Sentinel IX5 Q&A: Your Common Questions Answered

Leak testing is a critical part of ensuring product integrity in manufacturing. The all-new Sentinel IX5 has been designed to make this process more precise, efficient, and flexible than ever before. With a completely re-engineered user interface and an array of advanced features, the Sentinel IX5 simplifies setup and operation while improving overall leak test performance.

The Sentinel IX5 is a powerful, multifunctional leak test platform that supports pressure, flow, and vacuum leak testing. Its ability to integrate multiple air leak test methods within a single instrument makes it a game-changer for manufacturers looking to optimize and streamline their operations.

CTS recently held a webinar to discuss the new model with new and prospective customers to introduce them to the enhanced feature set offered by this instrument. Below are some of the most common questions we received during the webinar and their answers:

Q: How is the Sentinel IX5 different from the Sentinel I28?

The Sentinel IX5 is the first instrument in the new, fifth generation of the trusted Sentinel family. It offers a completely revolutionized design that enhances accuracy, usability, and value. Key enhancements on the Sentinel I28 include:

• Re-engineered UX via 7” IPS PCAP touchscreen interface that displays test data in an extremely intuitive and visual manner, including gauge and pressure/flow vs. time plot graphing, production counters, statistics, and more
• Sentinel IX5’s new Test Sequence Creator greatly eases setup and visualization of many test process steps, permitting instrument control of complex seal tooling without need for costly and time-consuming PLC hardware and programming labor
• Additional measurement transducer inputs, offering the capability to choose from 9 different test methods and combine multiple test methods on one instrument—a truly unique offering in the current leak test market!
• Over 2.5x greater test programs available (250 total) than with the Sentinel I28
• Field expandable I/O (up to 36 Inputs/Outputs) with automatic detection, minimizing the need for a PLC, reducing total project costs
• Additional controls permitting command of up to 10 motions and up to 6 built-in tooling valves, potentially eliminating the need for a PLC and costs of hardware, assembly, programming, etc.
• Additional test result storage of up to 50K results, allowing users to extract relevant data on demand to address quality and maintenance issues
• Up to 25 unique User ID’s with PIN/password with configurable permissions control

Q: How can I use data from the Sentinel IX5?

The Sentinel IX5 makes it easy to collect, export, and analyze test data to enhance manufacturing processes:

• Uploading and Downloading Data– The Sentinel IX5 supports USB, RS232, and Ethernet ports for effortless data transfer. Users can also export screen captures directly from the unit.
• Database Connectivity– Test results can be exported as ASCI strings each cycle or CSV reports, very similar to Sentinel I28, allowing easy integration into existing customer SPC, ERP & MRP systems.
• Onboard Statistics – Enables visibility of the health of the testing process at-a-glance.
• Direct PC Connection– The Sentinel IX5 can be mated to, controlled and configured via CTSnet (software included), providing remote access and advanced control and graphing options.

Q: Does the Sentinel IX5 easily connect with my factory network?

Yes! The Sentinel IX5 is built for seamless integration into your factory’s network infrastructure:

• TCP/IP via Telnet and Serial Connectivity– Allows both network and local export of test result data and result streaming (pressure & flow values every 50 ms), as well as exporting various reports via CSV files. In addition, the Sentinel IX5 allows 2-way communication using these methods which can be used to control the Sentinel IX5.
• Modern PLC Protocols– Built-in EtherNet/IP & PROFINET connectivity as well as digital I/O for communication with PLCs and other industrial control systems.
• CTSnet Software – Software supplied with each Sentinel IX5 that allows remote instrument monitorization, control, configuration, and data collection/export of up to 10 networked Sentinel IX5 instruments simultaneously.

These connectivity options allow manufacturers to streamline operations and improve test monitoring capabilities.

Q: Can I combine different test methods using the same unit?

Yes! The Sentinel IX5 offers unparalleled flexibility by supporting all common air leak test methods within a single instrument.

Manufacturers can perform pressure/vacuum decay, mass flow, sealed DUT, and proof and burst testing. Even better, multiple test methods can be combined—such as mass flow with differential decay or mass flow with relative decay—enabling more comprehensive and accurate leak detection. This capability makes the Sentinel IX5 an ideal solution for testing multiple attributes of a single part model or a multitude of different part models with varying test requirements and scaling production as needed.

See how the re-engineered Sentinel IX5 could improve YOUR leak testing!

The Sentinel IX5 is designed to revolutionize leak testing, offering manufacturers a powerful and intuitive solution. With its all-new, re-engineered UX/UI, broad test method support, effortless data collection and enhanced connectivity, the Sentinel IX5 sets a new standard for efficiency and flexibility. Whether you're looking to streamline testing processes or improve accuracy, the Sentinel IX5 delivers unmatched value for your production line.

Ready to improve your leak test? Contact us to discuss the Sentinel IX5!