Fukuda's Technology Column

What are waterproof and airtight tests for backup cameras and auxiliary batteries that support automobile safety?

In recent years, automobiles have been supported by many electronic devices for safety due to advancements in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and electrification. Among these, backup cameras and auxiliary battery-related units are critical components that require high reliability, just like traditional brakes and steering systems. A common challenge for these in-vehicle electronic devices is the "intrusion of moisture and humidity." Even a slight leak can lead to malfunction or failure, making the assurance of waterproof and airtight performance a crucial theme in quality assurance. The air leak test is widely used as a method to evaluate waterproof and airtight performance. High waterproof performance required for backup cameras Backup cameras are installed on the exterior of vehicles, such as around the rear bumper and back door, exposing them to harsh environments on a daily basis. • Exposure to water flow and cleaning agents from high-pressure car washes • Continuous water pressure during heavy rain driving • Condensation and breathing phenomena due to temperature changes (the phenomenon where internal air expands and contracts with temperature changes, drawing in outside air) *Please check the "Related Links" for the continuation of this column.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Leak Testing Equipment
• Other packaging equipment, materials and tools

Reliability of pharmaceutical standards applied to food lines.

In recent years, the environment surrounding the manufacturing sites of food and pharmaceuticals has changed significantly. Consumers' scrutiny of food safety and quality has become stricter than ever, and in the event of a product accident (such as food poisoning) caused by "seal defects" or "pinholes," it could lead directly to a large-scale recall and a loss of brand trust. If this involves a core product, it could jeopardize the company's survival. (From July 2021 to June 2025, there were 15 cases of voluntary recalls due to packaging defects.) On the other hand, the labor shortage supporting these sites has become increasingly severe, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a quality control system that relies on the skills and intuition of experienced workers. 1. The dilemma of "risk and cost" faced by manufacturing and quality assurance sites Is your manufacturing and quality assurance site also facing a serious dilemma regarding "quality control and on-site costs"? *Please be sure to check the continuation of the column from the "related links."

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Leak Testing Equipment
• Other packaging equipment, materials and tools

The dangers of leakage from secondary batteries and quality assurance.

1. Accidents Caused by Leaks in Secondary Batteries Recently, with the widespread use of secondary batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, related accidents have been reported one after another. There have been serious incidents such as mobile batteries igniting inside trains, batteries of electric assist bicycles exploding while parked, and large-scale fires destroying multiple electric motorcycles during charging. One of the main causes of these accidents is "leakage." Even minor defects can pose a risk of leading to serious accidents after the product is commercialized or used in the market. Proper leak detection in secondary batteries is essential to prevent market accidents and ensure product reliability. 2. Why Are Leaks in Secondary Batteries Dangerous? * Please check the "Related Links" for the continuation of this column.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Leak Testing Equipment
• Other packaging equipment, materials and tools

New risks brought to next-generation data centers... that is "micro leaks."

The explosive proliferation of generative AI and the expansion of advanced cloud infrastructure are bringing about a significant turning point in the thermal design of data centers. To support a digital society that operates 24/7, cooling technology is evolving from air cooling to water and liquid cooling; however, this evolution also hides new structural risks. Threats that jeopardize mission-critical systems—focusing on the "microscopic leaks of cooling water" in next-generation data centers, which could significantly impact the digital society, we propose specific approaches for early detection and identification. 1. The reason why "comprehensive quality assurance" is required The liquid cooling systems in data centers consist of countless components. "Cold plates" that absorb heat within servers, "manifolds" that branch the flow paths, "cooling pipes" that extend for kilometers, and "quick connectors" that link them together. Leaks are not permissible at these joints. Moreover, the stakeholders involved in the lifecycle of liquid cooling equipment are diverse, and each must ensure quality within their different areas of responsibility (phases). *Please check the "related links" for the continuation of this column.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Leak Testing Equipment
• Other packaging equipment, materials and tools

Further improvement of reliability through leak testing of electrical and electronic components (gross leak and fine leak).

