MKN RLH Series High-Temperature Aging Test Chamber

Overview

The MKN RLH Series High-Temperature Aging Test Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for accelerated thermal aging of polymeric and electrical insulating materials under controlled, repeatable conditions. Based on the principle of forced-air convection heating, the chamber maintains precise temperature profiles across its working volume to simulate long-term thermal exposure—enabling evaluation of material degradation kinetics, oxidation resistance, and service life prediction per standardized aging protocols. It is widely deployed in R&D laboratories, quality control departments, and certification testing facilities for plastics, elastomers, wire & cable insulation, and electronic components where compliance with military, industrial, and international standards is mandatory.

Key Features

• Robust dual-layer construction: interior chamber fabricated from high-grade AISI 304 stainless steel; outer shell available in either brushed stainless steel (SUS304) or powder-coated A3 carbon steel for corrosion resistance and structural integrity.
• High-efficiency thermal insulation system combining ultra-fine glass fiber and rigid polyurethane foam—minimizing heat loss and ensuring stable thermal performance across the full operating range.
• Intelligent microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with programmable ramp-soak profiles and built-in timer function for unattended operation and process repeatability.
• High-capacity hot-air circulation system featuring a high-temperature-rated centrifugal blower and optimized duct geometry—achieving uniform temperature distribution (≤ ±1.5%) and adjustable air exchange rates up to 300 cycles per hour.
• Integrated safety architecture including independent over-temperature protection circuitry, real-time sensor monitoring, and automatic power cutoff to prevent thermal runaway during extended aging tests.
• Standard PT100 platinum resistance thermometer provides traceable, NIST-compatible temperature measurement with high linearity and long-term stability.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RLH Series accommodates non-volatile, non-flammable specimens—including thermoplastics, thermosets, rubber compounds, silicone elastomers, PVC and XLPE cable sheaths, and printed circuit board substrates. Its design complies with key national and international specifications: JB/T 7444–1994 (Chinese National Standard for High-Temperature Chambers), IEC 60540 (formerly IEC 540) for thermal aging of cable insulation and sheathing materials, and supports test methods referenced in ASTM D3045 (Standard Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics), ISO 188 (Rubber—Accelerated ageing and heat resistance), and MIL-STD-810G Method 501.5 (High Temperature). The chamber’s thermal stability and uniformity meet GLP-relevant requirements for documented aging studies intended for regulatory submission.

Software & Data Management

While the base configuration utilizes a stand-alone programmable controller with LCD interface and manual data logging, optional RS485/RS232 communication modules enable integration with PC-based data acquisition systems. When paired with compliant software platforms, the chamber supports audit-trail generation, user-access control, and electronic record retention aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. All temperature setpoints, ramp rates, soak durations, and real-time chamber readings are timestamped and exportable in CSV format for traceability and report generation.

Applications

• Accelerated aging of polymer-based packaging films and medical device housings per ISO 10993-12 biocompatibility guidelines.
• Thermal endurance evaluation of motor winding insulation systems according to IEEE Std 98 and IEC 60034-1.
• Service life modeling of automotive under-hood components exposed to sustained elevated temperatures.
• Validation of shelf-life claims for adhesives, sealants, and encapsulants used in electronics manufacturing.
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to mechanical testing (e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break) as specified in ASTM D638 and ISO 527.
• Dry-baking of moisture-sensitive components in semiconductor and PCB assembly processes.

FAQ

What standards does the RLH Series comply with for cable insulation testing?
The chamber meets the thermal performance criteria outlined in IEC 60540 for aging tests on elastomeric and thermoplastic cable insulation and sheathing materials.
Is the chamber suitable for flammable solvents or volatile organic compounds?
No—this unit is strictly rated for non-volatile and non-flammable samples only. Use in hazardous environments requires explosion-proof modifications not included in standard configuration.
Can temperature uniformity be verified independently?
Yes—users may perform internal mapping using calibrated PT100 probes or third-party validation services; the chamber’s design facilitates placement of up to nine sensors per IEC 60068-3-5.
What is the typical calibration interval for the PT100 sensor?
Annual calibration against a certified reference standard is recommended; traceable calibration certificates can be provided upon request.
Is remote monitoring supported out-of-the-box?
Basic remote status monitoring is available via optional analog output (4–20 mA) or digital interface modules—full SCADA integration requires custom configuration and middleware support.