INFICON Tips For Successful Robotic Automotive Leak-Testing

DETROIT, April 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Car makers and their suppliers today are relying more and more on robotic leak-detection systems to reduce costs, improve quality and increase assembly-line speeds.

INFICON, a major global supplier of leak-detection equipment, expects to see a significant increase in robotic leak-testing in the auto industry over the next five years. The company estimates that only five percent of U.S. automotive plants currently have robotic leak-detection systems, but expects that number to climb to 20 percent or more by 2024.

The company recently published a guide for car makers and their suppliers that outlines important tips for successfully installing robotic leak-detection systems.  The paper also discusses differences between static and dynamic "sniffer" robotic testing and the test configuration most suitable for specific applications. The paper is available online at: Robotic Leak Testing White Paper.

"How you leak test is just as important as the equipment you use," notes Thomas Parker, INFICON's North American automotive sales manager. "A properly installed robotic station can make the difference between stellar product quality and an expensive exercise in futility."

Parker adds that robotic testing is a critically important first step in eliminating costly human error that invariably takes place when tests are conducted manually. INFICON's white paper tips help manufacturing engineers and quality control managers to avoid costly mistakes when installing robotic leak-detection systems:

Tip #1: Meet Equipment Requirements – Be sure to have the proper equipment. Whether the process will be static or dynamic will determine exact equipment needs.

Tip #2: Avoid Crosswinds – A draft of air during a dynamic "sniffer" test will affect reliability. For best results, the test area should be enclosed whenever possible.

Tip #3: Calibrate Carefully – and Regularly – Test equipment always should be properly calibrated and checked frequently – at least once every hour.

Tip #4: Watch Test Background – The most common causes of false test readings are high background concentrations of test gas areas that cause "false positive" results.

Tip #5: Avoid Forming-Gas Cross Contamination – Forming gas (95 percent nitrogen / 5 percent hydrogen) often is used as a test gas. Industrial environments frequently contain other sources of hydrogen that can affect test results.

ABOUT INFICON

INFICON is one of the world's leading developers, producers and suppliers of instruments and devices for leak detection in air conditioning, refrigeration and automotive manufacturing. The company has manufacturing facilities in Europe, China and the United States, as well as sales and service offices throughout the world. More information about INFICON automotive technology is available online at www.inficonautomotive.com.

SOURCE INFICON