1. What is "leak" that affects the quality of electronic components? With the spread of IoT, the electrification of vehicles, and the enhancement of industrial equipment's functionality and precision, electrical and electronic components are now required to meet stricter quality standards than ever before. At the core of ensuring the long-term reliability of products is "hermetic sealing," which is performed using materials such as metals, solder, and glass. If defective products with "leaks" in their packaging are released into the market, they can lead to serious nonconformities (failure modes) such as the following, resulting in troubles that undermine the company's credibility: - Short circuits or corrosion of internal circuits due to moisture intrusion - Decreased functionality due to gas leakage - Insulation breakdown caused by deterioration of the internal environment - Deterioration of characteristics and shortened lifespan due to accelerated aging Our company provides high-precision leak testing that can instantly detect minute defects on the production line (inline) that traditional visual inspections and continuity tests cannot identify. * Please be sure to check the continuation of the column from the "Related Links."

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Leak Testing Equipment
• Other packaging equipment, materials and tools

Metal cracks are one of the concerns in equipment maintenance operations. Conventional welding repair methods can change the base material around the crack due to heat, leading to residual stress and deformation, which always carries the risk of "crack recurrence" and "secondary damage." Hinode Water Supply Equipment Co., Ltd.'s "Mechanical Stitching Method" is a new technique that allows for the repair of metal cracks without applying heat. By using special bolts and reinforcement plates, the crack is physically removed without affecting the base material at all. Repairs can be made even in environments where open flames cannot be used. Since no heat is applied, the disassembly of equipment is minimized. For more details, please contact us or download the catalog.

Hotron's vehicle detection sensors allow you to search for products that meet your needs in three categories: "Purpose of Use," "Location of Use," and "Product List." The sensors detect the passage of vehicles, alerting you with rotating lights or switching the display of parking availability. They manage vehicle presence, full parking, and exit warnings in parking lots, contributing to safe driving and smooth operational management within the parking area. They are used in various settings, from coin-operated parking to large-scale parking lots.

Hotron Inc. has launched its new product, the "Vehicle Count Sensor CCS3"! This product is a ceiling-mounted sensor that combines infrared and radar technology. It reliably detects vehicles in both directions with a single unit, accommodating traffic during congestion and vehicle passing, thus achieving efficient occupancy management in large parking lots. Additionally, it can be utilized for exit warning purposes in addition to vehicle counting, contributing to the safe and smooth operation of parking facilities. 'Features' - Improved detection performance against changes in road surface during rainy weather by using both infrared and radar. - Equipped with IP67 waterproof and dustproof performance, making it effective even in salt damage areas. - Various settings can be configured from a dedicated app (for Android devices), with current settings easily understandable at a glance. - The base dimensions are the same as the previous model "CCS2," allowing for smooth replacement of existing equipment. *For more details, please refer to the product information, catalog download, or contact us.*

This is a collection of links to Fukuda's technical columns. It covers various topics related to leak tests and more... Please check the related links for more information.

Fukuda Co., Ltd. has been pursuing leak detection for 60 years and is committed to advancing the future of leak testing. 【 Supporting Various Leak Tests: Air Leak Test / Gas Leak Test (Hydrogen Gas, Helium Gas) 】 We develop, manufacture, and sell leak testing equipment to inspect airtightness and sealing properties. We will propose the appropriate testers and devices for each inspection target. 【 Target Industries and Examples of Inspection Targets 】 - Automotive Industry: Engines, FC components, valves and piping, various parts - Electronic Components Industry: Smartphones, keyless switches, various small sensors - Pharmaceuticals / Food / Cosmetics Industry: Bottle containers, syringes, vials, eye drop containers, pillow packaging, PTP packaging We will propose the most suitable leak testers for each industry. 【 ISO Certification 】JIS Q 9001:2015 (ISO 9001:2015)