INFICON: Leak Detection Tests Can Save Lives, Improve Quality

Automakers and their suppliers are turning to “ingress” leak detection methods to further ensure the quality of critical hybrid-electric, electric and autonomous vehicle components.

Thomas Parker, INFICON’s North American automotive sales manager, notes that vehicle quality and safety can be improved by more thoroughly leak testing critical parts. Ingress leak detection, for example, is an important way to help protect key vehicle systems from dangerous contaminants.

Parker points out that ingress leaks occur when water, dust or other contaminants enter components through seams, holes or porous castings, adding that ingress leaks can cause fires, degrade autonomous vision systems and even create air-bag malfunctions.

Today’s automakers are doing an incredible job of designing vehicles to go further with fewer repairs” he says. “The complexity of the generations of both electric and autonomous cars is putting even more pressure on engineers to ensure that components perform perfectly over the lifetime of the vehicle“.

Ingress leak-rate specifications are typically stricter than for outflow leak testing, according to Parker. That’s because it’s easier for water vapor in the form of humidity to make its way into an assembly than it is for more viscous liquids to leak out.

ABOUT INFICON
INFICON is one of the world’s leading developers, producers and suppliers of instruments and devices for leak detection in air conditioning, refrigeration and automotive manufacturing. The company has manufacturing facilities in Europe, China and the United States, as well as sales and service offices throughout the world. More information about INFICON automotive technology is available online HERE.