LabCompanion RZ-80 High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | RZ-80 |
| Temperature Range | -20 to 100°C |
| Humidity Range | 30–95% RH |
| Internal Dimensions (W×H×D) | 40×50×40 cm |
| External Dimensions (W×H×D) | 97×80×65 cm |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Humidity Resolution | 0.1% RH |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.3°C |
| Humidity Control Accuracy | ±3% RH |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±1°C |
| Humidity Uniformity | ±3% RH |
| Heating Time | ~30 min (30→100°C) |
| Cooling Time | ~40 min (40→0°C), ~60 min (40→−20°C) |
| Air Circulation | Optimized Horizontal Forced-Air System with Dual-Independent Humidity/Temperature Pathways |
| Safety Features | Over-Temperature, Over-Humidity, Compressor Overload, Phase Failure, and Power-Fail Memory Protection |
| Expandability | Compatible with BIAS data acquisition modules and external chart recorders |
| Timing Relay Output | Yes, for synchronized dynamic testing |
Overview
The LabCompanion RZ-80 High-Low Temperature Alternating Environmental Test Chamber is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable simulation of cyclic thermal and hygrothermal stress conditions in laboratory and quality assurance environments. Designed around a dual-independent control architecture—separate PID-regulated refrigeration and humidification subsystems—the chamber delivers high-fidelity environmental replication across defined operational boundaries. Its core measurement principle relies on closed-loop feedback control of evaporator coil temperature, heater duty cycle, and steam generator output, continuously monitored via calibrated platinum resistance thermometers (PT100) and capacitive humidity sensors traceable to NIST standards. The unit complies with fundamental test condition requirements specified in IEC 60068-2-1 (cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (dry heat), IEC 60068-2-30 (damp heat, cyclic), and ASTM D4332 for conditioning of plastic and elastomeric specimens prior to mechanical evaluation.
Key Features
- Compact benchtop footprint (97 × 80 × 65 cm external) optimized for space-constrained laboratories—stackable configuration supported without structural reinforcement or auxiliary support frames
- Dual-path air circulation system: independent horizontal airflow ducting ensures uniform thermal distribution (±1°C) and stable humidity homogeneity (±3% RH) throughout the 40 × 50 × 40 cm test volume
- High-resolution environmental monitoring: 0.1°C temperature resolution and 0.1% RH humidity resolution, enabled by industrial-grade PT100 sensors and polymer-based capacitive RH transducers
- Robust safety architecture: integrated protection against over-temperature, over-humidity, compressor high-pressure cut-off, phase loss, and short-circuit faults; retains setpoint and runtime data during unexpected power interruption
- Modular expandability: standardized analog/digital I/O interface supports integration with LabCompanion BIAS data acquisition systems and third-party chart recorders for long-term trending and audit-ready logging
- Programmable timing relay output (dry contact) enables synchronization with external instrumentation—including load frames, leakage testers, and optical inspection stations—for time-correlated multi-parameter testing protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RZ-80 accommodates electronic subassemblies, PCBs, polymer encapsulants, medical device packaging, and small-scale mechanical components up to 15 kg total mass. Its internal stainless-steel chamber and non-outgassing insulation meet ISO 17025 laboratory infrastructure requirements for environmental conditioning prior to dimensional metrology or electrical safety verification. All control firmware implements deterministic scan cycles compliant with GLP data integrity principles, including user-accessible audit trails for parameter changes and alarm events. While not pre-certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the system’s hardware-level password protection, immutable event logs, and timestamped operation records provide foundational technical controls required for regulated pharmaceutical and Class II/III medical device validation per ICH Q5C and ISO 14971.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller features a 7-inch TFT-LCD HMI with multi-language UI (English, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese). Configuration, profile programming, real-time monitoring, and alarm history review are performed locally without external PC dependency. All environmental profiles—including ramp-soak-step sequences and multi-segment cycling—are stored in non-volatile memory with capacity for ≥100 user-defined programs. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 port in CSV format, compatible with MATLAB, JMP, and Minitab for statistical process control (SPC) analysis. Optional Ethernet connectivity (RJ45, TCP/IP) enables remote supervision using Modbus TCP protocol—facilitating centralized chamber fleet management in multi-lab facilities operating under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited QA systems.
Applications
- Accelerated aging studies of conformal coatings and potting compounds per IPC-CC-830B
- Pre-test conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to cycle life and safety testing (UN 38.3 Section 38.3.4)
- Stability assessment of diagnostic reagents and lyophilized biologics per ICH Q1A(R2)
- Thermal shock screening of MEMS sensors and automotive ECUs under JEDEC JESD22-A104E-defined profiles
- Validation of seal integrity for sterile barrier systems (ISO 11607-1) through controlled humidity cycling
- Material coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) correlation studies using digital image correlation (DIC) synchronized with chamber relay outputs
FAQ
What is the maximum sample weight the RZ-80 can accommodate without compromising thermal uniformity?
The chamber maintains specified uniformity performance up to 15 kg distributed load. Exceeding this limit may degrade airflow dynamics and require recalibration of sensor placement per ISO 12100 Annex C.
Does the RZ-80 support automated compliance reporting for ISO/IEC 17025 audits?
Yes—the system generates timestamped, tamper-evident log files containing all setpoint modifications, alarm triggers, and calibration verification timestamps, satisfying Clause 7.7.1 of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for equipment records.
Can the timing relay output be configured for pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of external devices?
No—the relay provides only dry-contact on/off switching at user-defined time points within a test profile; PWM functionality requires external solid-state relay interfacing.
Is the humidity generation system compatible with deionized water only, or can tap water be used?
Deionized or distilled water is mandatory to prevent mineral scaling in the steam generator and ensure long-term sensor accuracy; use of tap water voids the humidity sensor warranty.
How frequently must the PT100 and RH sensors be recalibrated to maintain specification compliance?
Annual calibration against NIST-traceable reference standards is recommended; calibration certificates include as-found/as-left data and uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
