OK Instruments OK-TH-408.010 Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental Test Chamber for Automotive Component Testing

Overview

The OK Instruments OK-TH-408.010 is a benchtop temperature and humidity controlled environmental test chamber engineered for precision validation of automotive components under defined climatic stress conditions. It operates on the principle of forced-air convection with dual-channel PID-controlled heating and refrigeration circuits, enabling stable, repeatable simulation of real-world thermal and hygrothermal environments. Designed in accordance with the physical test requirements outlined in ISO 16750-4 (Road vehicles — Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment), IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry heat), and IEC 60068-2-78 (Damp heat, cyclic), this chamber supports standardized reliability assessment across Tier 1 suppliers and OEM validation labs. Its compact footprint and air-cooled architecture make it suitable for integration into QC laboratories, R&D engineering bays, and production line verification stations where space and infrastructure constraints limit installation of water-cooled or walk-in systems.

Key Features

• Stainless steel (SUS304) inner chamber construction with seamless welding and electropolished finish for corrosion resistance and long-term dimensional stability.
• High-efficiency scroll compressor with air-cooled condenser, optimized for continuous operation within the -40 °C to +150 °C range without refrigerant cascade staging—sufficient for most automotive component qualification per QC/T 413 and GB/T 2423.1/2/3/4 standards.
• Dual independent sensor arrays: PT100 platinum resistance thermometers and capacitive humidity sensors calibrated traceably to NIST standards, ensuring metrological integrity across operational ranges.
• Intelligent airflow design featuring adjustable rear-mounted centrifugal fans and perforated stainless steel baffles to maintain temperature uniformity ≤ ±2 °C and humidity uniformity ≤ ±3 % RH (measured at nine-point grid per IEC 60068-3-5).
• Programmable controller with 128-segment ramp-soak profiles, real-time deviation alarms, and hardware interlocks for over-temperature, over-humidity, and compressor overload protection.
• Benchtop form factor (external dimensions: 1050 × 920 × 1700 mm) with casters and leveling feet for flexible lab deployment and alignment with adjacent test instrumentation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TH-408.010 accommodates automotive subassemblies up to 0.28 m³ (800 × 700 × 500 mm internal volume), supporting representative testing of ECUs, battery management system (BMS) housings, HVAC actuators, infotainment modules, and interior trim samples. All internal surfaces are non-outgassing and compatible with ISO 16750-4 Clause 6.3 (condensation exposure) and Clause 7.3 (humidity storage). The chamber meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per CISPR 11 Group 1, Class B and conforms to safety standards IEC 61000-6-2/6-4. It supports audit-ready documentation for GLP-compliant testing when paired with optional data logging modules compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records and signatures), including time-stamped, password-protected event logs and user access control.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller provides local HMI operation via a 7-inch TFT touchscreen with multi-language interface (English, German, Chinese). Optional PC-based software (OK-EnviroLink v3.2) enables remote monitoring, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and integration with LIMS via Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols. All temperature and humidity readings are timestamped with millisecond resolution; raw data files include metadata such as operator ID, test program name, chamber serial number, and calibration certificate expiry. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, profile uploads, and manual overrides—fully compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 and internal quality system requirements for traceability.

Applications

• Thermal cycling of EV powertrain components (e.g., DC-DC converters, onboard chargers) per ISO 16750-4 Annex C.
• Humidity-induced corrosion testing of fasteners, brake caliper assemblies, and chassis brackets using cyclic damp heat (IEC 60068-2-78, 12-cycle protocol).
• Long-term storage evaluation of lithium-ion battery modules at elevated humidity (85 % RH, 40 °C) to assess electrolyte hydrolysis and SEI layer evolution.
• Dimensional stability assessment of polypropylene instrument panels and TPE door seals under combined thermal soak and humidity exposure.
• Functional verification of ADAS radar housings and camera lens assemblies under low-temperature condensation conditions (-40 °C → 25 °C, 95 % RH ramp).

FAQ

Does this chamber support rapid temperature transition testing (RTT)?
The OK-TH-408.010 achieves standard heating rates of 1.0–3.0 °C/min. For accelerated thermal shock per ISO 16750-4 Annex D, optional high-power heater modules and enhanced airflow tuning kits are available—enabling up to 5 °C/min under loaded conditions.
Can the chamber operate continuously at 98 % RH below 0 °C?
No. Due to physical limitations of water vapor saturation, sustained humidity control above 85 % RH is not feasible below +5 °C. The controller enforces interlock logic to prevent attempted operation outside the psychrometrically viable envelope.
Is third-party calibration certification included?
A factory calibration report (traceable to CNAS-accredited labs) is supplied with each unit. Full ISO/IEC 17025 calibration with uncertainty budgets is available as an add-on service.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressor oil and refrigerant pressure checks every 12 months; filter replacement and sensor verification every 6 months; full chamber performance validation (uniformity, deviation, recovery time) annually per IEC 60068-3-5.
Are custom chamber sizes or extended temperature ranges available?
Yes. OK Instruments offers engineered variants including -70 °C to +180 °C models (using cascade refrigeration), walk-in configurations, and chambers with integrated salt spray or UV exposure modules—subject to detailed technical review and lead-time confirmation.