S160 / S160D Transparent Acrylic Plant Growth Chamber

Overview

The S160 and S160D Transparent Acrylic Plant Growth Chambers are precision-engineered environmental enclosures designed for controlled biological experimentation under visible observation conditions. Constructed entirely from high-transparency, UV-stabilized acrylic polymer, these chambers enable real-time, 360° visual monitoring of plant development, microbial cultures, humidity-dependent material testing, and accelerated corrosion studies—without compromising structural integrity or thermal performance. Unlike conventional stainless-steel or painted steel incubators, the S160 series eliminates opaque barriers between operator and sample, supporting non-invasive longitudinal assessment in accordance with GLP-compliant experimental workflows. The chamber operates on forced-air convection with PID-regulated heating and integrated electronic temperature control, delivering stable thermal environments across a range of 5°C above ambient to 60°C. Its open-bottom architecture allows seamless integration atop auxiliary instrumentation—such as CO₂ analyzers, gas mixing manifolds, or automated imaging platforms—enabling modular system expansion in multi-parameter growth studies.

Key Features

• Full-view acrylic enclosure with optical clarity exceeding 92% transmittance in the visible spectrum (400–700 nm)
• Modular front-panel and top-hinged dual-access door design for unobstructed sample handling and optical alignment
• Two 10 mm diameter pre-drilled side ports per lateral wall, enabling feedthrough of sensors, tubing, or power cables without seal compromise
• Open-base configuration standard; optional acrylic base plate (SI60/1) and powder-coated adjustable shelves (SI60/2) available for customized load support
• Dual-control variants: analog potentiometer-based S160 (with factory-calibrated 37°C preset) and digital S160D featuring backlit LCD interface with real-time internal temperature logging
• Independent safety circuitry with fail-safe thermal cutoff at 72°C, compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity and EN 61010-1 safety standards
• Tool-free assembly: shipped disassembled in protective packaging; fully assembled in <15 minutes using only a Phillips screwdriver

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The S160/S160D accommodates diverse biological and material science applications—including photomorphogenic plant assays (under supplemental LED lighting), hygrothermal stress testing per ISO 4892-3, ASTM G154 cyclic UV exposure protocols, and ISO 9223 atmospheric corrosion simulation. Its inert acrylic construction resists degradation from mild organic solvents, low-concentration acids, and saturated saline mists—making it suitable for long-term exposure trials where metallic chamber interiors would introduce catalytic interference. All electrical components meet CE marking requirements and conform to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. While not classified as medical devices, its temperature accuracy (±0.1°C at 37°C) and uniformity (±0.3°C) align with ISO 13408-1 recommendations for non-sterile biological process validation environments.

Software & Data Management

The S160D variant supports passive data capture via its embedded digital controller, which records and displays current internal temperature with 0.1°C resolution. Though no proprietary software suite is bundled, the unit’s analog voltage output (0–10 V DC proportional to measured temperature) is compatible with third-party DAQ systems—including National Instruments LabVIEW, Keysight PathWave, and Python-based PyVISA implementations—for time-series logging, alarm triggering, and audit-trail generation. When deployed in regulated laboratories, users may configure external recording systems to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, provided appropriate access controls and change management procedures are implemented.

Applications

• Plant phenotyping under controlled light/temperature/humidity gradients
• In situ observation of fungal colony expansion or bacterial biofilm formation
• Accelerated aging tests for polymer coatings, adhesives, and encapsulants
• Humidity cycling experiments simulating tropical or coastal microclimates
• Integration into custom-built environmental test rigs for aerospace composite qualification
• Educational demonstrations of thermoregulation, condensation dynamics, and phase-change behavior

FAQ

Is the acrylic chamber resistant to UV radiation during extended illumination experiments?

Yes—the acrylic panels are UV-stabilized (ISO 4892-3 compliant) and maintain >90% optical transmission after 1,000 hours of simulated sunlight exposure.

Can the S160/S160D be operated in a cold room environment?

It is rated for operation at ambient temperatures ≥15°C; sub-ambient use requires external heating compensation and is not supported by default firmware.

Does the unit include humidity control capability?

No—humidity regulation is not integrated; however, external humidifiers or desiccant modules can be connected via the side ports.

What is the maximum load capacity of the optional SI60/2 shelf?

Each powder-coated shelf supports up to 5 kg evenly distributed load, tested per DIN 50014-23/50-2 specifications.

Are calibration certificates traceable to national standards available?

Factory calibration reports (NIST-traceable reference probe) are provided upon request at time of order; ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services are available through authorized service partners.