To help achieve its demanding performance and company goals, RYE chose Starrett precision measur - ing tools and metrology systems to ensure that critical design specifications are being met at the level expect - ed and required by engineering. Motorsports, defense, aerospace and medical manufacturing requires strict standards to achieve consistent quality. Add in com - plex requirements for high-performance and reliable parts, and the test and measurement processes are even more demanding. Data Driven Racing Racing engine building requires the utmost of pre - cision, and precision cannot be fully attained without comprehensive data. Historically valve spring load has been measured with the use of a mechanical “spring rater,“ a basic benchtop device with a pull-handle that is connected to a rod and stand with a dial indicator. While this method provides simple load values, there are limitations in terms of its accuracy, repeatability and the inability to provide force analysis data. “So much of what we do is data driven,” explained Todd English , Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing at RYE. “The valve spring is a highly stressed component that requires data validations at various positions and stress points via a highly repeat - able process and system. The Starrett Force System has given us a tremendous amount of data, enabling us to fully leverage spring component validation as it relates to our engine development programs. The amount of detail required in performance racing engines is stag - gering. We look into our processes at a microscopic level day in, day out,” continued English. Consistency, Customization, by Force The plethora of valuable force measurement data has not only enabled RYE to consistently validate spring load data every time, it has also spawned unique programs and methods of measurement. According to Eric Kerley , Valvetrain Engineer at RYE, “We study load measurements for various spring positions, analyze dynamic load characteristics, vali- date spring metrics and track load loss changes after races. We have also learned to apply the data in areas we had not initially used it for, such as in Research and Development. The Starrett Force System’s flexible software has allowed us to create customized, propri - etary test programs for valve spring measurement and development projects that require comprehensive force analysis,” said Kerley. “In addition, its ability to meas - ure force in two directions has allowed us to measure not only compression springs, but also tension springs and other applications where friction may be at play. It has even given us the ability to develop and calibrate proprietary measurement tools in the development of our Valvetrain Systems, as well as adapting unique
The valve spring is a highly stressed component that requires data validations at various positions and stress points via a highly repeatable process and system. Image courtesy of Roush Yates Engines.
fixtures for many force measurement applications.”
Anatomy of the System The Starrett FMS-5000 Force Testing System is comprised of a Motorized Test Frame (or stand) and is software-driven. While it is capable of accurately determining distance, break or more complex material testing applications such as Young’s Modulus, tensile
Fall 2025/Wire Forming Technology International 71
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