How can robotic automation improve efficiency in manufacturing processes?

Our robotic automation solutions dramatically boost efficiency in manufacturing by enhancing speed, precision, and consistency. We focus on minimizing manual errors, accelerating production rates, and ensuring safety by handling repetitive and hazardous tasks.

What are the different types of robotic automation systems available for manufacturing applications?

We offer a range of robotic automation systems for manufacturing, including SCARA and Delta robots. SCARA robots are ideal for precision tasks requiring speed and compact design, while Delta robots excel in fast, repetitive actions like picking and placing.

What types of defects or issues can vision inspection systems detect in manufacturing?

Our vision inspection systems are adept at detecting dimensional inaccuracies, surface defects like scratches or dents, misalignments, and incorrect or missing components. They are also capable of verifying label accuracy, barcode readability, and color consistency.

What types of manufacturing tasks can be performed using a rotary indexing machine?Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Rotary indexing machines at Big Sky Engineering are highly versatile, designed to perform a range of precise manufacturing tasks. They are ideal for assembly, drilling, precision machining, and quality inspection. These machines excel in high-volume production environments, offering accuracy and repeatability.

Leak Testing Machines | Big Sky Engineering

For over 25 years, Big Sky Engineering, Inc. has been a leader in developing innovative leak-testing machines for safer and more effective lean manufacturing processes in the packaging industry. We offer comprehensive solutions for custom production lines and systems. Leak testing machines are a vital part of reducing machine downtime and ensuring superior products. See why leak testing is so important and which leak-testing machines are right for your needs.

What Is Leak Testing, and Why Does It Matter?

Leak testing checks a system or product for leaks that can impact efficiency, performance, or safety. Leaks are defects that come from errors in the manufacturing or installation process, such as faulty weld seams that allow fluid in or out. For components in industrial and municipal systems, such as pipelines, discovering leaks as early as possible is essential for continued safety and performance. Leak testing should also be a part of the final stages of production to catch faulty products before shipping.

Inspectors can use a variety of different leak testing techniques based on the specific system or suspected leak at hand. For example, Big Sky Engineering uses differential pressure decay leak testers to test whether a component or vessel is leaking within an acceptable limit. In this testing method, we pressurize a vessel or component and then monitor the pressure decay over a certain period of time. This method is fast, accurate, reliable, and applicable to a wide range of industrial applications, such as packaging, automotive, medical, electronics, and aerospace.

Leak testing is a valuable process for any manufacturer that provides closed systems or components for closed systems. It’s also beneficial for testing the integrity of a newly installed portion of a pipeline.

Types of Leak Testing Machines

Inspectors can use different leak test methods and machines depending on the application. Popular options include:

Vacuum Decay: With this method, products are placed in a vacuum chamber. Sensors determine the internal pressure levels before and after the vacuum process to determine if any change in pressure occurred.
Pressure Decay: This is one of the most popular options. First, inspectors fill a closed system or cavity with pressurized fluid or air, raising the internal pressure levels. If the internal pressure then decreases over time, inspectors know a leak is present and can investigate more closely.
Vacuum Leak Test: This option is particularly beneficial when you need consistent readings and results you can trust. The test uses high-pressure levels and vacuum testing equipment to identify leaks. Vacuum leak tests provide quicker, more repeatable readings than other types of tests because they are not as affected by environmental factors.

Benefits of Leak Testing

Leak testing is an important step in ensuring the effectiveness of parts and guaranteeing leak-proof performance. Some of the benefits manufacturers see from implementing robust leak testing methods include:

Reliability: Proper leak testing can increase the reliability and performance of your products or process equipment. Leak testing also provides traceability and process improvement recommendations.
Precision: Leak detection can find even minuscule leaks and resolve them before they become larger issues.
Scalability: Leak detection can help organizations stay on target for high-volume production timelines, efficiently identify sub-par products, and reach larger production goals without sacrificing quality.

Leak Testing Machines From Big Sky Engineering

At Big Sky Engineering, we help manufacturers develop leak-testing processes by incorporating leak-testing machines into their systems. Our team can install off-the-shelf leak testers from major manufacturers or integrate Big Sky’s leak testers into customers’ existing workflows. The desired testing parameters will determine the optimal approach.

For example, for one customer we developed a tank air pressure decay test fixture so their operators could manually load parts for leak testing. Each testing cycle was at 20 to 40 psi for 8 seconds. The fixture automatically stamped goods that passed the test and held failed products back for manual review.

Learn More About Leak Testers at Big Sky Engineering

Developing the right processes for leak testing can ensure higher product quality without slowing down your operations. Contact us today to learn more about incorporating leak tests into your production process, or request a quote to start your order.