01 Why Use a Reciprocating Leak Tester?
On round bottle lines, bottles arrive continuously. A reciprocating tester can accelerate with each bottle, maintain a seal, measure the pressure decay, and then return for the next container — without stopping the line.
Continuous motion
Sealing head follows the bottle movement. This can shorten the effective test cycle and improve line flow.
Repeatable seal pressure
Because the tracking mechanism keeps a steady contact force, test results are less affected by bottle movement.
Servo tracking
Servo motor and encoder ensure that the sealing head follows the bottle path accurately at different line speeds.
Ball screw linear guide
Precision ball screw modules give stable, low-noise movement and long service life.
02 How It Works
The reciprocating tester uses the same pressure-decay principle as a conventional leak tester, but it performs the test while the machine is moving with the container.
Bottle entry and synchronization
The sealing head moves forward and synchronizes with the incoming round bottle.
Sealing and pressurization
The head seals the bottle neck and fills it with clean air until the set test pressure is reached.
Pressure monitoring during travel
As the bottle moves forward, the control system monitors pressure decay. Any excess drop means a leak.
Release and reject
After the test, the head releases. A defective bottle is automatically rejected and the result is recorded.
03 Key Technical Features
Siemens PLC control
Reliable machine logic with recipe storage for different round bottle formats and test parameters.
Touchscreen HMI
Easy operator interface for setting test pressure, test time and reject limits.
Height / diameter changeover
Adjustable guide rails and sealing head heights allow fast changeover between different round bottle sizes.
Automatic reject
Non-leak-tight containers are removed from the line automatically, preventing them from proceeding to filling.
Data logging
The PLC stores total tested parts, rejects and fault messages, giving operators a clear production overview.
Compact footprint
By moving with the bottle, the tester can be more compact than a series of stationary stations.
04 Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | KSY Reciprocating Leak Tester |
|---|---|
| Station count | 1–8 (configurable) |
| Testing principle | Pressure decay with servo tracking |
| Detection sensitivity | 0.03 mm |
| Production rate | Dependent on bottle size / cycle — contact for exact figure |
| Suitable bottle type | Round bottles, Ø25 – Ø150 mm |
| Bottle height | ~50 – 350 mm |
| Motion system | Ball screw linear guide + servo motor |
| Control | Siemens PLC with 10″ HMI |
| Air supply | 0.6–0.8 MPa, clean dry air |
| Power supply | 380V / 220V, 50/60 Hz, ~4.5 kW |
| Noise level | < 70 dB(A) at 1 m |
| Machine dimensions (8-station) | 1800 × 900 × 1950 mm (approx.) |
| Optional interface | Ethernet, RS485, Profibus |
05 Typical Applications
This machine is mainly used where round bottles are produced rapidly and require 100% inline leak checking.
Beverage packages
Water, juice, carbonated drinks and other round beverage bottles.
Pharmaceutical
Round medicine or syrup bottles requiring documented QC.
Cosmetics & personal care
Lotion, shampoo and perfume containers with round geometry.