Temperature Humidity Test Chamber

• Equipment Selection Guide: Ovens vs. Temperature Test Chambers

  Jan 04, 2026

      Equipment selection directly impacts efficiency, quality and data reliability. Standard ovens, precision ovens and temperature-humidity test chambers have distinct functional boundaries and application scenarios. Many enterprises suffer cost waste or functional insufficiency due to improper selection. This guide clarifies selection logic, breaks down matching schemes, avoids common pitfalls and provides precise guidance based on practical scenarios. 1. Core Selection Logic Adhere to the four-step framework of defining demand types → verifying temperature accuracy → supplementing environmental requirements → matching budget to clarify equipment selection boundaries. Step 1: Define Demand Types Choose oven series for process applications (drying, curing, etc.). Choose temperature-humidity test chambers for environmental reliability verification (extreme temperature variation, humidity exposure). Note: Ovens lack cooling function and cannot replace test chambers. Step 2: Verify Temperature Control Accuracy Standard ovens: Suitable for applications allowing ±5℃ temperature deviation. Precision ovens: Required for high-precision scenarios (±1℃ tolerance, e.g., electronic packaging, medical sterile drying). Temperature-humidity test chambers: Ideal for extreme environment testing, with accuracy up to ±1℃ (even ±0.5℃ for premium models). Step 3: Supplement Environmental Requirements Ovens: Applicable for ambient temperature heating only. Temperature-humidity test chambers (including humidity-controlled models): Necessary for low-temperature (-20℃ ~ -70℃), cyclic temperature variation or humidity control (e.g., 85℃/85%RH) applications. Note: Precision ovens do not support cooling or humidity control functions. Step 4: Match Budget Standard ovens (thousands of CNY): For basic drying tasks with limited budget. Precision ovens (10,000 ~ 100,000 CNY): For processes requiring high precision and stability. Temperature-humidity test chambers (100,000 ~ hundreds of thousands of CNY): For professional environmental testing; reserve budget for operation and maintenance. 2. Typical Application Scenarios: Demand-Equipment Matching This section breaks down matching schemes for three key sectors (electronics, automotive, medical & research) to provide intuitive references. Electronics Industry Simple component drying (±5℃ tolerance): Standard oven PCB solder paste curing (±0.5℃ accuracy, ±1℃ uniformity, multi-stage temperature control): Precision oven Chip cyclic testing (-40℃ ~ 125℃, data traceability required): Temperature-humidity test chamber Automotive Industry Basic part drying (±5℃ tolerance): Standard oven Sensor 24-hour aging test at 85℃ (±0.3℃ accuracy): Precision oven Battery pack rapid temperature cycling test (-40℃ ~ 85℃): Rapid temperature change test chamber Medical & Research Industry Routine consumable drying (±5℃ tolerance): Standard oven Syringe & catheter sterile drying (±0.5℃ accuracy, clean inner chamber, data traceability): Precision oven with 316 stainless steel enclosure Plastic material thermal stability study (-30℃ ~ 150℃): Temperature-humidity test chamber 3. Common Selection Pitfalls: Risk Avoidance Misconceptions often lead to wrong selections. Focus on avoiding these three key pitfalls: Pitfall 1: Using standard ovens instead of precision ovens Short-term cost reduction may cause higher product rejection rates and increased long-term costs. Solution: Always choose precision ovens for applications requiring ±1℃ accuracy; improved yield will offset the incremental cost. Pitfall 2: Using precision ovens for temperature cycling tests Ovens lack cooling capability, leading to test failure. Solution: Directly select temperature-humidity test chambers for low-temperature or cyclic temperature variation tests. Pitfall 3: Blindly pursuing high-spec test chambers Results in cost waste and underutilization of functions. Solution: Select equipment strictly based on actual test parameters to balance demand and budget. Conclusion The core of equipment selection lies in precise demand matching. Clarifying demand types and core parameters, combining scenario requirements with budget planning, and avoiding common pitfalls will maximize equipment value, support production quality improvement and boost R&D efficiency.

  hot Tags : Industrial Oven Temperature Test Chamber Temperature Humidity Test Chamber Drying Oven Environmental Test Chambers Manufacturers Environmental Simulation Chamber

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• A Brief Discussion on the Use and Maintenance of Environmental Testing Chamber

