Glossary

Assembly technology refers to the technical devices that are needed in order to join together various parts. These devices can be operated manually or be fully automated, and are incorporated into the production process.

Automation refers to technical systems or resources that perform intended activities through independent actions, with or without partial human involvement, and thereby make production processes more effective. Its goal is full automation for autonomous production with no involvement of human workers.

Procedures in flow testing/Flowtest, where the air flows through a bore hole, opening or a channel at a predetermined pressure. The back pressure resulting from the inflow into the area is measured and compared with reference values. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the necessary continuity is provided.

The heart of every machine - the main components for electronic control are housed in this element. Paul Köster GmbH primarily installs electrical cabinets made by RITTAL.

This measurement procedure using gas in leak testing presents a more precise alternative to measurement procedures with air. It detects the increase in helium concentration in the test space environment and through this determines the overall leakage rate.

A central unit for supplying hydraulic pressure, consisting of a storage tank, pumping unit, filter, valve mechanism, sensor system, and necessary control components.

Procedure in leak testing that is used not only to establish the leakage of a component, but also to locate the position of a leak at the same time. Here, the test object is filled with air and positioned in a transparent water tank. Bubbles occur at the leaking positions.

An aid for the detection of leaks in the form of helium concentrations in gas testing procedures.

A key figure for the permissible degree of leakage for a component. A differentiation is made between air and fluid leakage rates here. A leakage rate of 0 is impossible in principle, since no component is sealed up to 100%.

Procedures by which the components and assemblies are tested for impermeability. In this case, common testing procedures can be broken down into two categories: Testing procedures using air and testing procedures using gas.

In the area of automation, linear servo axes make it possible to move components using various drive systems on a linear guide.

Testing procedures using air for leak testing, where the air escaping into the test cavity is measured. If air escapes during the measurement, there is a leak.

Original Equipment Manufacturers, called Erstausrüster in German, are suppliers in the engineering and automotive industries that do not sell their products directly to end customers.

Testing procedures with air, where it is not the escaping air that is measured, but the effects on the prevailing pressure in the test cavity. If the pressure drops during the measurement, there is a leak.

A sensor within a measurement mechanism that converts the pressure difference between two areas into an electronic signal.

Components that are prepared for trials prior to mass production must frequently be leak-tested prior to finalization. Since it is not financially worthwhile to construct an individual testing machine matched to the prototype, in rare cases prototype testing is offered on site at the premises of the mechanical manufacturer.

Redundancy refers to the protection of system availability in the event of the stoppage of an individual machine. This provides the opportunity to perform maintenance on individual stations without fully interrupting production.

An automatic system for the wetting of bore holes with sealant. Systems from the manufacturer LOCTITE are frequently used at Paul Köster GmbH.

Automated sealant application is necessary for assembly technology, in order to caulk and seal engine and housing parts. This is frequently left to robots for maximum flexibility. In these cases, for example, systems from the manufacturer Dreibond are used.

This is a detailed description of the individual sealing points on the component being tested and defines the sealing elements used. These are based on predetermined testing parameters and other influencing factors, such as the clamping forces that occur. The sealing concept represents the basis for the detailed construction of the clamping and sealing device.

Custom machines are those that are tailor-made to the customer’s requirements. In general, these machines are uniquely produced, and differ from standard machines through a high degree of innovation and complexity.

The test cavity is a closed area in a component that must be separately tested. A component may have multiple test cavities, which are usually defined by subsequent function.

A turnkey solution describes complex offerings from a manufacturer that the customer buys and can immediately put to use without having to make additional expenditures. In this way, responsibility lies with the supplier, and the customer does not need to coordinate interfaces.

Testing procedure using air for leak testing, where a vacuum is generated in the test cavity. If the pressure increases during the measurement, there is a leak.