LabCompanion SA Series High Temperature Aging Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Model | SA-45 / SA-60 |
| Temperature Range | RT to +200°C (SA-45) / RT to +300°C (SA-60) |
| Uniformity | ±0.5°C |
| Control Accuracy | ±0.3°C |
| Air Exchange Rate | 1–200 times/hour (selectable) |
| Turntable Speed | 8–10 rpm |
| Internal Dimensions (W×H×D) | 450×450×450 mm (SA-45) / 600×600×600 mm (SA-60) |
| Power Supply | 220 V, single-phase, 5 kW (SA-45) / 7 kW (SA-60) |
| Compliance Standards | ASTM D2436, D573 |
Overview
The LabCompanion SA Series High Temperature Aging Test Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for accelerated thermal aging evaluation of polymeric materials—including elastomers, thermoplastics, insulating compounds, and cable sheathing—under controlled, reproducible conditions. Based on the principle of forced-air convection with regulated air exchange, the chamber subjects specimens to sustained elevated temperatures while maintaining precise thermal stability and spatial uniformity across the working volume. Unlike conventional ovens, the SA Series integrates a motorized turntable and programmable air exchange control to ensure consistent exposure of all sample surfaces, mitigating thermal gradients and orientation-dependent degradation effects. Its architecture complies with fundamental requirements for aging test validity as defined in international material standards, where temperature accuracy, chamber homogeneity, recovery time after door opening, and quantifiable ventilation rates are critical performance parameters.
Key Features
- High-precision PID temperature control with ±0.3°C display resolution and ±0.5°C uniformity across the entire working volume
- Motor-driven rotating turntable (8–10 rpm) to eliminate positional bias and enhance exposure consistency for multi-specimen testing
- Dual-mode adjustable air exchange system: low-range (1–10 air changes/hour) for slow oxidative aging studies; high-range (10–200 air changes/hour) for aggressive thermal-oxidative stress simulation
- Robust thermal insulation with multi-layered chamber walls and high-seal door gasketing to minimize heat loss and external ambient interference
- Calibrated airflow path design ensuring laminar, non-turbulent circulation—critical for repeatable oxidation kinetics and surface degradation profiling
- Standardized power-based air exchange rate calculation (per ASTM D2436 Annex A), enabling traceable verification without external instrumentation
- Modular electrical architecture supporting optional accessories including calibrated airflow meters with data logging capability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SA Series accommodates standard flat-panel specimens, molded test bars, wire insulation segments, and small-component assemblies on included square stainless-steel shelves. Its internal geometry and airflow configuration meet dimensional and procedural requirements specified in ASTM D573 (rubber), ASTM D2436 (plastics), ISO 4577 (polymer aging), JIS K7217 (elastomer aging), and UL 746B (polymeric materials in electrical equipment). The chamber’s thermal performance profile supports GLP-compliant test execution when integrated with validated calibration protocols and audit-ready documentation practices. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its analog/digital interface architecture permits integration with third-party electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS systems for full data integrity traceability.
Software & Data Management
The SA Series operates via an embedded microprocessor controller with intuitive membrane keypad interface and dual-line LCD display. Real-time temperature monitoring, elapsed test time, and turntable status are continuously shown. Optional data acquisition modules support RS-485 or Ethernet connectivity for remote supervision and periodic export of timestamped temperature logs. All recorded data adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 documentation principles—retention duration, version control, and operator identification fields can be configured per organizational QA policy. For regulatory environments requiring electronic signature and audit trail functionality, integration with validated third-party software platforms is recommended.
Applications
- Evaluation of thermal oxidative stability in rubber compounds used in automotive seals and hoses
- Service life prediction of polymer-based insulation in aerospace wiring harnesses
- Comparative aging studies of biodegradable packaging films under standardized oven conditions
- Pre-screening of encapsulant materials for photovoltaic module reliability qualification
- Validation of shelf-life claims for medical device polymers per ISO 10993-12 guidance
- Accelerated aging of adhesives and sealants for construction applications under controlled ventilation
FAQ
What standards does the SA Series explicitly support?
The chamber is engineered to meet the thermal performance criteria of ASTM D2436, ASTM D573, ISO 4577, JIS K7217/K7623/K6301, UL 746B, IEC 540, and BS 6746/903—particularly regarding temperature uniformity, air exchange quantification, and recovery behavior.
Can the air exchange rate be verified independently?
Yes—the built-in calculation method (N = 3590 × (X − Y) / (V × D × T)) uses measurable electrical power differentials and known chamber volume to derive air changes per hour without requiring external anemometry.
Is the turntable speed adjustable?
No—the turntable operates at a fixed 8–10 rpm range optimized for uniform specimen exposure and mechanical longevity; this value is standardized across both SA-45 and SA-60 models.
What is the maximum allowable specimen load volume?
Specimens must occupy no more than 25% of the internal chamber volume to preserve airflow integrity and thermal uniformity; overloading invalidates compliance with referenced test methods.
Does the unit include calibration certification?
Factory calibration certificates (traceable to NIST or equivalent national metrology institutes) are available upon request and may be included with purchase under formal QA agreement terms.
