Helium Leak Detectors

September 26, 2015

Linda Trego

Helium leak detection systems are helping transmission suppliers improve quality and reduce the cost of producing new automatic transmissions. Kuka Assembly and Test Corp., for example, has developed leak-detection systems that it claims are faster and more reliable than more traditional air-test methods. Kuka now uses Inficon helium-leak detectors to test advanced transmissions such as newer aluminum automatic 9- and 10-speed transmissions. By detecting leaks soon after the original casting takes place, the system reduces cost by eliminating defective castings early in the build process. Air-pressure testing might take days to detect certain types of leaks; helium leak detection takes seconds, the company notes, with a total part-to-part test time of roughly 30-40 sec.