LabCompanion CTS-180W Thermal Shock Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion CTS-180W Thermal Shock Test Chamber is an engineered environmental stress screening system designed for rapid, repeatable thermal cycling between extreme high- and low-temperature zones. Based on the two-chamber (hot/cold) horizontal basket transfer architecture, it subjects test specimens to abrupt temperature transitions—enabling accelerated evaluation of material integrity, solder joint reliability, seal performance, and interfacial adhesion under severe thermal gradients. Its operational principle relies on precise independent control of dual temperature zones and high-speed mechanical transfer (<5 s) of the specimen carrier between chambers, minimizing dwell time at intermediate temperatures and maximizing thermal shock severity per cycle. The chamber meets the physical and temporal requirements defined in MIL-STD-810G Method 503.5 and IEC 60068-2-14 for thermal shock testing, making it suitable for qualification and reliability validation in aerospace, automotive electronics, semiconductor packaging, and advanced materials development.

Key Features

• Independent dual-zone temperature control: Hot chamber (+60 °C to +200 °C) and cold chamber (0 °C to −70 °C), with nominal shock range of −65 °C to +150 °C
• High-speed pneumatic basket transfer mechanism achieving ≤5 s transition time and ≤5 min temperature recovery post-transfer
• Robust thermal insulation using non-hazardous, low-conductivity glass fiber—ensuring stable chamber wall surface temperatures and minimal external heat leakage
• Siemens S7-1200 PLC-based control system integrated with LabCompanion’s proprietary PlatinumV1.0 embedded firmware for deterministic real-time regulation
• 7-inch color TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive workflow navigation, multi-language support (English, Chinese), and password-protected parameter locking
• Comprehensive data logging via USB port: Timestamped CSV files containing setpoints, actual chamber temperatures (hot/cold/basket), cycle count, and elapsed time—compatible with LabCompanion’s offline analysis tools
• Optional TCP/IP connectivity enabling remote monitoring and centralized fleet management of up to 32 units via PlatinumV1.0 upper-level software
• Structural integrity ensured by 1.2 mm mirror-finish #304 stainless steel inner chamber and electrostatically coated cold-rolled steel outer enclosure

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CTS-180W accommodates samples up to 600 mm (W) × 660 mm (H) × 450 mm (D), with a standard two-tier stainless steel sample tray configuration. It supports both static and dynamic mounting fixtures—including PCB carriers, component trays, and custom jigs—for consistent thermal exposure across heterogeneous device geometries. All operational parameters adhere to national and military standards including GJB 150.3 (low temperature), GJB 150.4 (high temperature), GJB 150.5 (temperature shock), GB/T 2423.1 (cold testing), and GB/T 2423.2 (dry heat). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit trails, electronic signatures, and user access controls can be implemented through the optional PlatinumV1.0 upper-level software suite—supporting GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols when deployed in regulated QC laboratories.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and control are fully managed by LabCompanion’s PlatinumV1.0 embedded software suite, running natively on the Siemens PLC platform. Real-time temperature profiles, alarm logs, and cycle history are stored locally in comma-separated value (.csv) format on any connected USB mass storage device—requiring continuous insertion during test execution. For enterprise integration, the RJ45 Ethernet port enables secure TCP/IP communication with LabCompanion’s PlatinumV1.0 PC-based supervisory software, which provides centralized scheduling, cross-chamber trending, automated report generation (PDF/Excel), and role-based user permissions. All logged data include ISO 8601 timestamps, sensor channel identifiers, and hardware-generated checksums—ensuring traceability and integrity for internal audits or third-party certification reviews.

Applications

• Thermal fatigue assessment of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and surface-mount devices (SMDs)
• Qualification testing of automotive ECUs, power modules, and battery management systems under extreme ambient conditions
• Reliability screening of MEMS sensors, optical housings, and hermetic seals subjected to rapid thermal transients
• Material compatibility studies involving polymer composites, adhesives, and encapsulants exposed to cryogenic-to-high-temperature excursions
• Accelerated life testing of aerospace-grade connectors, actuators, and avionics enclosures per DO-160 Section 4.6
• Process validation of reflow soldering profiles and conformal coating durability under thermal cycling stress

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight the CTS-180W basket can support?
The standard transfer basket is rated for continuous operation at ≤20 kg; load distribution must remain symmetrical to maintain mechanical balance and transfer repeatability.
Does the chamber support programmable ramp-and-soak profiles within each zone?
Yes—the PlatinumV1.0 controller allows multi-step profiles with variable dwell times, linear ramps, and conditional triggers based on chamber or basket temperature feedback.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to NIM China) is supplied with each unit; full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available upon request.
Can the unit operate continuously for extended qualification tests?
Designed for unattended 24/7 operation, the CTS-180W includes redundant safety circuits, compressor overheat protection, and automatic fault logging—validated for ≥1000-hour continuous thermal shock cycles.
What refrigerant is used in the cooling system?
R404A or R507 refrigerant is employed depending on regional regulatory requirements; both comply with current EU F-Gas Regulation and EPA SNAP guidelines.