and validation to the role, Ian will be responsible for ensuring quality standards are maintained and developed within the company. He also played an instrumental role in the company’s recent achievement of the ISTA Certification for packaging testing.

Ian’s previous experience includes roles at Schrader Electronics/Sensata Techologies and Lucas Stability Electronics.