Flow testing methods and systems

An automated mass production system, comprising:

• a) a track including a plurality of carriers, each carrier holding at least one workpiece, each workpiece including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the outlet, each carrier being advanceable along the track;
• b) an automated testing station having a plurality of processing tools, the processing tools including, for each workpiece to be tested, a first and second sealing head;
• c) a control system for synchronizing operation of the carriers and the automated testing station, the control system configured to:
• i) receive at least one first workpiece at the automated testing station;
• ii) move the first and second sealing heads toward engagement positions;
• iii) during ii), prime a pressurized flow of gas from each of the first sealing heads to arrive at a flow threshold;
• iv) during ii) and iii), receive at least one second workpiece at the automated testing station;
• v) for each of the at least first and second workpieces, engage the first sealing head with the inlet of the workpiece and the second sealing head with the outlet of the workpiece to form a sealed flow path from the first sealing head to the second sealing head;
• and
• vi) perform at least one flow test including measuring at least one flow rate of gas flowing into each of the second sealing heads.