New Technology Ensures Fast, Accurate Leak Testing

Whether it’s an air bag, a battery, a syringe or a washing machine, many products need to be carefully checked after they are assembled. Leak testing is an important quality control process that ensures products are tightly sealed against the escape or ingress of fluids, gases and vapors.
Common test methods include accumulation (vacuum), mass flow and pressure decay. Manufacturing engineers can also choose a variety of testing devices for manual, semiautomated and fully automated production processes.
Here’s a look at some of the latest leak testing equipment. Several of the companies will be exhibiting at the Manufacturing & Automation eXchange, which will take place March 24-26 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.
Leak Testing Platform Is Multifunctional
Photo courtesy Cincinnati Test Systems
The Sentinel IX5 is a multifunctional platform for pressure, flow and vacuum leak testing. It features an entirely new design and many enhancements that make leak testing even more accurate, user friendly and efficient. A simple touchscreen interface provides easily accessible menus, customizable screen view options and real-time visualized data. Users can tap, build and visualize all steps in test sequences, and preview a test before running it. Improved resolution and accuracy enable shorter cycle times. Advanced controls automatically adjust for changes in temperature and pressure.
See this company at The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange March 24-26 in Nashville, TN.
Cincinnati Test Systems Inc.
https://www.cincinnati-test.com
Booth 923
Device Tests Air Flow and Tightness
Photo courtesy Cosmo Solutions Technology Inc.
The AF-R221 is designed for testing discharge flow and tightness. The flow sensor can be selected between laminar flow or mass flow. It features an easy-to-navigate configuration tool, a flow optimizer and a built-in data transfer tool. For in-depth analysis, the device is equipped with software for X-Chart, X-List and statistics, allowing engineers to see important information directly from the device rather than moving it to a separate device. When the test pressure fluctuates, the flow at the specified pressure is displayed. Test results can be easily stored on a USB memory stick.
Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
See this company at The Assembly Show Oct. 27-29 in Rosemont, IL.
Cosmo Solutions Technology Inc.
www.cosmosolutions.us
Pressure Change Instrument Features Ultra-High Resolution
Photo courtesy InterTech Development Co.
The eco Series 2 leak testing instruments are low-cost, ultra-high resolution, pressure change instruments that use advanced 32-bit system processing proprietary algorithms. Pressure transducer technology is connected to the test part. When this circuit is filled with air and isolated from the supply, any leak results in a pressure change. The transducer output provides a measurement of the pressure change proportional to the leak rate. Test pressure and flow transducer status are monitored during each test cycle to ensure correct operation of all components of the test circuit. Fault conditions are signaled by a red light, error message and test record entry. All functions are selected via touchscreen menus. The leak detector can operate as a standalone instrument or interface with a PLC or PC. Test programs can be externally selected using digital I/O or Ethernet.
See this company at The Assembly Show Oct. 27-29 in Rosemont, IL.
InterTech Development Co.
https://intertechdevelopment.com
High-Speed Leak Tester Is Versatile
Photo courtesy LeakMaster Inc.
The Guardian is a multichannel leak tester that’s ideal for a wide range of test methods, including pressure or vacuum decay, mass flow and differential pressure. High-speed processors, transducers and sensors provide stable, repeatable results without false rejects. A 10-inch color touchscreen provides excellent long-range visual indication. Other features include user identification, data collection and electronic pressure regulation. Optional Ethernet IP or Profinet communications are available, providing seamless integration with a variety of devices.
LeakMaster Inc.
https://www.leakmasterusa.com
Hydrogen Leak Detector Is Portable
Photo courtesy Inficon Inc.
Extrima is a portable leak detector that can be used in hazardous locations. It quickly detects leaks across a wide range of industrial systems where pure hydrogen is used without compromising safety. Applications include hydrogen systems, hydrogen-cooled generators, vehicle fueling stations and fuel systems. The device can also be used on components like valves, regulators and pressure gauges where a nonflammable gas mixture of 5 percent hydrogen in nitrogen is used as a tracer gas. Even minute leaks can be detected with pinpoint accuracy.
See this company at The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange March 24-26 in Nashville, TN.
Inficon Inc.
www.inficon.com
Booth 1025
Flexible Test Station Provides Reliable Leak Detection
Photo courtesy Pfeiffer Vacuum Inc.
OmniDetect delivers high performance, short cycle times and precise results in a compact, tailor-made system. A dedicated control cabinet with an integrated touchscreen enables intuitive operation, allowing users to start a fully automated measurement process or access the vacuum scheme for individual control of the system. It is equipped with a minimum of three vacuum pumps. Engineers can choose between two vacuum technologies depending on their process requirements. Energy-efficient dry scroll vacuum pumps provide clean vacuum generation and quiet operation, while robust oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps deliver high pumping speeds and reliable performance. The modular system can be upgraded and equipped with additional vacuum pumps if necessary to help manufacturers meet cycle time requirements, achieve faster chamber evacuation or speed up measurements.
Pfeiffer Vacuum Inc.
www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com
Modular Air Leak Tester Is Compact
Photo courtesy Zaxis Inc.
The Z5 provides high-precision air leak testing in a compact, user-friendly design. With a five-inch touchscreen interface and up to four testing channels, it provides fast, reliable results for a variety of applications. Its modular setup allows easy program storage and quick test changes. Easy programming and real-time monitoring enables consistent quality control.
See this company at The Assembly Show Oct. 27-29 in Rosemont, IL.
Zaxis Inc.
https://zaxisinc.com
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!







