LabCompanion TC-180 Compact Thermal Cycling Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | TC-180-5 |
| Temperature Range | -70°C to +150°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±2.0°C |
| Temperature Ramp Rates | 5–25°C/min (linear or non-linear profile) |
| Internal Dimensions (W×H×D) | 600 × 600 × 500 mm |
| Compliance | GB/T 5170.2-2008 |
Overview
The LabCompanion TC-180 Compact Thermal Cycling Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for precise, repeatable thermal stress evaluation of materials, electronic components, and small-scale assemblies under controlled temperature extremes. Utilizing a dual-stage cascade refrigeration system with optimized heat exchanger geometry and PID-controlled electric heating elements, the chamber achieves stable operation across a wide thermal range—from –70°C to +150°C—without humidity control (dry-cycle configuration). Its compact footprint (600 × 600 × 500 mm internal volume) makes it suitable for space-constrained laboratories, QC labs, and R&D environments where rapid thermal transitions and high reproducibility are required. The system operates on a closed-loop air circulation principle with axial fan-driven forced convection, ensuring uniform thermal distribution per GB/T 5170.2-2008 methodology. Temperature deviation remains within ±2.0°C across the working volume under no-load conditions at ambient +25°C, meeting baseline requirements for accelerated life testing, solderability validation, and thermal shock pre-screening in accordance with IEC 60068-2-14 and MIL-STD-810G methods.
Key Features
- Compact benchtop design with 180 L internal capacity—optimized for integration into automated test cells or shared lab spaces
- Selectable ramp rates from 5°C/min to 25°C/min, supporting both linear and programmable non-linear thermal profiles
- Dual-stage cascade refrigeration architecture with environmentally compliant R404A/R23 mixed-refrigerant system
- High-precision PT100 sensor array with real-time feedback compensation and independent over-temperature cut-off circuitry
- Intuitive 7-inch TFT touchscreen HMI with multi-segment program editor, event logging, and USB data export capability
- Robust stainless-steel interior chamber and insulated double-wall construction with low-thermal-conductivity polyurethane foam (≥120 mm thickness)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TC-180 accommodates samples up to 30 kg total mass and dimensions not exceeding 500 × 500 × 400 mm. It supports standard test fixtures, PCB carriers, and component trays via adjustable stainless-steel shelves. The chamber complies with national metrological verification standards GB/T 5170.2-2008 for temperature performance evaluation and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility requirements per GB/T 18268.1-2010. While not configured for humidity control (as indicated by the “TC” prefix), its thermal performance metrics satisfy preconditioning and storage test requirements outlined in IPC-J-STD-004, JEDEC JESD22-A104, and ASTM E1545. Optional liquid nitrogen auxiliary cooling can be integrated to extend ramp rates up to 30°C/min for high-acceleration thermal shock protocols.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller firmware supports full audit trail functionality—including user login, parameter modification timestamps, and alarm history—with optional RS485/Modbus RTU or Ethernet TCP/IP connectivity for SCADA-level integration. Raw temperature data is logged at 1-second intervals and exportable in CSV format for post-processing in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or statistical analysis platforms. For regulated environments, optional software packages provide 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, role-based access control, and encrypted database storage—enabling alignment with GLP and GMP documentation workflows.
Applications
- Preconditioning of lithium-ion battery cells prior to electrochemical cycling tests
- Thermal cycling validation of automotive ECUs, connectors, and passive components per AEC-Q200
- Material coefficient-of-thermal-expansion (CTE) screening for polymer composites and adhesives
- Reliability assessment of MEMS devices and optoelectronic packaging under repeated thermal stress
- Calibration support for thermocouple reference junctions and infrared thermometer verification
- Accelerated aging studies of medical device housings and sterilization packaging materials
FAQ
What is the difference between TC and TH model designations?
TC models denote dry-cycle (temperature-only) chambers; TH variants include integrated humidification and dehumidification systems for combined temperature-humidity testing.
Can the TC-180 be validated for ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation?
Yes—the chamber’s traceable temperature sensors, documented uncertainty budgets, and compliance with GB/T 5170.2-2008 enable inclusion in scope for accredited environmental testing services when paired with third-party calibration certificates.
Is remote monitoring supported out of the box?
Standard configuration includes Modbus RTU over RS485; Ethernet communication and cloud-based telemetry require optional firmware upgrade and gateway module.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Refrigerant pressure checks and condenser coil cleaning every 6 months; full system performance verification annually per GB/T 5170.2-2008 protocol.
Does the TC-180 meet UL or CE safety certification requirements?
The unit carries CCC certification per GB 4793.1-2018; CE marking is available upon request for EU delivery with EN 61010-1:2010 compliance documentation.
