Automated inspection procedures for stable production processes
What are automated test procedures?
Automated test sequences combine industrial testing technology with automation. Instead of performing individual test steps manually, components are tested, evaluated, and documented according to a defined process.
Leak testing, differential pressure testing, flow measurement, and other test methods can be directly integrated into the production process. Test equipment, fixtures, sensors, controls, and workpiece handling form a coordinated complete system.
In an automated test sequence, predefined test steps are performed autonomously and in a defined order. The system controls the process, records the measured values, and evaluates the component based on stored limit values.
Depending on the test task, a sequence may include the following steps, for example:
Automatic Leak Testing and Flow Measurement
Depending on the component and testing requirements, different methods can be used. In differential pressure testing, the test specimen and a reference volume are pressurized. During the measurement phase, pressure differences are recorded and used to evaluate leak tightness.
In flow measurement, on the other hand, the volume of gas flowing through a component under specified conditions is determined. The measured value can then be compared against defined tolerances.
The following, among other things, can be automated:
Automated Test Procedures for Mass Production
It must also be compatible with the existing manufacturing process.
That is why HeMaTech considers the entire workflow:
from component feeding through positioning and inspection to the evaluation and transmission of results.
Depending on the degree of automation, different solutions can be implemented:
PLC, Sensors, and Data Analysis in a Test System
Depending on the application, the following can be integrated:
From the Test Task to the Automated Test System
That is why HeMaTech considers the entire test chain:
Test Automation for Various Components and Industries
Benefits of Automated Testing Workflows
This provides important prerequisites for:
Have automated test procedures custom-developed
From a single automated inspection station to a complete inline inspection system, you’ll receive a solution tailored to your actual production needs.
HeMaTech Prüftechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Siemensstr. 7
D-71409 Schwaikheim
What are automated test procedures?
What is flow measurement?
Automated test sequences perform defined test steps independently and in a predetermined order. Depending on the application, components can be automatically positioned, contacted, tested, evaluated, and then approved or rejected.
Which testing procedures can be automated?
Tests that can be automated include, among others, leak tests, differential pressure tests, relative pressure tests, flow measurements, pressure loss measurements, volume tests, and functional tests. Combined test procedures are also possible.
Can automated inspection processes be integrated into existing production lines?
Yes. Depending on the existing plant infrastructure, inspection processes can be implemented as a standalone inspection station or integrated directly into existing production processes as an inline inspection.
What components are part of an automated testing process?
Depending on the inspection task, inspection equipment, PLCs, clamping and sealing devices, sensors, camera systems, robotic handling, user interfaces, and data interfaces can be combined with one another.
Can test results be documented automatically?
Yes. Measurement values and test results can be recorded and documented as part of the testing process. Depending on the system design, additional features such as statistical functions, data interfaces, and traceability of test results may also be available.
How is a component evaluated as "good" or "bad"?
The measured values are compared with defined thresholds. Depending on the result, the control system can either approve the component for the next stage of the production process or reject it in accordance with the specified process strategy.
Are semi-automatic test procedures also possible?
Yes. In addition to fully automated testing systems, semi-automated testing stations can also be implemented. In such cases, for example, components are fed into the system manually, while clamping, sealing, testing, and evaluation are performed automatically.
What factors are important when planning automated test procedures?
Key factors include component geometry, test methods, test pressure, permissible leak rate, measurement range, cycle time, quantity, variety of variants, workpiece handling, and the existing production environment.