LabCompanion LC-225A Environmental Test Chamber (Temperature-Only, Non-Cycling)

Overview

The LabCompanion LC-225A is a precision-engineered temperature-only environmental test chamber designed for non-cycling thermal stress evaluation of electronic components, polymer materials, automotive parts, and aerospace hardware under controlled ambient conditions. Unlike humidity-capable chambers, the LC-225A focuses exclusively on thermal stability testing across a wide operational range—from deep sub-zero cooling at −40°C to high-temperature exposure up to +100°C (with optional +150°C configuration). Its measurement architecture relies on a dual-sensor feedback loop integrated with a Taiwan-sourced PID temperature controller, enabling rapid auto-tuning, stable setpoint maintenance, and real-time deviation monitoring. The chamber complies with fundamental thermal testing requirements outlined in IEC 60068-2-1 (cold tests), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), and ASTM D3418 (thermal transitions of polymers), making it suitable for pre-compliance screening in R&D labs and quality assurance departments operating under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited frameworks.

Key Features

• High-reliability refrigeration system featuring imported hermetic compressors with cascade-compatible design for extended low-temperature operation
• Double-wall construction with micronized mineral wool insulation (≥120 mm thickness) minimizing thermal bridging and energy loss
• Electro-heated double-glazed observation window with anti-fog transparent conductive film for unobstructed visual monitoring without condensation interference
• Standard 50 mm diameter cable port with silicone gasket seal, compatible with thermocouple feeds, power lines, and sensor signal cables
• Stainless steel satin-finish interior chamber (AISI 304) and electrophoretically coated cold-rolled steel exterior for corrosion resistance and cleanroom compatibility
• Multi-layer safety architecture including compressor discharge pressure monitoring, motor winding thermal sensors, ground-fault interrupter (GFI) circuitry, and audible alarm activation on fault detection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-225A accommodates standard-sized test specimens up to 450 × 500 × 450 mm (L × W × H), supporting fixtures such as stainless steel adjustable shelves and load-bearing sample trays rated for static loads up to 30 kg per shelf. It is routinely deployed in laboratories performing thermal shock pre-screening per MIL-STD-810H Method 502.7, burn-in validation per JEDEC JESD22-A104, and material coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) characterization. While not certified for full GLP/GMP production environments, its logging-capable controller supports audit-ready event timestamps and alarm history—enabling traceability aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with validated external data acquisition systems. All electrical components meet CE marking requirements for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

Software & Data Management

The embedded microprocessor controller provides local digital display of chamber temperature, setpoint, elapsed time, and active alarm status. Though the base model does not include Ethernet or USB connectivity, optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface enables integration into centralized SCADA or LIMS platforms for remote parameter setting, real-time telemetry streaming, and automated report generation. Data logging intervals are configurable from 1 second to 60 minutes; internal memory retains up to 1,000 hours of timestamped temperature records. For regulatory workflows, third-party software packages (e.g., WinCC OA, LabVIEW DAQmx) can be used to implement electronic signatures, user-level access control, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when interfaced via serial gateway.

Applications

• Accelerated aging studies of lithium-ion battery cells and electrolyte formulations
• Thermal cycling pre-screening of PCB assemblies prior to HALT/HASS qualification
• Dimensional stability assessment of injection-molded thermoplastics (e.g., PEEK, PEI)
• Storage condition validation for pharmaceutical packaging materials per ICH Q1A(R2)
• Calibration verification of infrared thermometers and contact probes against NIST-traceable references
• Environmental stress screening (ESS) of avionics enclosures per RTCA DO-160 Section 4

FAQ

Does the LC-225A support humidity control?
No. The LC-225A is a temperature-only chamber. For combined temperature/humidity testing, consider the LabCompanion LH series.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The unit must be installed in an environment maintained between +15°C and +35°C with relative humidity ≤85% RH (non-condensing). Operation outside this range may impair compressor efficiency and sensor accuracy.
Can the chamber be customized for non-standard internal dimensions?
Yes. LabCompanion offers OEM engineering services for modified chamber volumes, additional ports, reinforced shelving, or specialized airflow configurations—subject to structural integrity validation.
Is the temperature controller compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?
The controller’s built-in PT100 sensor is factory-calibrated; however, users must perform periodic in-situ verification using accredited reference standards per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5. Calibration certificates are available upon request.
What refrigerant is used in the cooling system?
The standard configuration uses R404A or R507A refrigerant, both compliant with current EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 phase-down schedules. Alternative low-GWP options (e.g., R449A) are available on request.