Recently a multi-national producer of heat exchangers came to us with the need to test a particular aerospace part with a large orifice. The test needed to be fast, repeatable and automatic. While our modular equipment platforms allow us to apply a test method and machine configuration to a customer’s requirement rather easily, when it comes to the test fixtures, we must often design and build a customized solution.
In a previous installation, we developed special docking stations for the heat exchangers as required by our customer in Taiwan (see case study on MasSpec Automatic Leak Detection by clicking here). Without the docking station, the operator would have to make four manual connections and with a takt time of 30 seconds for the entire test, this simply was not feasible.
For this most recent project, we designed and built a special powered port sealing fixture for testing the manifolds. There were several issues that needed to be addressed:
How to seal the port was the first question, so we developed a cylinder made from high density plastic and created a seal with a double set of o-rings. Speed, reliability, repeatability and “hands-free” operation were additional requirements for this project. In the end, everything came together, including custom designed solutions for operators safety.
And, custom fixtures wouldn’t be too useful if they couldn’t be seamlessly integrated with our existing test equipment. The ports sealing devices above are controlled by the VTech 50 Pressure Decay Leak Test system shown here:
Do you have a special fixture requirement? Contact us today to find out how we can help.
