Multi-part assemblies or parts with several discrete cavities present challenges for their manufacturers. Each pathway must be leak free and importantly there must be no crosstalk between cavities. There are countless examples of multi-part assemblies or parts with discrete, or independent cavities used in automotive, and medical applications such as engine blocks, ev battery packs and ev battery cooling modules and assemblies, specimen orienting ink kits, and luer connectors.
Historically, manufacturers were forced to employ multiple leak testers or create a complicated system using a PLC (programmable logic control) and several different pneumatic circuits in order to maintain throughput. Initial and on-going support costs for this type of system is substantial. Also significant are the human factors such as training. If the system is not comprehensive, the costs associated with training, retraining and ongoing user support can become massive.
Other challenges in testing these parts are specific to the test methods used to test the whole part, as well to test the individual cavities, each possibly requiring unique test methods depending on the parts construction. For instance, when leak testing a coaxial tube, testing only the outside tube can only detect a leak between the outside tubing and the environment. It cannot detect a potential leak between the inside tubing and the outside tubing. Two separate tests using two separate sensors are required.
The SprintmD four channel sequential tester incorporates everything necessary for testing multiple parts or cavities in one space saving and easy to use package. This versatile leak tester can perform four leak tests in sequence by using the pressure decay leak test technique.
By programming the tester according to the leak test requirements SprintmD can perform four tests on four independent products or four identical products. Optional flow measurement or burst test options are also available.
SprintmD can have either the mass flow OR the bust option installed in addition to pressure decay leak test. Both flow and burst options might be possible depending on the test parameters, and would be a custom machine.
SprintmD looks for a drop in pressure over time. This is the basic SprintmD testing mode. One of two options can be added to the basic tester. (Figure 2)
As one option, SprintmD can be fitted with a mass flow test option. This allows the user to test the flow rate through multiple pathways or to test the flow through four individual products in sequence.
As another option, SprintmD can be fitted to perform a burst test in addition to a pressure decay test.
In a burst test, pressure in the product is slowly increased through a precision flow control valve. Sprint then captures the pressure at which the product bursts open or begins to flow rapidly.
SprintmD is ideal for testing products that have multiple parts or multiple passages (up to four) that can be tested in sequence. In addition, the model 4P can be used to test as many as four individual products in sequence. If a product with fewer ports needs to be tested, SprintmD models are available in two and three channel configurations.
Sequential testing is often recommended when operator pacing is desired. The operator can load one test port while the others are being tested.
If you are interested in learning more about how the Sprint mD tester can optimize your multi-part assembly leak testing our team of leak testing experts can help. Reach out to your local Uson representative or click here to send a message to our applications team and one of our experts will be in touch.