  May 10, 2025

  Ⅰ. Proper Use of LABCOMPANION's Instrument Environmental testing equipment remains a type of precision and high-value instrument. Correct operation and usage not only provide accurate data for testing personnel but also ensure long-term normal operation and extend the equipment's service life.   First, before conducting environmental tests, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the performance of the test samples, test conditions, procedures, and techniques. A thorough understanding of the technical specifications and structure of the testing equipment—particularly the operation and functionality of the controller—is crucial. Carefully reading the equipment’s operation manual can prevent malfunctions caused by operational errors, which may lead to sample damage or inaccurate test data.   Second, select the appropriate testing equipment. To ensure smooth test execution, suitable equipment should be chosen based on the characteristics of the test samples. A reasonable ratio should be maintained between the sample volume and the effective chamber capacity of the test chamber. For heat-dissipating samples, the volume should not exceed one-tenth of the chamber’s effective capacity. For non-heating samples, the volume should not exceed one-fifth. For example, a 21-inch color TV undergoing temperature storage testing may fit well in a 1-cubic-meter chamber, but a larger chamber is required when the TV is powered on due to heat generation.   Third, position the test samples correctly. Samples should be placed at least 10 cm away from the chamber walls. Multiple samples should be arranged on the same plane as much as possible. The placement should not obstruct the air outlet or inlet, and sufficient space should be left around the temperature and humidity sensors to ensure accurate readings.   Fourth, for tests requiring additional media, the correct type must be added according to specifications. For instance, water used in humidity test chambers must meet specific requirements: the resistivity should not be less than 500 Ω·m. Tap water typically has a resistivity of 10–100 Ω·m, distilled water 100–10,000 Ω·m, and deionized water 10,000–100,000 Ω·m. Therefore, distilled or deionized water must be used for humidity tests, and it should be fresh, as water exposed to air absorbs carbon dioxide and dust, reducing its resistivity over time. Purified water available on the market is a cost-effective and convenient alternative.   Fifth, proper use of humidity test chambers. The wet-bulb gauze or paper used in humidity chambers must meet specific standards—not just any gauze can substitute. Since relative humidity readings are derived from the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature difference (strictly speaking, also influenced by atmospheric pressure and airflow), the wet-bulb temperature depends on water absorption and evaporation rates, which are directly affected by the gauze quality. Meteorological standards require that wet-bulb gauze must be a specialized "wet-bulb gauze" made of linen. Incorrect gauze may lead to inaccurate humidity control. Additionally, the gauze must be installed properly: 100 mm in length, tightly wrapped around the sensor probe, with the probe positioned 25–30 mm above the water cup, and the gauze immersed in water to ensure precise humidity control.   Ⅱ. Maintenance of Environmental Testing Equipment Environmental testing equipment comes in various types, but the most commonly used are high-temperature, low-temperature, and humidity chambers. Recently, combined temperature-humidity test chambers integrating these functions have become popular. These are more complex to repair and serve as representative examples. Below, we discuss the structure, common malfunctions, and troubleshooting methods for temperature-humidity test chambers.   (1) Structure of Common Temperature-Humidity Test Chambers In addition to proper operation, test personnel should understand the equipment’s structure. A temperature-humidity test chamber consists of a chamber body, air circulation system, refrigeration system, heating system, and humidity control system. The air circulation system typically features adjustable airflow direction. The humidification system may use boiler-based or surface evaporation methods. The cooling and dehumidification system employs an air-conditioning refrigeration cycle. The heating system may use electric fin heaters or direct resistance wire heating. Temperature and humidity measurement methods include dry-wet bulb testing or direct humidity sensors. Control and display interfaces may feature separate or combined temperature-humidity controllers.   (2) Common Malfunctions and Troubleshooting Methods for Temperature-Humidity Test Chambers 1.High-Temperature Test Issues   If the temperature fails to reach the set value, inspect the electrical system to identify faults. If the temperature rises too slowly, check the air circulation system, ensuring the damper is properly adjusted and the fan motor is functioning. If temperature overshooting occurs, recalibrate the PID settings. If the temperature spikes uncontrollably, the controller may be faulty and require replacement.   2.Low-Temperature Test Issues   If the temperature drops too slowly or rebounds after reaching a certain point:                Ensure the chamber is pre-dried before testing.                Verify that samples are not overcrowded, obstructing airflow.                If these factors are ruled out, the refrigeration system may need professional servicing. Temperature rebound is often due to poor ambient conditions (e.g., insufficient clearance behind the chamber or high ambient temperature).   3.Humidity Test Issues   If humidity reaches 100% or significantly deviates from the target:                  For 100% humidity: Check if the wet-bulb gauze is dry. Inspect the water level in the wet-bulb sensor’s reservoir and the automatic water supply system. Replace or clean hardened gauze if necessary.                  For low humidity: Verify the humidification system’s water supply and boiler level. If these are normal, the electrical control system may require professional repair.   4.Emergency Faults During Operation   If the equipment malfunctions, the control panel will display an error code with an audible alarm. Operators can refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual to identify the issue and arrange for professional repairs to resume testing promptly.   Other environmental testing equipment may exhibit different issues, which should be analyzed and resolved case by case. Regular maintenance is essential, including cleaning the condenser, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting electrical controls. These measures are indispensable for ensuring equipment longevity and reliability.

  hot Tags : Environmental Test Chamber Temperature Humidity Test Chamber Climate Test Chamber Stability Test Chamber High and Low Temperature Test Chamber Precision Test Chamber

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