Aralab Fitoterm 150 CTE2 Dual-Chamber Thermal Shock Test Chamber
| Brand | Aralab |
|---|---|
| Model | Fitoterm 150 CTE2 |
| Chamber Type | Vertical Dual-Zone (Hot/Cold) |
| Temperature Range (Hot Zone) | RT to +200 °C |
| Temperature Range (Cold Zone) | –75 °C to +60 °C |
| Transfer Time | ≤ 5 s |
| Test Chamber Dimensions (H×W×D) | 410 × 470 × 650 mm |
| External Dimensions (H×W×D) | 2180 × 950 × 1910 mm |
| Load Capacity | 50 kg |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ≤ ±1.0 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ≤ ±0.5 °C |
| Heating Rate | 0.2 °C/s |
| Weight | 900 kg |
| Cooling System | Compressor-based, CFC-free |
| Control Interface | 4″ color touchscreen with PLC-based controller |
| Programmability | Up to 50 programs, 50 steps each |
| Data Retention | Non-volatile memory with power-loss recovery |
| Safety | Dual independent PT100 Class A sensors per zone, adjustable high/low temperature limits, audible/visual alarms, heated door with dual-seal locking mechanism |
| Communication | Standard RS232 interface |
| Optional Cooling | Water-cooled (external chiller required) or air-cooled configuration |
Overview
The Aralab Fitoterm 150 CTE2 is a vertically oriented, dual-chamber thermal shock test chamber engineered for rapid, repeatable, and highly controlled temperature transition testing of materials, electronic components, automotive parts, and aerospace assemblies. It operates on the principle of mechanical transfer—physically moving test specimens between two independently conditioned zones (hot and cold) via a motorized lift platform—enabling precise thermal shock profiles defined by IEC 60068-2-14, MIL-STD-810G Method 503.5, and ASTM D5229/D5229M. Unlike single-chamber ramp-and-soak systems, the Fitoterm 150 CTE2 eliminates thermal inertia delays by maintaining stable setpoints in both chambers simultaneously; this architecture ensures sub-5-second transfer times and minimizes overshoot or lag during transitions. Its robust stainless-steel construction, vacuum-insulated observation windows, and CFC-free refrigeration system meet stringent environmental compliance requirements while supporting long-term operational stability under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned laboratory conditions.
Key Features
- Dual-zone independent control: Hot zone (RT to +200 °C) and cold zone (–75 °C to +60 °C) operate concurrently with no cross-contamination of thermal mass.
- High-fidelity temperature regulation: Equipped with two fixed PT100 Class A sensors per chamber plus one removable PT100 DIN Class A probe for validation and mapping per ISO 17025 clause 6.4.2.
- Programmable logic controller (PLC) with 4-inch color touchscreen interface enabling real-time graphical display of chamber temperatures, step progress, alarm status, and historical trends.
- Up to 50 user-defined test programs, each supporting 50 sequential steps—including dwell time, ramp rate, transfer triggers, and conditional branching based on sensor feedback.
- Non-volatile memory retains all program data, calibration logs, and event history during unexpected power loss; automatic resumption from last valid step upon restart.
- Motor-driven specimen carrier with ball-screw actuation ensures vibration-free vertical transfer, critical for sensitive optical or MEMS devices undergoing qualification testing.
- Heated double-glazed observation window with LED illumination allows continuous visual monitoring without compromising thermal integrity or introducing condensation.
- Integrated safety architecture: Adjustable upper/lower temperature limits, redundant over-temperature cut-off, audible/visual alarm outputs, and electromechanical door lock with anti-condensation heating element.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Fitoterm 150 CTE2 accommodates samples up to 50 kg and 410 × 470 × 650 mm in volume, making it suitable for PCB assemblies, battery modules, polymer housings, and packaged semiconductor devices. Its thermal performance complies with key international standards including IEC 60068-2-14 (change of temperature), JEDEC JESD22-A104F (temperature cycling), and IPC-9701A (performance requirements for solder interconnections). The chamber’s temperature uniformity (≤ ±1.0 °C) and fluctuation (≤ ±0.5 °C) are verified using calibrated reference probes traceable to NIST standards, supporting audit readiness for ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and AS9100-certified quality systems. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant validation workflows.
Software & Data Management
Standard RS232 serial communication enables integration with third-party SCADA platforms or custom LabVIEW-based monitoring systems. Aralab’s optional PC software provides remote configuration, real-time data logging at user-selectable intervals (1–60 s), CSV export, and automated report generation compliant with GLP record-keeping requirements. All logged data includes timestamp, chamber ID, sensor channel, and operator ID—supporting full traceability. Audit trails capture parameter changes, alarm events, and manual overrides, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature and retention mandates when deployed with validated software configurations.
Applications
- Qualification testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and surface-mount technology (SMT) assemblies per IPC-TM-650 2.6.7.
- Evaluation of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch in multi-material packaging systems used in power electronics.
- Reliability screening of lithium-ion battery cells and modules under accelerated thermal stress profiles.
- Validation of adhesive bond integrity in automotive lighting modules subjected to extreme ambient cycling.
- Material compatibility assessment of elastomers, composites, and encapsulants exposed to repeated thermal excursions.
- Environmental stress screening (ESS) in high-reliability manufacturing environments requiring zero-failure tolerance.
FAQ
What cooling infrastructure is required for water-cooled operation?
Water-cooled configuration requires connection to an external chiller capable of delivering ≤15 °C inlet water at ≥3 bar pressure and ≥2.5 L/min flow rate. Chiller specifications must be confirmed prior to installation to ensure condenser heat rejection capacity matches chamber duty cycle.
Can the Fitoterm 150 CTE2 perform temperature ramping within a single chamber?
No—it is designed exclusively for two-zone thermal shock testing. For single-chamber ramp/soak profiles, Aralab recommends the Climatronic or THERMO series environmental chambers.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to national standards) is provided. Full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration with uncertainty budget is available as an optional service.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the test volume?
Uniformity mapping is performed using nine PT100 probes positioned at standardized locations (center, six faces, and four corners) per IEC 60068-3-5. Results are documented in the chamber’s performance qualification (PQ) report.
Does the system support Ethernet or USB connectivity?
RS232 is standard; Ethernet (TCP/IP) and USB-to-serial adapters are supported via optional interface modules compatible with Aralab’s latest firmware revision.
