Cincinnati Test Systems provides instrumentation and turnkey test systems for leak detection. Its systems are used on the production line for clients worldwide across a range of verticals including automotive, medical, HVAC/R, consumer electronics, and general industry. A key aspect of their process is sourcing suppliers that design highly repeatable leak-tight components to build their instruments and test systems.
The Challenge:
CTS‘ leak testing can be conducted across a wide range of environments from vacuums to settings that experience upwards of 500 psig of pressure. In order to test properly for leaks across a variety of media, the company must use couplings that are of the highest quality and meet specific requirements to ensure accuracy. CTS measures drops in PSI in the hundredths or even thousandths, so any small leak will greatly affect testing accuracy.
Additionally, couplings are required to be designed for longevity, holding up to repeated testing without leaking, and must be designed to fit a wide variety of systems.
Stäubli‘s Solutions:
Stäubli’s RBE quick release couplings meet these requirements due to their compact size and rugged design. The connectors stand up to the “sometimes-extreme pressure required to ensure accurate tests, keeping compressed air, and trace gases like helium contained“. The modular RBE coupling offers a wide range of component materials and seals and features an easy-to-use, built-in button locking system. The connectors are also designed with repeatability in mind, handling the repetitive process of media testing without any lapse in performance. Re-inserted into the testing instruments once every shift, these fail-proof quick release connectors keep air out and pressure in to ensure the highest accuracy.
"Stäubli quick release connectors help keep cycle time at a low rate, which allows us to test more parts in less time. That's a good thing for our customers." - Thomas Beischel, CTS R&D Product Manager.
The Result:
CTS has committed to implementing the Staubli connector into two-thirds of its testing systems and has experienced increased performance and quality of results associated to this connection method. The compact design of the Staubli connector provides a low volume, leak-free connection, allowing for faster calibration and increased confidence in the overall result. Eliminating volume and leak connection risk is integral to leak test instrumentation as well as leak test systems, and the Staubli quick connection provides a cornerstone of confidence to both CTS and CTS customers.
“Stäubli’s connectors are a compact, low leak solution with a unique design that allows our team to place these fittings with confidence in critical locations for a variety of client applications." - Thomas Beischel, CTS R&D Product Manager.
