Atlas CCX Advanced Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber
| Brand | ATLAS |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | SF Series |
| Chamber Capacity | 420–3680 L |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 0.76×0.56×0.99 m to 3.05×1.22×0.99 m |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1.07×0.97×1.52 m to 3.81×1.52×1.60 m |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 55 °C (standard operation) |
| Humidity Control | Non-condensing RH 10–98% |
| Salt Spray Deposition Rate | Compliant with ASTM B117 (typically 1.0–2.0 mL/80 cm²/h) |
| Compliance | ASTM B117, ASTM D1735, ISO 9227, ASTM G85 Annexes 4 & 5, ISO 6988, GM 4429P, GM 4465P, CASS, SWAAT, ASTM D2247, FLTM BQ4-2, Corrodcote™ |
Overview
The Atlas CCX Advanced Cyclic Corrosion Test Chamber (SF Series) is an engineered solution for accelerated corrosion evaluation under rigorously controlled environmental conditions. Designed and manufactured in the United States by ATLAS, a globally recognized leader in materials durability testing, the SF Series implements precise, microprocessor-based control of temperature, humidity, salt spray deposition, and gas injection cycles—enabling reproducible simulation of real-world atmospheric degradation mechanisms. Unlike basic salt fog chambers, the SF Series supports true cyclic testing protocols that combine salt spray, drying, high-humidity soak, and optional SO₂ or acetic acid exposure—mimicking complex field environments encountered by coated metals, automotive components, aerospace fasteners, and infrastructure materials. Its architecture adheres to fundamental principles of electrochemical corrosion acceleration: controlled electrolyte film formation, oxygen availability modulation, and thermal-hygrometric stress cycling—all critical to accelerating failure modes such as pitting, crevice corrosion, blistering, and interfacial delamination.
Key Features
- Robust 316 stainless steel chamber construction with welded seams and corrosion-resistant PVC lining for long-term chemical exposure integrity
- Integrated dual-zone digital temperature control: independent regulation of chamber air and water-jacketed walls ensures uniform thermal distribution and eliminates cold spots
- Heated humidification tower with automatic deionized water feed, low-water shutoff, and pressure-sensor–monitored steam generation for non-condensing RH control per ASTM D2247
- Dual digital temperature controllers with graphical display on integrated LCD panel (no PC required), supporting real-time monitoring and manual setpoint adjustment
- Patented roof-ridge lid design prevents condensate drip onto test specimens—critical for maintaining consistent wet/dry transition boundaries
- 55-gallon (208 L) corrosion-resistant solution reservoir with redundant mixing system and auto-level maintenance for uninterrupted multi-day testing
- SO₂ injection module compliant with ASTM G85 Annex 4 and ISO 6988, including precision mass flow control and certified gas pressure regulation (±1 psi)
- Prohesion™-capable cycling logic per ASTM G85 Annex 5, enabling alternating salt spray and UV-free drying phases without operator intervention
- Comprehensive safety architecture: thermal overload protection on all heaters, water-jacket low-level cutoff, and fail-safe solution tank valve closure
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SF Series accommodates a broad spectrum of specimen geometries and material classes—including painted steel panels, zinc-coated fasteners, aluminum alloys, polymer-coated composites, galvanized structural members, and chromated aerospace hardware. Its standardized exposure zones ensure compliance with internationally recognized test methods across multiple regulatory frameworks. The chamber meets full requirements for ASTM B117 (neutral salt spray), ASTM D1735 (water immersion/humidity), ISO 9227 (corrosion testing in artificial atmospheres), and GM-specific specifications (GM 4429P, GM 4465P). For automotive OEM validation, it supports CASS (copper-accelerated acetate salt spray) and SWAAT (Seawater Acetic Acid Test) protocols. All control systems are architected to support GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when paired with optional data logging software—meeting foundational expectations for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–ready documentation in regulated R&D environments.
Software & Data Management
While the SF Series operates autonomously via its embedded microprocessor interface, optional ATLAS WinTest™ software enables full-cycle programming, remote monitoring, and traceable data acquisition. WinTest™ supports creation of multi-step test profiles—including time-scheduled transitions between salt fog, dry-off, high-RH soak, SO₂ exposure, and ambient recovery phases. All temperature, humidity, solution level, and gas pressure parameters are logged at user-defined intervals (minimum 1-minute resolution) and exported in CSV or PDF report formats. Audit trail functionality records operator login events, parameter changes, alarm triggers, and system resets—satisfying ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited testing laboratories. No proprietary drivers or runtime dependencies are required; compatibility extends to Windows 10/11 and standard Ethernet/IP networks.
Applications
- Automotive component qualification (e.g., brake calipers, suspension arms, trim fasteners) per OEM corrosion standards
- Architectural coating performance assessment for façade systems, roofing substrates, and marine-grade aluminum extrusions
- Military specification validation (MIL-STD-810, MIL-DTL-5541) for corrosion resistance of defense electronics enclosures and weapon system housings
- Paint and primer formulation development, including cathodic electrodeposition (E-coat), powder coatings, and waterborne acrylics
- Galvanic compatibility screening of dissimilar metal assemblies used in offshore platforms and wind turbine nacelles
- Quality assurance testing for electroplated hardware (zinc-nickel, tin-zinc, trivalent chromium) in Tier 1 supplier production lines
- Research into atmospheric corrosion kinetics under variable chloride/sulfate ratios, simulating urban, industrial, and coastal exposure zones
FAQ
What standards does the SF Series fully support out-of-the-box?
ASTM B117, ASTM D1735, ISO 9227, ASTM G85 Annexes 4 and 5, ISO 6988, GM 4429P, GM 4465P, CASS, SWAAT, ASTM D2247, and FLTM BQ4-2.
Is the chamber suitable for continuous unattended operation over 1,000-hour test cycles?
Yes—the SF Series features redundant solution management, self-diagnostic heating circuits, and automatic water replenishment, enabling stable 24/7 operation with minimal maintenance intervention.
Can the SF Series be upgraded to include UV exposure capability?
No—UV irradiation is not integrated into the SF platform. For combined UV/corrosion testing, ATLAS recommends the CCT Series or Xe-Weather-Ometer® systems with synchronized environmental modules.
What is the typical salt spray deposition rate, and how is it verified?
The system delivers 1.0–2.0 mL/80 cm²/h per ASTM B117, validated using calibrated funnels and volumetric measurement per ISO 9227 Annex A.
Does the SF Series include calibration documentation traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—each unit ships with factory calibration certificates for temperature sensors, humidity transducers, and pressure gauges, all traceable to NIST or equivalent national metrology institutes.
