Providing quality inspection with leak detection system

Leak detection using LeakTEC is the process of using a non-destructive electrical current to detect any holes, defects, or abnormalities in non-conductive materials. Tantec UK & Ireland’s premier leak detection system – LeakTEC – is a tool to provide the user with 100% quality inspection. 

Dozens of parts can be checked every second, giving you a repeatable operation without the need for processed gases or consumables.

In many cases, it is a standard procedure to surface test moulding defects, it can also be used for bonded and sealed sections. This can be used on applications including medical devices, caps, and closures; indeed, any item where the contained product will spoil when exposed to the atmosphere.

At its simplest, leak detection occurs when a rapid pulse of electricity is directed at the part that requires testing. It introduces the electrical current between a discharge electrode and an electrical ground, with the plastic itself acting as an insulator. In the event a crack or pinhole is detected, an electrical current is established between the electrode and ground. Leak Detection can discover holes not visible to the naked eye, with sub 3-micron defects proven to be detected, providing a simple pass/ fail in an instant.

LeakTEC can make a definitive decision on the quality of each part presented, deciding whether they can progress, be scrapped, or require rework. When coupled with automation, individual problem parts can be automatically removed from the process without having to scrap an entire batch.

This system recently helped Tantec deliver a LeakTEC system to a large medical device manufacturer. The system was able to meet the customers expectations and system requirements. The Tantec LeakTEC system was designed to detect any holes present in the wells of the product after moulding, testing 64 impressions in a few seconds. If a hole is present the LeakTEC system will send a signal to reject the part, with all parts being tested immediately after the injection moulding process.

Typically used in an automated production environment, these systems can also be used as bench top, manual systems for batch work or for testing with different tool types for a range of parts. Tantec design and manufacture these systems, providing solutions from individual components for integration through to fully CE marked equipment including safety and custom loading and unloading of parts, this can include various sensors and systems bespoke to the customer’s requirements.

One typical application for leak detection is to look at multi well plates. The well plate has become a standard tool in analytical research and clinical diagnostic testing laboratories. Well plates are used in virology, serology, microbiology and a myriad of other life science and drug discovery laboratories. The microplate saves time for the researcher as well as money on costly reagents which can be extremely expensive, so an invisible leak can ruin not just reagents, but also significant amounts of research time. Checking the bottom and side walls of each individual well can be done in under a second with 100% of the part being tested in a non-contact, no destructive way.

LeakTEC uses the same high-performance, high-voltage generator and transformer technology inherent in the rest of our family of products. Popular with customers across the medical sector, it ensures full process control and traceability with a well-established and used piece of equipment.