WEG unveils testing lab in Portugal

Around six years ago, WEG made a strategic decision to expand beyond its original base in Maia, near Porto, after identifying a critical need to enhance inspection processes and improve overall production capacity. This led to the establishment of the new laboratory.

The new facility has two distinct production units, each co-located within Portugal’s Santo Tirso industrial area, near Porto. One unit is dedicated to low voltage products, and the other to high voltage solutions and larger machines. All testing platforms from the previous site have been seamlessly relocated and have been fully operational since August 2024. 

WEG Group’s new laboratory now stands as one of the most technologically advanced testing facilities within WEG’s global operations. The testing lab covers 410m² of test area, complemented by 82m² of testing and development offices that facilitate engineering and analytical work. In addition, 45m² are dedicated to inspection and costumers’ offices, providing a professional space for collaboration, project reviews and and witnessed testing. The laboratory also includes segregated technical areas with 560m² dedicated to medium and low voltage automation and control and 525m² that encompass the electrical machinery. They are both equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support innovation, diagnosis, performance analysis and product advancement.

The facility is equipped to test motors weighing up to 43t, with infrastructure in place to support future capacities of up to 63t. It can conduct performance tests on both low- and high-voltage equipment up to 15kV and perform direct load tests of up to 7.5 MW on motors and inverters. Beyond standard induction motors and generators, the facility is also capable of performing string tests to complete drivetrains composed of transformer, inverter and motor and special tests such as high voltage testing and sound level testing for larger machines. 

According to the laboratory’s technical team, a major innovation is the ability to integrate different technologies within the same space to perform full string tests. This approach enables complete solutions, from inverters to transformers and motors, to be tested together at one site.

Further enhancing its capabilities, the laboratory is equipped for advanced vibration testing and analysis using both free suspension and rigid mounting methods to ensure compliance with stringent international standards. The facility is also capable of testing water-cooled systems and a range of lubrication systems, meeting diverse industry requirements with its state-of-the-art equipment.

Notably, around 80% of the investment in the new facility was sourced from within the WEG Group, with the laboratory’s medium voltage equipment, both machines and automation, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and control systems being mostly procured internally. 

The laboratory also acts as a showcase for WEG in Europe, inviting customers to visit and experience the company’s full product catalogue operating as a cohesive solution. This hands-on approach highlights WEG’s integrated capabilities, from design to testing. 

The testing team highlights that the workflow allows products to arrive at the laboratory ready for testing, with all cabling and instrumentation already connected. This integrated setup supports the capability for remote testing between the laboratory and the production area, ensuring exceptional quality and efficiency.

Looking ahead, WEG is developing a new dual-frequency testing method at its Portugal facility. The laboratory was designed with future expansion in mind, including space for potential new test platforms to complement the existing ones. This forward planning supports the facility’s ability to accommodate growing testing needs.

WEG is also preparing to address emerging areas such as Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and electric vehicle charging stations. The testing team is prepared to adapt the laboratories capabilities to evolving market demands, including the testing of next-generation motor technologies. Test environments can be recreated as required, ensuring comprehensive validation for emerging and future-generation solutions.

www.weg.net