tiiviystesti

Tiiviystesti, literally translated as “tightness test,” is a routine evaluation method used primarily in engineering, manufacturing, and quality control to verify the integrity of seals and barriers against fluid or gas leakage. The test can be applied to a wide range of products, from plumbing fixtures and automotive components to electronic housings and food packaging. Its primary purpose is to ensure that a designed seal will perform reliably under expected operating conditions, thereby preventing safety hazards, product failure, or contamination.

The most common tiiviystesti techniques include pressure decay testing, vacuum leak testing, and fluid ingress tests. In pressure decay testing, air or liquid is pressurized inside a closed chamber or pipe, and sensors measure the rate of pressure drop over time. A rapid drop indicates a leak. Vacuum testing, conversely, creates a low‑pressure environment and monitors the ingress of ambient atmosphere. Fluid ingress tests involve exposing the seal to a liquid, often under dynamic conditions, to detect seepage paths. These methods are chosen based on the material, size of the seal, and the operational pressure range.

Results from tiiviystesti are typically recorded as a leak rate, expressed in units such as mbar·s and are compared against industry‑specific acceptance criteria. Even if a component passes the test, it may still be subject to repeated evaluations under accelerated aging or extreme temperature variation to guarantee long‑term performance. Failure of a tiiviystesti usually triggers design revisions, material changes, or improved manufacturing tolerances.

In addition to product development, tiiviystesti plays a vital role in regulatory compliance. Standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and sector‑specific guidelines (e.g., automotive Euro NCAP, aerospace AS9100) require documented leak testing procedures to verify that critical safety‑related seals meet specified requirements. As such, the tiiviystesti is an integral part of the quality assurance chain, helping manufacturers reduce defects, protect customer safety, and maintain operational efficiency.