MPMN: April 1997
Spotlight on Testing Inspection Equipment
Leakage-current testers
A company offers a large selection of leakage-current testers. All operator controls are located on the front panel to expedite testing. The models LT-601 and LT-601HC are suitable for laboratory, production-line, and field testing in accordance with medical standards IEC 601, UL 2601, and CSA 601. Both units feature a 3 digit LCD. The LT-601 has input and output ratings of 100120/200240 V ac, 15 A, 5060 Hz, and the LT-601HC has input and output ratings of 100120/200240 V ac, 30 A, 5060 Hz. The dimensions for both units are 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 13 1/4 in. Educated Design & Development Inc., 521-E Uwharrie Ct., Raleigh, NC 27606.
Video measuring system
With its increased stage size, an upgraded video measuring system allows users to measure extremely large parts. The VM-500 offers dc servomotor control for swift, smooth stage positioning and a bridge design that reduces the system's footprint while offering a larger stage travel. At 20 x 21 x 6 in., the system offers the manufacturer's largest working envelope to date. The stage moves at an enhanced speed of 200 mm/sec. The system is composed of a measuring microscope with zoom optics, an integral CCD camera, measuring software, and a video monitor. A computer-controlled zoom ratio of 10:1 is featured in the optical system. The optics are both parcentric and parfocal throughout the zoom range, ensuring accurate and precise measurements. Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747.
Multiparameter leak testers
Multiparameter leak testers combine the functions of leak, flow, occlusion, bursting pressure, cracking pressure, vacuum, bidirectional pressure sensing, and electrical testing in one compact, high-speed digital instrument. The Sprint-LC testers store 100 programs. Each program can be linked to any other program so that the user can conduct a variety of tests on the same product in one unified test sequence. Testers are also available in multichannel versions, such as four-channel concurrent models that test four independent parts simultaneously. With built-in I/O interface and RS-232 communication ports for communicating with PLCs and host computers, the Sprint-LC testers are suitable for automated applications and statistical process control. Industrial Data Systems,
2370 Constitution Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84119.
Portable pressure-decay leak tester
A pressure-decay leak tester that is specially designed for the medical industry is made light and compact for easy portability. The Mediteq features a digital display, chained programs, burst testing, manual or automatic starts, adjustable and controlled test pressure, a programmable reject level, auto transient reduction, an RS-232 interface, seal component testing, and two automatic connector outputs. ATEQ Corp., 42040 Koppernick Rd., Canton, MI 48187.
Vision system
An updated version of a vision system provides multifunction 3-D measuring capabilities. The ACE version's software allows manual measuring using simple tools for fast on-screen measurement and observation, as well as fully automated operation. The image-processing system automatically adjusts tool size or manually locates multiple tools in any direction. This feature, combined with ACE's high-speed autofocus algorithm, speeds up throughput times. An edge-detection algorithm allows efficient detection of low-contrast and low-S/N-ratio image edges. The system has a space-saving, benchtop design and provides measuring ranges of 8-in. x, 6-in. y, and 8-in. z. Resolution is 0.0005 mm with a measuring accuracy (using the 2.5x lens) of U1= (4.5 measured length/1000) µm. Drive speed is
6 in./sec in x-, y-, and z-axes. The ACE is simple to use and requires little training. Mitutoyo Measuring Instruments, 965 Corporate Blvd., Aurora, IL 60504.
Pneumatic leak tester
A manually operated pneumatic leak tester is suitable for applications where automation or high-production volumes are not required. The system uses the same components as the manufacturer's fully automatic testers, but incorporates manually operated toggle valves and a leak-rate display for a low-cost, audit-style test system. A mass-flow technique is used for leak detection and provides a direct leak-rate readout in cubic centimeters per minute on the front-panel indicator. The tester comes with regulators, gages, and a filter. It requires 115-V-ac power and a source of air or nitrogen pressure. Phase One Instruments Inc., 3203 Plainfield Rd., Dayton, OH 45432.
Digital bottle-cap torque tester
A digital torque tester measures the required application or removal torque of bottle caps. Some of the other uses of the Model STB torque tester include measuring breakaway fastener torque and motor-stall and valve-operating torque. A universal gripping mechanism accommodates a variety of round or irregularly shaped items. The tester also connects to the Model BGI digital torque indicator. The complete
system features a 41/2-digit LCD with a multifunction set of annunciators, peak-torque memory in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and selectable analog and digital filtering. Mark-10 Corp., 458 W. John St., Hicksville, NY 11801.
Mechanical-strength tester
A computer-operated mechanical-strength tester supports over 52 physical strength tests, including 9 coating-adhesion tests, tensile- and flexural-stress strain tests for material analysis, and over 30 QC tests with interchangeable load platforms offering a 1 g to 1 tn range. The Romulus III is suitable for use on the factory floor or in a research lab. Quad Group, S. 1815 Lewis, Spokane, WA 99204.
