Few manufactured products can be considered to be absolutely free of porosity. Even the presence of minute porosity can lead to the permeation of gasses through metals, crystals, polymers and glass. Leak detection is based on finding if a component leaks more than the allowable limit under specified conditions. Test conditions must be carefully specified as they could reduce the performance of the test and add extra cost.

Test or not to test?
In the manufacturing cycle, the earlier a leak is detected, the less re-working that needs to be carried out and therefore the process will become less expensive.

The component may be tested several times during manufacture, on its own and then as part of an assembly with the possibility of a service test of the final build standard.

Types of tests available
There are various types of physical tests, which can be used to detect, measure and locate leaks. The best test for each component is one that will provide you with the numerical and physical data e.g. rate and location of a leak. Several military agencies and a few industrial groups have developed specific methods and procedures for performing leak tests. We are approved to carry out most of these.