LabCompanion HC-80S High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion HC-80S High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered thermal stress testing platform designed for precise simulation of extreme temperature cycling conditions in laboratory and industrial quality assurance environments. Based on the Couette-type forced-air convection principle with dual-stage refrigeration architecture and high-efficiency heating elements, the chamber delivers stable, repeatable thermal profiles across its full operating range of –70°C to +150°C. Its structural integrity—featuring a SUS304 stainless steel interior, rigid polyurethane insulation (supplemented with glass wool at elevated temperatures), and hermetically sealed compressor system—ensures long-term reliability under continuous duty cycles. The HC-80S complies with key international environmental test standards including IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry Heat), IEC 60068-2-14 (Change of Temperature), and is validated for use in accordance with GB/T 10589–2008 (Low-Temperature Test Chambers) and GB/T 10586–2006 (Humidity Test Chambers), making it suitable for qualification testing in electronics, automotive components, aerospace materials, and medical device packaging.

Key Features

• High-fidelity temperature control via imported Korean PID-based LCD controller with 0.1°C resolution and real-time PT100 feedback
• Dual-mode operation: constant temperature holding and multi-segment programmable cycling (up to 999 cycles, 99 segments per program)
• Robust thermal architecture enabling rapid ramp rates: ≤60 minutes from +20°C to –70°C; ≤60 minutes from –70°C to +150°C
• Optimized airflow design ensures ±0.5°C temperature uniformity throughout the 400 × 500 × 400 mm working volume
• Standard equipment includes dual adjustable stainless steel shelves, Ø50 mm cable/port access port, LED interior lighting, and triple-layer insulated observation window
• Comprehensive safety suite: over-temperature cut-off, compressor high-pressure protection, phase failure detection, and automatic power recovery after outage
• LIN interface option supports remote monitoring and data logging via Ethernet-compatible SCADA systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HC-80S accommodates samples up to 30 kg in mass and dimensions compatible with its internal cavity (max. 350 × 450 × 350 mm usable space). It supports mounting fixtures, thermocouple feedthroughs, and external sensor integration via the standard Ø50 mm test port. The chamber meets mechanical and electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and is constructed to facilitate GLP-compliant validation protocols—including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation support. Its control firmware logs timestamped setpoints, actual chamber temperatures, alarm events, and runtime diagnostics, satisfying traceability needs under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with audit-trail-enabled software.

Software & Data Management

While the base HC-80S operates via standalone controller, optional LAN connectivity enables integration with LabCompanion’s TC-Link™ Data Acquisition Suite (sold separately). This Windows-based application provides real-time graphing, CSV export, deviation alerting, and automated report generation aligned with ISO 17025 Annex A.5 requirements. All recorded thermal profiles include metadata such as operator ID, test protocol version, calibration certificate IDs, and instrument serial number—ensuring full chain-of-custody compliance. Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS download and require digital signature verification prior to installation.

Applications

• Thermal shock evaluation of PCB assemblies and semiconductor packages per JESD22-A104
• Accelerated aging studies of polymer seals, adhesives, and elastomeric gaskets
• Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrochemical testing
• Validation of packaging integrity for sterile medical devices under ASTM F1980
• Environmental stress screening (ESS) of avionics modules per MIL-STD-810H Method 502.7
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) correlation studies using embedded strain gauges

FAQ

What is the standard warranty period for the HC-80S?
LabCompanion provides a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Can the HC-80S be calibrated to NIST-traceable standards?
Yes—factory calibration uses Fluke 1523 reference thermometers with uncertainty ≤±0.08°C (k=2); field recalibration kits and certified calibration services are available upon request.
Is humidity control available as an upgrade?
No—the HC-80S is a dry-temperature-only chamber. For combined temperature/humidity testing, consider the LabCompanion TH-80S series.
Does the controller support custom alarm logic or user-defined safety limits?
Yes—the PID controller allows configuration of up to three independent alarm thresholds with configurable relay outputs for external interlock systems.
How is validation documentation supplied for GxP-regulated labs?
A complete IQ/OQ package—including test protocols, raw data worksheets, and summary reports—is provided with each unit; PQ templates are available in editable Word format.