Optical measuring machine
An optical measuring machine with high-intensity illumination includes a computer-monitored system and specially designed software to provide a total noncontact 50-million-step measuring system. As a completely automated measurement system, it can help the user to lower manufacturing costs while improving product quality. The system is fully featured and allows magnification from 5 to 100x. Other features include a motorized x-y-z stage travel of 6 x 12 x 3 in., automatic edge sensing, electronic screen protractor, erect optical image, a choice of PC-based or computerized geometric readouts, RS-232 interface to a printer for hard copy documentation, and optical accuracy of 0.05%. Deltronic, 3900 W. Segerstrom, Santa Ana, CA 92704.
Video measuring system
A video measuring system provides fast and accurate noncontact inspection. Each Smart Scope FOV video measuring system incorporates a high-precision x-y-z stage assembly with joystick control, motorized zoom lens, integral illuminators, and a high-resolution video system. Linking these together is an industry-standard, PC-compatible computer with graphical-measurement software. The system is available in manual, semiautomatic, and fully-automatic configurations. Optical Gaging Products Inc., 850 Hudson Ave., Rochester, NY 14621.
Microprocessor-based leak tester
A microprocessor-based leak tester features touch screen programming, multiple testing programs for different parts, and fast testing speed with high repeatability. The Testra model can perform leak tests, flow tests, vacuum tests, functional tests, and more. Testing applications include tubing, IV-administration sets, blood sets, filters, catheters, dialyzers, instruments, and oxygenators. Uson, 5215 Hollister, Houston, TX 77040.
Leak-testing instrument
Designed for such products as diagnostic and analytical equipment, filters, liquid packaging, surgical and interventional devices, and IV systems, a dry-air leak-testing instrument offers automatic, 100% testing at production-line speeds. This pressure-decay instrument monitors test pressures up to 100 psig while controlling fill, bypass, and stabilize times automatically. Test results reflect transducer accuracy of 0.05 psig, with transducer sensitivity and repeatability at 0.005 psig. In addition to accept/reject, the tester display shows real-time pressure changes, pressure drop due to leakage, date and time of test, and type of fault. InterTech Development Co., 7401 N. Linder Ave., Skokie, IL 60077.
Seal-strength testing
The heart of a seal-strength testing system is a pressure-control console that automatically performs burst and creep pressure testing onflexible package samples. The Model 2600 automatic control console is an accurate multifunction pressure control and monitoring device. The console is used for package seal-strength testing using the pressurized burst test method defined by ASTM 1140-88. The creep test function checks package seals under sustained pressure. The creep-to-burst test function sequentially checks the minimum required seal strength and maximum pressure at burst. In all test modes, test variables for a wide range of porous and nonporous packages can be preselected on easy-to-use menu screens. The control console automatically regulates air pressure delivered to the test sample to achieve the preselected test profile. Test results are displayed on the vacuum fluorescent screen and retained until the unit is reset. Test-A-Pack Systems, Carleton Technologies Inc., 10 Cobham Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14127.
Air-pressure-decay leak tester
A leak tester incorporates high-precision components that provide fast response and good reliability. According to the manufacturer, the Model 621 incorporates an
air-pressure regulator, a gauge transducer, and switching valves that have been selected and tested to give millions of cycles of trouble-free operation. The tester's sensitivity of 0.0001 psi is obtained by resolving the transducer output with a 24-bit, analog-to-digital converter. A dual-line alphanumeric display and quick-scroll parameter-selection routine allow for quick operation. Other features include key security-locked programs and an RS-232 data highway. ITI Qualitek, 267 Boston Rd., Billerica, MA 01862.
Leak and flow testing
Leak and flow testing with high-sensitivity pneumatic test instruments provides data on product quality performance and may lower the cost of manufacture through productivity increases. The Model MDT-500 leak and flow tester checks parts in as little as two to three seconds. Pressure-decay sensitivity as low as 0.02 in.H2O of water pressure and direct-reading flow rates of 1 sccm or lower allow rapid testing. A combination test for leak and flow is provided on the menu of four test modes. A bright, high-contrast LCD shows eight screens of data from the 500-result data log along with a graphic plot of the pressure test and SQC data analysis. Range control charts and a histogram, as well as statistical information on the mean, standard deviation, and Xbar, provide immediate information on workstation and product performance. T.M. Electronics Inc., 330 Tacoma St., Worcester, MA 01605.
Adhesion/release tester
An adhesion/release tester can run tests following TLMI, FINAT, AFERA, and PSTC standards. Test speeds can be set accurately from 6 to 1200 in./min. Test angle is adjustable from 90° to 180°. The tester measures forces up to 50 lb with proper load-cell selection, and its sturdy construction gives it long life and consistent performance. The tester incorporates a built-in 486 PC data-collection and motor control system. On a color screen the curve and numerical data can be seen simultaneously. Chemsultants International Network, 9349 Hamilton Dr., Mentor, OH 44060.
