Helium leak testing for aluminium castings
Vacuum-chamber helium test machines for large aluminium castings, with chambers up to 2 m diameter and 15 m long.
Porosity in aluminium castings can open leak paths that air tests miss, especially in housings that hold coolant, oil or gas. Our casting machines test the part in a large vacuum chamber so leaks anywhere in the casting are caught before machining or assembly continues.
Key features
- Vacuum chambers up to 2 m diameter and 15 m long for large castings
- Trolley-based loading of the part into the chamber
- Fixtures and sealing designed around each casting
- Tests for porosity leaks before costly machining
- Air pre-test option to catch gross leaks quickly
- Leak-rate record for every casting for traceability
Technical specifications
| Test method | Vacuum chamber helium |
|---|---|
| Largest chamber built | Ø 2 m × 15 m long |
| Typical parts | Transmission and motor housings, cylinder blocks, structural castings |
| Reject leak rate | 1 × 10⁻⁶ mbar·l/s |
| Cycle time | 30 minutes |
| Loading | Trolley-based |
| Helium leak detector | Leybold Vario |
| Controls | PLC with touchscreen HMI |
Specifications are configured for each order. Send your part details for a machine matched to your leak-rate limit and cycle time.
Gallery
Questions about this machine
Is helium better than air for castings?
For fine porosity leaks, yes. Air pressure decay is affected by temperature and part volume, while helium detection measures the leaking gas directly and is far more sensitive.
Can you test castings before machining?
Yes. Testing raw castings early avoids machining parts that will later be rejected.