LabCompanion TC-180-2 Compact Rapid Thermal Cycling Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | TC-180-2 |
| Temperature Range | −70 °C to +150 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C |
| Temperature Deviation | ±2.0 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ≤2.0 °C |
| Heating Rate | 1–25 °C/min (linear or non-linear) |
| Cooling Rate | 1–25 °C/min (linear or non-linear) |
| Working Chamber Dimensions | 500 × 600 × 600 mm (W × H × D) |
Overview
The LabCompanion TC-180-2 Compact Rapid Thermal Cycling Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for high-fidelity thermal stress evaluation under controlled, repeatable conditions. Based on forced-air convection with dual-stage cascade refrigeration and precision PID-controlled electric heating, the chamber delivers rapid, programmable temperature transitions across a wide operational envelope—from cryogenic −70 °C to elevated +150 °C. Its compact footprint (500 × 600 × 600 mm internal volume) makes it suitable for laboratories with space constraints, while maintaining performance metrics aligned with international standards for thermal testing integrity—including ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles), IEC 60068-2-14 (change of temperature), and MIL-STD-810H Method 503.5 (temperature shock). The system is not intended for sterilization or humidity control; it operates exclusively in dry thermal cycling mode.
Key Features
- Robust dual-stage cascade refrigeration system enabling stable sub-zero operation down to −70 °C without liquid nitrogen dependency
- High-power resistive heating elements with multi-zone PID feedback control, supporting both linear and non-linear ramp profiles
- Thermally optimized internal chamber geometry with stainless-steel 304 construction and insulated double-wall design for minimized thermal leakage
- Real-time monitoring of chamber air temperature via three calibrated PT100 sensors (one at center, two at opposing corners) to validate uniformity and deviation specifications
- Integrated safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, compressor high-pressure protection, and door interlock with visual status indication
- Front-access service panel for field maintenance of filters, condenser coils, and refrigerant lines—designed to support GLP-compliant preventive maintenance logs
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TC-180-2 accommodates standard-sized electronic assemblies, PCBs, semiconductor packages (QFP, BGA, CSP), automotive ECUs, and small mechanical components up to 30 kg total load. Sample mounting is facilitated by adjustable stainless-steel shelves (two included) with 25 mm pitch spacing. The chamber complies with ISO 9001:2015 (design and manufacturing), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management), and ISO 45001:2018 (occupational health and safety) across its production lifecycle. While not certified to UL/CSA for North American field installation, its electrical interface (220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 32 A) meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) requirements. Traceable calibration certificates (NIST-traceable reference sensors) are available upon request for audit-ready validation.
Software & Data Management
The chamber is operated via a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI running embedded Linux-based firmware (v3.2.x), supporting up to 99 programmable test profiles with 99 segments per profile. Each segment defines target temperature, dwell time, ramp rate (1–25 °C/min), and transition mode (linear or rate-limited). Real-time data—including chamber air temperature (three-point average), setpoint, and elapsed cycle time—is logged internally at 1-second intervals and exportable via USB 2.0 to CSV format. Optional Ethernet connectivity enables integration into centralized lab monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo CC) using Modbus TCP protocol. Audit trail functionality records operator login, profile edits, start/stop events, and alarm acknowledgments—meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with external identity management.
Applications
- Thermal cycling reliability testing of microelectronic devices per JEDEC JESD22-A104E (Temperature Cycling)
- Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrochemical characterization
- Validation of solder joint integrity in automotive electronics under repeated thermal stress
- Material coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) screening for polymer encapsulants and underfill compounds
- Qualification of aerospace-grade connectors and harness assemblies per RTCA DO-160 Section 4.3
- Accelerated aging studies for optical coatings and MEMS packaging under alternating thermal loads
FAQ
What is the maximum sample mass the TC-180-2 can accommodate without compromising temperature uniformity?
The chamber maintains specified uniformity (≤2.0 °C) with static loads up to 30 kg distributed evenly across the two standard shelves. Loads exceeding 20 kg require verification of airflow obstruction via thermal mapping per ASTM E740.
Does the system support thermal shock testing with direct transfer between extreme temperatures?
No—the TC-180-2 is a single-chamber rapid thermal cycler, not a dual-compartment thermal shock chamber. It achieves fast transitions within one cavity but does not support basket-transfer shock per MIL-STD-810H Method 503.5.
Is remote monitoring and control possible via third-party SCADA platforms?
Yes—via optional Ethernet module and Modbus TCP register mapping (register list provided in technical manual v3.2.1). No proprietary drivers required.
Can the temperature sensors be recalibrated in-house?
Field recalibration requires NIST-traceable dry-block calibrator (±0.1 °C uncertainty) and firmware access credentials. Full sensor replacement must be performed by authorized LabCompanion service personnel to retain compliance with ISO 17025 traceability chains.
