High Temperature Aging Test Chamber LabCompanion HH-138

Overview

The LabCompanion HH-138 High Temperature Aging Test Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for controlled thermal stress evaluation of materials and components under sustained elevated temperatures. It operates on the principle of forced convection heating within a thermally insulated chamber, enabling precise, uniform, and reproducible thermal exposure across the working volume. The chamber supports continuous operation from ambient temperature up to 260 °C — a range aligned with industry-standard thermal aging protocols for polymers, adhesives, electronic encapsulants, coatings, and passive components. Its architecture complies with fundamental design requirements for thermal stability testing as referenced in ASTM D3045 (Standard Practice for Heat Aging of Plastics), IEC 60068-2-2 (Environmental Testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry Heat), and ISO 2133 (Rubber—Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests). The system is not intended for explosive or volatile substance testing and must be operated in well-ventilated laboratory or industrial QA/QC environments.

Key Features

• Robust dual-layer thermal insulation using imported rock wool, minimizing external surface temperature rise and enhancing energy efficiency during prolonged high-temperature operation.
• Internally constructed from SUS430 stainless steel (≥1.2 mm), offering superior oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures compared to standard 304-grade alternatives — critical for long-term structural integrity during repeated thermal cycling.
• Externally finished with SECC cold-rolled steel (≥1.5 mm) and electrostatic powder coating, delivering mechanical durability and corrosion resistance in shared lab or production-floor settings.
• Forced horizontal airflow system driven by a dedicated 1 HP high-temperature-rated motor and multi-blade turbine fan, ensuring uniform temperature distribution (±1.5 °C typical uniformity across load zone per IEC 60068-3-5).
• Dual-layer tempered glass observation window enables real-time visual monitoring without compromising thermal containment or operator safety.
• Independent over-temperature protection circuit provides hardware-level fail-safe shutdown, operating independently from the main controller to meet functional safety expectations in GLP-compliant laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HH-138 accommodates standard laboratory sample racks, trays, and component fixtures compatible with dimensions up to 450 × 450 × 450 mm (W × D × H). It is routinely deployed for thermal aging of PCB assemblies, silicone elastomers, wire insulation, packaging films, pharmaceutical excipients, and metal-coated substrates. The chamber’s construction and control architecture support adherence to internal quality management systems requiring traceable thermal exposure records. While the base unit does not include built-in data logging, its SSR-controlled output and analog-ready thermocouple interface permit integration with external compliant data acquisition systems meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements when paired with validated software.

Software & Data Management

The HH-138 utilizes a standalone PID microprocessor controller with real-time PV/SV display and manual parameter entry via membrane keypad. It supports two operational modes: time-based aging (with programmable duration from 99.9 seconds to 999 hours) and temperature-arrival-triggered timing (e.g., “start timer upon reaching 150 °C”). Upon completion, the system automatically de-energizes the heating circuit while maintaining fan operation for safe cooldown. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, the controller’s K-type thermocouple input and 12 V DC control signal output allow connection to third-party DAQ systems equipped with calibration-certified thermocouple modules and timestamped storage. No proprietary software or cloud platform is bundled; all configuration remains local and deterministic — aligning with ITAR- and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned infrastructure policies.

Applications

• Accelerated life testing of polymer-based gaskets, seals, and insulating materials per ASTM D573 and UL 746B.
• Thermal preconditioning of electronic subassemblies prior to HALT/HASS screening.
• Stability assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulated dosage forms under ICH Q1A(R2) long-term and accelerated storage conditions.
• Heat resistance validation of conformal coatings and solder mask materials used in automotive ECUs.
• Pre-drying and post-cure thermal treatment of composite layups and adhesive bonds in R&D prototyping.
• Calibration verification of temperature-sensitive sensors and transducers under static thermal soak conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous operating temperature of the HH-138?

The chamber is rated for continuous operation up to 260 °C, verified under load conditions with standard airflow settings.
Does the unit comply with CE or UL safety standards?

The HH-138 meets general electrical safety principles per IEC 61010-1; however, formal CE marking or UL listing requires end-user site-specific certification due to regional installation and grounding requirements.
Can the controller store multiple temperature/time profiles?

No — the standard controller supports single-setpoint operation with timer initiation logic only; profile-based ramp-soak sequences require external programmable logic controllers or DAQ integration.
Is the interior chamber volume customizable?

The HH-138 is offered in a fixed internal dimension configuration; custom volumetric variants are available under OEM engineering collaboration with LabCompanion’s Guangdong manufacturing facility.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the fan motor and heating elements?

Biannual inspection of fan bearings and visual verification of honeycomb heater integrity are advised; no scheduled replacement is specified under normal usage at ≤220 °C average operating temperature.