LabCompanion RC-150 High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Model | RC-150 |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 500 × 600 × 500 mm (W×H×D) |
| Temperature Range | −70°C to +150°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±2°C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5°C |
| Temperature Deviation | ±2°C |
| Cooling Rate | 1.0–1.2°C/min |
| Power Supply | AC380V, 50 Hz |
| Total Power Consumption | 4 kW |
| Construction | Stainless Steel Interior + Powder-Coated Cold-Rolled Steel Exterior |
| Safety Protections | Over-Temperature, Over-Pressure, and Phase-Loss Monitoring |
| Compliance | Designed per IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry Heat), and ISO 16750-4 (Environmental Conditions for Automotive Electronics) |
Overview
The LabCompanion RC-150 High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable thermal stress evaluation of materials, components, and finished products under controlled cyclic temperature conditions. Based on forced-air convection with optimized airflow distribution, the chamber utilizes a dual-stage cascade refrigeration system and a high-stability platinum resistance thermometer (PT100) coupled with a microprocessor-based PID controller to deliver accurate thermal profiles across its full operating range of −70°C to +150°C. Its design adheres to fundamental principles outlined in IEC 60068-2 environmental testing standards, ensuring traceable performance for qualification testing in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and quality assurance laboratories.
Key Features
- Stainless steel interior chamber (500 × 600 × 500 mm) with seamless welding and electropolished finish for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning
- High-efficiency cascade refrigeration system enabling stable operation down to −70°C without liquid nitrogen assistance
- Microprocessor-controlled PID temperature regulation with real-time digital display, adjustable ramp/soak programming, and auto-tuning capability
- Uniform air circulation achieved via axial fan array and strategically positioned baffle systems—validated to maintain ≤ ±2°C spatial uniformity per IEC 60068-2-1 and -2-2
- Integrated safety architecture including independent over-temperature cut-off, high-pressure switch, phase-loss detection, and audible/visual alarm outputs
- Robust mechanical construction: cold-rolled steel outer casing with epoxy powder coating; reinforced door seal with magnetic gasket for thermal integrity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RC-150 accommodates test specimens up to 45 kg (static load) and supports standard sample mounting configurations—including shelf racks, hanging fixtures, and custom fixture interfaces—without compromising airflow or thermal homogeneity. It meets essential requirements for environmental stress screening (ESS) and accelerated life testing (ALT) protocols used in industrial QA/QC workflows. The chamber’s thermal performance has been verified against IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), and ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles—electrical disturbances). While not certified as GLP-compliant out-of-the-box, it provides configurable audit trails, user access levels, and calibration log fields compatible with laboratory quality management systems implementing ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with external data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
The RC-150 operates via an embedded 7-inch TFT LCD touchscreen interface supporting multi-step temperature cycling (up to 99 segments), real-time graphing of chamber temperature vs. setpoint, and event logging with timestamped entries for alarms and mode transitions. Optional RS485/Modbus RTU or Ethernet (TCP/IP) connectivity enables integration into centralized monitoring platforms such as LabVIEW, SCADA, or LIMS environments. Raw temperature data can be exported in CSV format for post-test statistical analysis. Firmware supports firmware update via USB drive and includes password-protected administrator mode for parameter lockdown during routine testing.
Applications
- Thermal cycling validation of printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductors, and electronic assemblies per JEDEC JESD22-A104
- Material property assessment—including dimensional stability, embrittlement, and seal integrity—under extreme low- and high-temperature exposure
- Automotive component qualification per GMW3172, Ford CETP, and VW 80101 specifications
- Pharmaceutical packaging stability studies aligned with ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines for long-term and accelerated storage conditions
- Pre-conditioning of sensors, batteries, and optical devices prior to functional or reliability testing
- Calibration reference environment for secondary temperature standards in metrology labs
FAQ
What is the maximum sample volume that can be loaded without affecting temperature uniformity?
For optimal thermal performance, total sample volume should not exceed 1/3 of internal chamber volume (i.e., ≤50 L for the RC-150). Larger loads require extended stabilization time and may necessitate profile verification using calibrated thermocouple mapping.
Does the RC-150 support programmable ramp-and-soak cycles?
Yes—the controller supports up to 99 programmable segments with independent ramp rate (0.1–10.0°C/min), soak duration (0–9999 min), and setpoint temperature per segment.
Is third-party calibration certification available?
LabCompanion offers optional NIST-traceable calibration reports (per ISO/IEC 17025) performed at installation or annually, including temperature mapping at nine predefined points per IEC 60068-3-5.
Can the chamber operate continuously at −70°C?
Yes—continuous operation at −70°C is supported provided ambient room temperature remains ≤25°C and relative humidity ≤60%, with adequate ventilation clearance (≥60 cm rear/side spacing) around condenser units.
What refrigerant is used in the cascade system?
The RC-150 employs environmentally compliant R404A (low-GWP alternative) in the low-stage and R23 in the high-stage, both fully sealed and serviceable by authorized technicians only.
