Leak Testers
The What and Why of Leak Testing
Leak testing can be performed during product development or at various stages of the manufacturing process. It can be a standalone operation or incorporated into your production line to automatically test parts/components. It serves as a highly effective method of quality control, helping to identify inconsistencies and inadequacies in a test piece. A leak test will help verify component quality from suppliers or proper assembly during the manufacturing process. The results? Increased production, increased quality, reduced failure rate, more and higher quality data, and less material waste. All of this adds up to lower-cost production and increased profits.
Identifying leaks can not only reduce inconveniences, loss of product and product failures, but can also reduce opportunities for system failures and personnel or customer safety risk exposure.
WHAT TEST METHOD IS BEST FOR YOUR APPLICATION?
Our engineers will work with you to determine the test method best suited for your application. We consider the following factors:
The manufacturing environment where the leak test will be performed
The size of the part or component
The target test pressure
The leak rate for rejection
The accuracy of the measurement
The production rate of the part or component
Operator involvement
Our Solutions
As integrators, we are not beholden to one manufacturer or line of test equipment. We can incorporate your preferred test equipment into our design or make recommendations based on your application. Axis has developed testing solutions for the Automotive, Die Casting, Mining and Home Appliance industries.
Mass Flow
Mass air flow leak detection requires the part to be pressurized while remaining connected to the supply pressure. Once equilibrium is reached and pressure within the part has stabilized, a leak rate can be determined by measuring the flow into the part since this will equal the total gas leakage out of the part.
Pressure Decay/Air Decay
Pressure decay leak tests are the most common and user friendly method to identify leaks. It involves injecting air into the test part until the target pressure is reached. The part is then isolated and monitored over a given period of time. Any loss of pressure (decay) indicates a leak.
Underwater/Submersion Testing
This is an effective and simple option and typically the most cost effective method of leak testing. As the pressurized part is submerged in water, the operator looks for bubbles indicating a leak. Since it requires operator involvement, it is subject to human error, however, a benefit is that this method will be quicker than pressure decay for large parts. Although it may not be well suited for applications requiring an accurate measurement of the leak, it can be performed after a Pressure Decay/Air Decay test to pinpoint the leak location.
Underwater/Air Decay Combo Testing
This equipment can function in one of three ways:
- It can perform either an Underwater/Submersion test or an Air Decay test on a part.
- It can perform an Air Decay Test on a part. If the part passes, testing is complete. If the part fails the test, an Underwater/Submersion Test would be performed to pinpoint the leak location.
- As previously mentioned, Air Decay Testing of parts with large cavities can require substantial time. Underwater/Air Decay Combo enables simultaneous testing of a part, Underwater Testing a large cavity while Air Decay Testing the small cavities.
Products Tested
- Engine blocks
- Transmission cases
- Power steering racks
- Transmission components
- Oil pans
- ATV engine components
- Transfer cases
- Front engine covers
- Converter housings
- Brake fluid reservoirs
- Differential housings
- Radiator reservoirs
- Lawnmower engine components
- Axle tubes
- Dishwasher sump assemblies
- Home appliance parts
- Valves
- Battery covers
Complimentary Evaluation
See what the Axis Approach can do for your facility.
Delivering Manufacturing Peace of Mind ™
Axis Engineering Group, LLC
708 W Boundary St Perrysburg, OH 43551
419.872.2500 | sales@axisautomationgroup.com