OK Instruments OK-TS-81 Thermal Shock Test Chamber

Overview

The OK Instruments OK-TS-81 Thermal Shock Test Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for rapid, repeatable temperature transitions between extreme thermal extremes. It operates on the two-chamber (hot/cold) static specimen principle—where the test sample remains stationary while pneumatic air gates alternately expose it to pre-conditioned hot and cold zones. This architecture eliminates mechanical movement of the specimen, minimizing vibration-induced measurement artifacts and ensuring high reproducibility across qualification cycles. The chamber is purpose-built for accelerated stress testing of electronic components, automotive modules, aerospace avionics, PCB assemblies, and polymer-based enclosures where interfacial delamination, solder joint fatigue, or seal integrity failure under thermal cycling are critical reliability concerns.

Key Features

• Intuitive 7-inch color touch-screen HMI controller with real-time graphical trend display and multilingual interface support (English default)
• PID-based temperature regulation with auto-tuning capability, delivering ±2 °C stability over the full shock range (−50 °C to +150 °C)
• Independent hot and cold storage zones: hot zone up to +200 °C, cold zone down to −70 °C, enabling flexible test profile configuration
• Programmable shock sequence: user-defined dwell times, transition intervals, cycle counts, and automatic defrost scheduling
• Pre-conditioning mode with scheduled start function—system initiates pre-heating or pre-cooling in advance to meet exact test initiation time
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, refrigerant pressure monitoring, door interlock, phase failure protection, and real-time fault diagnostics with on-screen remediation guidance
• Structural integrity: inner chamber constructed from mirror-finish SUS#304 stainless steel; outer casing in SUS#304 or powder-coated steel; high-density polyurethane insulation with fire-retardant certification

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-TS-81 accommodates standard industrial test specimens up to 60 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm (W×H×D) internal volume. A 50 mm diameter cable port and dual-tier stainless-steel shelves support electrical interfacing and uniform airflow distribution. The system complies with internationally recognized environmental stress screening standards, including but not limited to: IEC 60068-2-14 (Test N: Change of temperature), MIL-STD-810H Method 503.5 (Temperature Shock), GJB 150.5A-2009 (Military Standard for Temperature Shock Testing), GB/T 2423.22–2012 (Environmental testing – Tests Nc and Nd: Temperature change), and QC/T 17–1992 (Automotive component climatic resistance). Its design supports GLP-compliant validation protocols and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller logs timestamped temperature data at configurable intervals (1–60 seconds), storing up to 100 test programs and 10,000 hours of historical records internally. USB export enables traceable CSV file generation for post-test analysis in MATLAB, Excel, or LIMS platforms. Optional Ethernet connectivity supports remote monitoring via Modbus TCP or HTTP API integration. Audit trail functionality meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness criteria when paired with validated user access control and electronic signature workflows—enabling full traceability for regulated industries including medical device manufacturing and automotive Tier-1 suppliers.

Applications

• Qualification of BGA, QFN, and CSP packages under JEDEC JESD22-A104 thermal shock profiles
• Validation of conformal coating adhesion and thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) mismatch in hybrid circuits
• Stress screening of MEMS sensors, optical modules, and battery management systems (BMS)
• Reliability assessment of electric vehicle power electronics (inverters, DC-DC converters) per ISO 16750-4
• Accelerated aging studies of elastomeric gaskets, potting compounds, and adhesive bonds in aerospace structural assemblies
• Failure mode identification in LED lighting arrays subjected to outdoor thermal cycling conditions

FAQ

What is the typical transfer time between chambers during a thermal shock cycle?
The pneumatic gate switching mechanism achieves specimen exposure transition in less than 5 seconds, with total recovery to target temperature within ≤5 minutes after each shock event.
Does the OK-TS-81 support three-zone (hot/ambient/cold) testing?
No—the OK-TS-81 implements a dual-zone static-sample architecture. For three-zone configurations, please refer to the OK-TS-3X series, which includes ambient soak capability.
Can the system be integrated into a factory MES or SCADA network?
Yes—via optional Ethernet module with Modbus TCP or RESTful API support, enabling real-time status polling, alarm forwarding, and automated report triggering.
Is R404A refrigerant compliant with current EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014?
R404A is classified as a high-GWP refrigerant and is subject to phase-down timelines under the F-Gas Regulation. OK Instruments offers R23/R508B low-GWP alternatives upon request for export to EEA markets.
What calibration documentation is supplied with delivery?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China), covering temperature uniformity, stability, and ramp rate verification at three reference points (−40 °C, 25 °C, +100 °C).