Druckprüfmaschine

A Druckprüfmaschine, commonly referred to as a pressure test machine, is a device used to determine the pressure-bearing capacity of materials, products, or structural components. It operates by applying a controllable internal pressure to a specimen—such as a pipe, vessel, gasket, or composite laminate—and measuring the pressure at which failure occurs or at which the specimen deforms beyond acceptable limits. The data obtained are essential for ensuring compliance with safety standards, verifying design calculations, and optimizing material usage.

Typical Druckprüfmaschinen are divided into several categories. Hydraulic test rigs use piston‑cylinder assemblies to generate high pressures and are often employed for testing steel pressure vessels, industrial piping, and rubber or plastic tanks. Pneumatic testers, which use compressed air, are suited for lower pressure ranges and are frequently used for evaluating flexible hoses, seals, and non‑metallic containers. Fully automated electronic models incorporate programmable pressure controllers, pressure transducers, and data acquisition systems, allowing for rapid cycle testing, statistical analysis, and integration into quality management software.

The core components of a Druckprüfmaschine include a pressure source, a pressure regulation system, a measurement system (pressure transducer or gauge), a control interface, and safety interlocks. Standard test methods—such as DIN 45844 for plastic pipe fittings or ASME B31.3 for process piping—dictate test pressures, acceptance criteria, and safety margins. Manufacturers of Druckprüfmaschinen range from well‑known industrial equipment companies to specialized firms that produce custom rigs for aerospace or medical device testing. The reliability and accuracy of these machines are regularly verified through traceable calibration of pressure transducers and adherence to industry certification programs.

In industrial practice, Druckprüfmaschinen play a critical role in preventive maintenance, product development, and compliance audits. Their ability to simulate operational pressures in a controlled environment provides engineers and quality professionals with quantitative evidence of structural integrity, facilitating risk‑based decision making and enhancing overall product safety.