Test & measurement
THE STRATEGIC VALUE OF ACOUSTIC IMAGING IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING
HIKMICRO is emphasising the growing role of acoustic imaging technology in automotive manufacturing, where compressed air inefficiency, pneumatic instability, and leaks can quietly undermine production performance and energy efficiency, as well as process consistency.
M
odern vehicle production relies on tightly synchronised operations. From robotic welding and automated paint systems to CNC machining and final assembly, every stage depends on a reliable and efficient compressed air supply. Yet while electrical or mechanical faults are often immediately visible, compressed air losses can remain undetected.
THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM Industry estimates suggest that manufacturing facilities may lose between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of compressed air through leakage. In automotive plants featuring extensive pneumatic systems and large-scale distribution networks, even minor leaks can translate into significant energy waste and inefficient equipment, while operational costs are also likely to increase. Other issues like pressure instability are also detrimental, affecting factors like welding consistency, paint atomisation quality, torque repeatability, vacuum gripping reliability, and equipment cycle stability. With many problems developing gradually, maintenance teams often face reactive troubleshooting rather than structured and more cost-efficient prevention. Acoustic imaging changes this dynamic by converting high-frequency sound into clear visual information, allowing maintenance personnel to identify leaks and abnormal sound sources quickly, even in noisy production environments. Unlike traditional tools such as ultrasonic testers and leak detectors that typically rely on single microphones and operator interpretation, HIKMICRO AI Series acoustic imaging cameras offer up to 136 low-noise MEMS microphones and adjustable bandwidth technology ranging from 2 to 96 kHz. The result is fast, accurate localisation of compressed air leaks during live production.
Designed for industrial maintenance applications, the HIKMICRO AI Series can detect leaks as small as 0.0047 l/min at 6 bar pressure from 0.5 m distance. Real-time visualisation on a 4.3” touchscreen allows users to pinpoint problems immediately, while integrated analysis software calculates estimated leak rate, leak cost, and energy impact. Voice, text, QR code, and image annotations further support inspection traceability and workflow efficiency.
BUILT FOR AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION Automotive manufacturing facilities present unique maintenance challenges. In robotic welding workshops, fast-moving hose assemblies and difficult- to-access pneumatic systems make leak detection difficult during active production. Acoustic imaging enables maintenance teams to locate leaks without stopping robotic operations, helping maintain take time and reduce unplanned downtime. In paint shops, where any compressed air instability can directly impact coating quality and energy efficiency, acoustic imaging supports
structured air audit programs by identifying leaks during operation. Similarly, final assembly lines benefit from rapid inspection of pneumatic tools and vacuum systems, helping prevent gradual performance drift and repeatability issues. HIKMICRO AI Series acoustic imaging cameras can also underpin plant-wide maintenance strategies. Compressor stations, centralised utility systems, machining workshops, and casting/ molding operations can all benefit from faster leak localisation and earlier identification of abnormal sound sources before small issues escalate into production stoppages.
THE RESULTS
Compared with conventional leak detection methods, acoustic imaging can reduce inspection times by up to 90 per cent. Furthermore, long-range operation up to approximately 150 m improves safety by enabling inspections from distance in hazardous or hard-to-access areas. “Automotive manufacturing is fundamentally built on repeatable and efficient processes,” says Stefan Li, overseas market director at HIKMICRO. “Acoustic imaging gives maintenance teams visibility into problems that traditionally remain hidden until they disrupt production. By transforming sound into actionable visual information, manufacturers can move from reactive maintenance to predictive and data-driven operational management.” With automotive manufacturers continuing to scrutinise energy optimisation, uptime improvements, and predictive maintenance strategies, acoustic imaging is fast emerging as an increasingly valuable tool for improving visibility across critical pneumatic infrastructure.
HIKMICRO 52
www.hikmicrotech.com September 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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