1. Submit an Application Evaluation
Start by submitting your application details to fastsales@fastestinc.com - port drawings, CAD models, sealing surface specifications, test pressures, media, cycle time requirements, clearance constraints, and any photos or descriptions of current tooling problems. You can submit through the Application Evaluation form on our website, email drawings directly to your FasTest contact, or work through your local distributor. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can assess your challenge.
Application Evaluation
2. Engineering Review & Concept
A FasTest custom engineer reviews your application, identifies the sealing challenge, and develops one or more concept approaches. For complex projects, this may include preliminary sketches, concept CAD models, or feasibility analysis. We’ll discuss the options with you to ensure the proposed approach meets your technical requirements, ergonomic goals, and budget.
3. Detailed Design & Prototyping
Once the concept is approved, our engineers complete the detailed design—full CAD models, material selection, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing planning. For new custom connector designs, prototypes are produced and tested to validate seal performance, fit, and function before production tooling is committed.
4. Validation & Testing
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Every custom solution is tested against your specified requirements before shipment. For custom leak test fixtures and systems, this includes assembly-level validation to verify that all components work together as designed—seal integrity, flow performance, ergonomic function, and automation integration.
5. Production & Delivery
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Your custom solution is manufactured, assembled, inspected, and shipped with complete documentation—operating instructions, maintenance guides, and recommended spare parts lists. For ongoing production needs, FasTest maintains your custom design on file for repeat orders and replacement parts.
6. Ongoing Support
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FasTest provides technical support, maintenance parts, and design updates for the life of your custom solution. As your product or process evolves, our engineers can modify and update the design to keep pace.
What Sets FasTest Custom Engineering Apart
Plenty of companies claim custom capability. Here’s what actually differentiates FasTest:
- Thousands of custom applications: Our custom engineering team has completed thousands of custom projects. We’ve almost certainly solved a sealing challenge similar to yours, which means shorter development cycles and fewer surprises.
- In-house design and manufacturing: FasTest designs and manufactures custom connectors, fixtures, and systems in-house. There’s no handoff between an engineering firm and a contract manufacturer—the team that designs your solution builds it, tests it, and supports it.
- ICON™ and SURE SEAL™ integration: Custom leak test fixtures and systems built on FasTest’s ICON™ platform include SURE SEAL™ seal confirmation, providing the same positive seal feedback in a custom solution that you get with standard FasTest connectors.
- Ergonomic design philosophy: Custom solutions aren’t just engineered for seal performance—they’re designed for the operator. One-handed connection, minimal force, natural hand position, and visual seal confirmation reduce fatigue and improve consistency across shifts.
- Production-grade support: Every custom solution comes with full documentation, maintenance parts availability, and ongoing technical support. When you need replacement seals, spare components, or design modifications, FasTest is your single source.
- Validated quality: Custom connector designs and custom leak test fixtures go through the same validation and quality processes as FasTest’s standard product line. Your custom solution is held to the same standard as every other FasTest product.
Custom Leak Test Fixtures: Build In-House or Partner with FasTest?
Many manufacturers default to building custom test tooling internally. Here’s how that approach compares to partnering with FasTest:
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of custom solutions does FasTest offer?
FasTest designs and manufactures custom connector designs, custom leak test fixtures, custom leak test systems, and modified standard products. Solutions range from a single purpose-built connector for a unique port to fully integrated multi-station test systems with automation and data acquisition.
What is a custom leak test fixture?
A custom leak test fixture is an engineered assembly that positions and seals one or more connectors to a part being tested. Unlike individual connectors, a fixture addresses the complete test station interface—mounting, positioning, multi-port sealing, ergonomics, and integration with test equipment. FasTest custom leak test fixtures are designed for production-grade durability and maintainability.
What is a custom leak test system?
A custom leak test system is a complete, integrated package that includes everything needed for a specific test application: custom connectors, fixtures, hose assemblies, manifolds, instrumentation, ICON™/SURE SEAL™ technology, and full documentation. Custom leak test systems are delivered production-ready and validated as a complete assembly.
What does custom connector design involve?
Custom connector design starts with your port specification—geometry, material, thread form, sealing surface, pressure, media, and clearance constraints. FasTest engineers design a purpose-built connector with optimized seal geometry, materials, and actuation mechanism. The process includes CAD modeling, prototype production, validation testing, and production manufacturing.
What industries does FasTest build custom solutions for?
FasTest has completed custom projects across automotive and EV manufacturing, aerospace, HVAC-R, compressed gas, medical and life science, fluid power, and appliance industries. If your application involves sealing a port or connection for testing, filling, or fluid transfer, our custom engineering team can help.
How long does a custom project take?
Timelines vary by complexity. A modified standard connector might take 2–4 weeks. A fully custom connector design typically takes 4–8 weeks from evaluation through delivery. Complex custom leak test fixtures and systems with prototyping and validation may take 8–12 weeks. Contact our team for an estimate based on your specific application.
How do I start a custom project with FasTest?
Submit an Application Evaluation through our website, email your drawings and requirements to fastsales@fastestinc.com, or contact your local FasTest distributor. Include port drawings, CAD models, test pressures, media, cycle time targets, and photos of any current tooling problems. A FasTest custom engineer will review your application and follow up with a concept and timeline.
Can FasTest modify a standard connector to fit my application?
Yes. Many custom projects start with a standard FasTest connector that is then modified—changed seal materials, adjusted dimensions, added features, or adapted mounting interfaces. Modified standard products typically have shorter lead times and lower costs than ground-up custom designs.
Do custom solutions include SURE SEAL™ technology?
Yes, when applicable. Custom leak test fixtures and custom connector designs built on the ICON™ platform include SURE SEAL™ seal confirmation, providing the same positive feedback and false-failure reduction as standard FasTest connectors.
Can FasTest design custom solutions for automated test stations?
Absolutely. Many of our custom leak test fixtures and systems are designed for semi-automated or fully automated production environments. This includes robotic connector positioning, PLC-integrated seal confirmation via SURE SEAL™, automated part handling compatibility, and multi-station fixture designs for parallel testing.
Does FasTest provide ongoing support for custom solutions?
Yes. Every custom solution includes full documentation, maintenance parts availability, and ongoing technical support from FasTest. Your custom design is maintained on file for repeat orders, replacement parts, and future design updates as your product or process evolves.
What information does FasTest need to evaluate a custom application?
The more detail you can provide, the faster the evaluation. Ideally, send port drawings or CAD models with dimensions, sealing surface specifications, test pressure and media, cycle time targets, clearance constraints or station layout drawings, photos of the current connection method (if any), and a description of the problems you’re trying to solve.