A range of seven models designed for leak testing across major industrial sectors
ForTest, a Modena-based company specialising in the manufacture of air-leak testing instruments, has launched the Series K, a range of seven models designed for leak testing across major industrial sectors
The new instruments come standard with communication protocols for advanced automation and connect to the MyForTest cloud platform for centralised management of test data.
Air Leak Testing in Industrial Quality Control Air leak testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used in manufacturing to verify the integrity of components under pressure or vacuum. The method detects pressure losses in the part under examination without damaging its structure, enabling 100% production inspection. Sectors utilising this technique include automotive, hydraulics, biomedical, packaging, aerospace, and home appliances.
Leak testing instruments are typically operated autonomously or with limited serial connectivity. With the spread of Industry 4.0 paradigms, the market demands instruments that can integrate into supervisory systems and the data infrastructure of manufacturing companies.
The Series K is organised into three form factor families:
- The mini K3 format: models K3060, K3890, and K3990, measures 110 x 110 x 120mm and weighs 0.7kg, a compact design for direct integration into automated cells.
- The K5 format: model K5990, measuring 160 x 140 x 180mm and weighing 2.5kg, is an entry-level solution for stand-alone applications.
- The K7000 series: models K7090, K7890, and K990, measures 220 x 140 x 250mm and weighs 4kg, and is suitable for production environments that require maximum connectivity and configuration flexibility.
In terms of measurement technologies, the Series K covers three approaches. Absolute pressure decay measurement, available on models K3990, K5990, and K7990, is the reference method in industrial automation- the component is pressurised, and the pressure decay is monitored over time using a dedicated absolute transducer.
Differential measurement, featured on K3060, K3890, and K7890, compares the part’s pressure against a reference sample.
The K7090 model uses the Dual Absolute technology, patented by ForTest, which combines two independent absolute transducers to obtain a differential signal without the limitations of a traditional pneumatic differential circuit.
The K7090 integrates four software-selectable measurement modes:
- Absolute decay
- Classic differential
- Dual Absolute
- Zero Central
The absence of wear-prone mechanical components in the differential pneumatic interface, according to the manufacturer, results in a significant reduction in scheduled maintenance.
All Series K models come standard with:
- RS232 (two ports)
- RS485 (one port)
- USB master and slave
- Digital I/O connector with Start, Stop, Filling, Test, Good, Reject signals and 4-bit BCD code
- Ethernet
- Wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules.
The standard equipment also includes the Staubli fitting for calibrated leaks, the precision manual regulator, and 300 storable test programs.
The K7000 series models add optional fieldbus interfaces: Modbus RTU, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, and the proprietary ForTest protocol. An auxiliary I/O connector with eight outputs and four programmable inputs enables integration with PLC, SCADA, and MES systems.
Every model is compatible with MyForTest, the cloud platform created by ForTest for the collection, storage, and analysis of test data. The platform can record, for each test, the parameters of pressure, temperature, measured leakage, and pass/fail outcome, and offers statistical analysis tools for process control. Access is via browser with no dedicated software required on the plant PC.
The operator interface is common to all models: capacitive touch screen with 5.7" colour TFT display, dynamic LED bar for cycle status indication, and backlit keypad. The front panel is protected by high-resistance tempered glass, and programming is password-protected.
The main technical specifications common to K7000 models include: differential measurement accuracy ±0.5% RDG+3DGT, resolution of 0.001 mbar, measurement range from –1 to 15 bar, and leakage accuracy of 1% RDG + 0.03 cc/min.
