OK Instruments OK-TS-49 Two-Zone Thermal Shock Test Chamber

Overview

The OK Instruments OK-TS-49 Two-Zone Thermal Shock Test Chamber is an engineered solution for accelerated reliability evaluation of electronic components, automotive modules, aerospace assemblies, and packaging materials subjected to extreme ambient transitions. Based on the two-box (hot/cold chamber) architecture, this system eliminates thermal inertia by maintaining independent high-temperature and low-temperature reservoirs—enabling rapid, repeatable thermal cycling without subjecting test specimens to mechanical movement. The unit operates on the principle of pneumatic damper–actuated zone switching, where the test sample remains stationary while airflow paths are reconfigured to expose it sequentially to pre-conditioned environments. This design ensures superior thermal reproducibility and eliminates vibration-induced artifacts common in single-chamber shuttle-type systems. Designed for compliance-driven laboratories, the OK-TS-49 supports full traceability and operational integrity under GLP and GMP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• 7-inch full-color TFT touchscreen controller with intuitive HMI navigation and multilingual interface support (English, Chinese, Spanish)
• PID-based temperature control algorithm with auto-tuning capability, delivering stable setpoint maintenance within ±0.5 °C fluctuation
• Programmable start-up scheduling: automatic pre-cooling/pre-heating during standby to minimize cycle delay upon activation
• Configurable thermal shock protocols—including dual-zone (hot/cold) and optional tri-zone configurations—with user-defined cycle count, dwell time, and transition timing
• Real-time operational status monitoring: simultaneous display of chamber temperatures, system pressures, compressor status, and fault diagnostics
• Comprehensive safety architecture featuring over-temperature cutoff, refrigerant pressure monitoring, door interlock, phase failure protection, and ground fault detection
• Integrated diagnostic log with timestamped event records and plain-language error guidance for rapid troubleshooting and root-cause resolution

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TS-49 accommodates standard industrial samples up to 42 L volume (40×35×30 cm internal cavity), with two adjustable SUS#304 shelves and a 50 mm cable port for external sensor integration. Its structural rigidity and thermal isolation ensure minimal cross-contamination between zones during repeated shock cycles. The chamber meets critical national and defense testing standards including GB/T 2423.1–2001 (cold), GB/T 2423.2–2001 (dry heat), GB/T 2423.22–1989 (temperature change), and multiple GJB specifications (GJB 150.3–86, GJB 150.4–86, GJB 150.5–86, GJB 360.7–87, GJB 367.2–87 Clause 405). While not certified to IEC 60068-2-14 or MIL-STD-810H out-of-the-box, its performance envelope and control fidelity enable full alignment with these international requirements when validated per user-specific IQ/OQ protocols.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller logs all thermal profiles, alarm events, and system parameters at user-selectable intervals (1 s to 600 s), storing up to 100 test programs and 10,000 hours of historical data locally. USB export enables CSV-formatted reporting compatible with Excel, MATLAB, and statistical process control (SPC) platforms. Optional Ethernet or RS485 connectivity supports remote monitoring via Modbus TCP/RTU and integration into centralized lab management systems. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with optional password-protected user roles, electronic signatures, and immutable record archiving—making it suitable for regulated quality assurance environments operating under ISO 17025 or IATF 16949 frameworks.

Applications

• Qualification testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), solder joints, and semiconductor packages per JEDEC JESD22-A104
• Validation of battery cell and module thermal resilience in EV and energy storage applications
• Material compatibility assessment for adhesives, conformal coatings, and encapsulants exposed to thermal cycling stress
• Reliability screening of avionics enclosures, sensors, and actuation systems under MIL-HDBK-344 conditions
• Accelerated aging studies for medical device housings and sterilizable components requiring ISO 10993-12 biocompatibility correlation
• Process validation support for reflow soldering, potting, and vacuum impregnation lines

FAQ

What is the difference between two-box and single-box thermal shock chambers?
Two-box systems maintain separate hot and cold reservoirs, enabling faster transitions (<5 min recovery) and higher repeatability due to zero thermal mass interference from moving parts. Single-box units rely on mechanical shuttles, introducing vibration and longer stabilization times.

Can the OK-TS-49 be configured for tri-zone operation?
Yes—the controller firmware supports optional third-zone expansion (e.g., ambient soak) via hardware retrofit and software license activation. Contact OK Instruments Application Engineering for configuration planning.

Is R404A refrigerant compliant with current environmental regulations?
R404A is approved for use in existing equipment under Article 11 of EU F-Gas Regulation (No 517/2014) with proper leak-checking and recovery protocols. For new installations targeting long-term regulatory alignment, R23 (in cascade mode) is recommended as a lower-GWP alternative.

Does the chamber support automated data export to LIMS?
Standard USB export is included. For direct LIMS integration, the optional RS485/Modbus RTU interface allows scheduled polling of temperature logs and alarm status via custom middleware or vendor-supplied drivers.

What calibration documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology), covering temperature uniformity, deviation, and fluctuation across the full operating range. On-site IQ/OQ validation kits and third-party certification services are available upon request.