Leakage Testing of 3D-Printed Vacuum Enclosures for Smart Facade Applications

This research investigates the validation of hermeticity in 3D-printed vacuum enclosures for smart façade systems, highlighting the critical need for airtightness in architectural applications. Using a pressure decay leak testing method under vacuum, guided by BS EN 1779:1999 criteria for method selection and based on ASTM F2095 − 07 (Reapproved 2021) standards, we created a controlled depressurization of the enclosure up to 1 bar with a manual vacuum pump. Different depression values were read at intervals of 20, 40 and every 60 minutes to detect any drops indicative of leakage. The results demonstrated that our method reliably identified even minor leaks, with constant pressure stability confirming the hermetic integrity of the housing. These findings suggest that our approach provides a practical, low-cost, and non-destructive measure for complex 3D printed components in advanced façade systems. Moreover, the methodology is adaptable to various geometries and materials, providing manufacturers with an effective tool to ensure the reliability and performance of integrated facades of smart buildings.