#Product Trends
ForTest launches the new K Series: next-generation instruments for air leak testing in industry
Seven new models — three sizes, three technologies, total industrial connectivity and MyForTest integration — to meet the challenges of the most demanding leak testing applications.
ForTest — "We know the leak" — is the Italian company born in Italy's biomedical district that has been designing and manufacturing instruments for air leak and flow testing for over thirty years. From its headquarters in Modena, ForTest announces the launch of the new K Series: a complete line of seven instruments that takes performance, connectivity and application flexibility to a higher level. The K Series is the result of years of research and development and incorporates — across all models — dual-core processors to maximise measurement performance and industrial connectivity.
A line designed for every need
The K Series is structured around three different model codes: K3000, K5000 and K7000 — covering an application spectrum that ranges from micro-volumes in high-productivity automated lines to the most complex industrial environments, with solutions suited to every sector: automotive, medical, pharmaceutical, hydraulics, aerospace, defence, home appliances, e-mobility and packaging. Each model offers multiple technology variants, allowing the customer to choose the optimal instrument in terms of measurement technology, number of channels and connectivity level.
The three available measurement technologies
The K Series covers all the main methodologies for compressed air leak testing:
• Absolute pressure drop leak test
The most widely used technology for industrial testing. The part is pressurised and the pressure change over time is measured. Available on the K3990, K3890, K5990, K7890 and K7990, it delivers high precision with accuracy up to 0.5% FS and resolution from 0.001 mbar.
• Differential leak test
Differential measurement — available on the K3060 model — compares the pressure of the part under test with a sealed reference volume, enabling highly sensitive testing even on micro-volumes down to 50 cc.
• Dual Absolute™ Technology — by ForTest
The flagship innovation of the K Series is Dual Absolute technology by ForTest and available on the K7090 model. This solution overcomes the limitations of classic differential measurement — such as stabilisation differences between the Master part and the Test part, the delicacy of the pneumatic circuit and the need for scheduled maintenance — by integrating four distinct measurement modes into a single instrument: absolute drop, classic differential, Dual Absolute and Zero Central. The result is a universal, robust, zero-maintenance instrument.
The K3000 Series (110×110×110 mm, 1 kg) is designed for direct integration into automated lines, with low-consumption micro-valves ideal for filling small volumes up to 50 cc and maximum reduction of parasitic volume.
The K5000 Series (160×140×180 mm, 2.5 kg) introduces a 3.5" capacitive touch-screen panel with tempered glass, a dynamic LED bar and a backlit keypad, delivering a premium operating experience even in entry-level applications.
The K7000 Series (220×140×250 mm, 4 kg) features a 5.7" TFT display, 300 test programs, advanced data archive and full support for all major industrial fieldbus protocols.
Total industrial connectivity
At the technological heart of all K Series models is a dual-core processor that guarantees maximum processing performance and the ability to handle high-precision measurement and the entire communication platform in parallel. Standard connectivity across all models includes:
• Integrated colour display (3.5" on K3/K5 sizes, 5.7" on the K7 size)
• RS232 and RS485 serial interfaces
• USB master port for firmware updates and data saving
• Digital I/O connector (Start, Stop, Filling, Test, Good, Reject, BCD)
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The K7 Series further expands connectivity with optional interfaces for the main industrial automation protocols: Modbus RTU, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and ForTest's proprietary protocol. An auxiliary I/O connector with 8 outputs and 4 programmable inputs is also available, for full interoperability with SCADA, PLC and MES systems.
Programming can be carried out via dedicated PC software (LAN, USB or RS232 connection), USB stick, or in stand-alone mode via simulated keypad and I/O signals.
All K Series models are also compatible with the new MyForTest, ForTest's proprietary cloud platform for the centralised collection, analysis and traceability of test data. MyForTest aggregates test results from multiple instruments and multiple production lines in a single secure environment, offering advanced tools for statistical analysis, anomaly detection and reporting for a fully digitalised and traceable quality management process.
Application sectors
The variety of technologies and sizes available makes the K Series suited to meet testing requirements across all major industrial segments:
• Medical and pharmaceutical: high-sensitivity testing on devices, packaging and sealed containers
• Automotive and e-mobility: testing of components, lighting assemblies, electric motors and batteries
• Hydraulics and pneumatics: verification of pipes, valves and hydraulic assemblies
• Aerospace and defence: leak testing on safety-critical components with maximum reliability
• Home appliances and packaging: integration into high-productivity automated lines
"With the K Series we have designed a platform that precisely meets the needs of every customer, from the small automated line to the large industrial plant. The dual-core processors, universal connectivity and ForTest's Dual Absolute technology represent concrete steps towards the leak testing instrument of the future."
— ForTest
About ForTest
ForTest — "We know the leak" — is the technology partner for manufacturers who want to make their products excellent through the highest precision in leak and flow testing. Born in Italy's biomedical district, where precision is a non-negotiable requirement, ForTest has been developing testing instruments for over thirty years in the pursuit of absolute measurement perfection. From its headquarters in Modena, the company works alongside customers worldwide with an approach rooted in a culture of reliability: stable readings, traceable data, repeatable results. Hardware, firmware and software are all developed in-house, ensuring complete, customisable solutions supported directly by the manufacturer. For more information: www.fortest.com.
