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A test chamber serves as a regulated space designed to evaluate the durability, stability, and functionality of various items, including equipment, products, and substances. This controlled environment replicates potential conditions that these items might experience in real-world scenarios. Advanced test chambers can simulate extreme temperature fluctuations, varying humidity levels, and significant changes in altitude.
Beyond simulating environmental factors, test chambers can be engineered to challenge a product's limits by applying physical forces like inertia, vibrations, and impacts that could cause damage.
The burst test, illustrated here, measures the maximum pressure that this cardboard sample can withstand before it breaks. This is an example of the endurance testing conducted within test chambers.
Test chambers also serve various other purposes, including:
The design of test chambers depends on the complexity of the tests they are intended to conduct, ranging from straightforward to highly intricate. They are available in a range of sizes to meet specific testing requirements and manufacturer preferences, from compact bench-top models for small components to large chambers capable of accommodating vehicles.
While size and environmental conditions are important, contemporary test chambers are equipped with advanced controls that deliver real-time data and readings, enabling technicians to modify conditions during a test. In a stable test chamber, as shown below, a predetermined set of parameters is set and maintained consistently over long durations.
Steady test chambers are engineered to uphold a consistent and precise temperature for age testing. They feature ducts and electronic control systems designed to sustain stable conditions over extended periods.
Test chamber sizes are determined by the product being tested, ranging from as small as one cubic foot to as large as 12,000 cubic feet, which can accommodate an airplane. Below, you'll find images of two different test chambers: one is a compact ISO environmental chamber used for testing industrial hot air dryers, and the other is a walk-in chamber designed to simulate various temperature and humidity conditions. The walk-in chamber measures 8'x4'x4' and includes a wind-driven rain system with a turbine capable of generating winds up to 160 mph (257 kph).
Modern test chamber controls enable technicians to oversee testing remotely from their desktop or laptop computers. Users can easily view set points, temperatures, and humidity levels through either preset or custom graphics tailored to specific conditions. Unlike older models that only provide data after a test, current technology allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of test parameters. The controller display below illustrates how air temperature, product temperature, and humidity can be tracked digitally and graphically, with data updates occurring every second.
Automated test chambers offer versatile programming options to simulate a range of environmental conditions in sequence. Users can set up a sequence of operations, including ramping, soaking, jumping, and automatic start and stop functions. The primary goal of these chambers is to assess a product's endurance and durability. They rely on a robust Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) designed to operate effectively in industrial environments.
Photostability testing evaluates how a product responds to different light exposures it might encounter during its lifecycle. The chamber meticulously examines the impacts of sunlight, UV rays, and various colored lights that may lead to color fading or degradation. It provides data on visual color changes, compares color variations, and detects metamerism, which involves color matching across different spectral power distributions.
For essential health products such as medications and drugs, photostability chambers induce forced degradation under extreme conditions to test their stability. Since 1990, this type of testing has become standard practice in industries like pharmaceuticals, paints, inks, and dyes.
The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) outlines standards for photostability testing in guideline Q1B, which provides two light source options for pharmaceutical evaluations. The Q1B test ensures that there are no significant unacceptable changes caused by the light sources.
Below is an image showing a photostability test conducted on golf-ball-sized spherical sensors to assess the impact of UVA and visible light (VIS).
During the research and development phase, prototypes undergo testing to evaluate their reliability, durability, and resistance to different environmental and climatic conditions, as well as their performance under typical usage. If a prototype fails, engineers analyze the issues to identify defects and work on resolving them.
The types and quantities of tests differ by industry. For instance, some areas of the automotive sector focus on paint durability, while others might concentrate on stress testing and structural analysis. Testing is crucial in contemporary industry. Below is a list of frequently conducted tests.
Testing is crucial in today's industry. Here is a list of some common testing methods.
Temperature Testing is the most common product stress test since fluctuations in temperature cause a product to expand or contract. The type of product being tested determines rates of temperature changes. Temperatures can range from a -112°F to 482°F (-80°C to a +250°C).
Humidity Testing is the second most common form of environmental stressor that can affect the internal workings of a product. Moisture or leakage can lead to oxidation and corrosion.
Accelerated Age Testing uses a set of atmospheric conditions to speed up the aging process to determine how long the product will last. It is mainly used with new products that have not been through the normal aging process. The full spectrum of tests is used, from temperature and humidity to shake and vibration. The chart below is a graph of the aging process of the luminous flux of a LED light.
Agree Testing combines temperature and humidity testing with vibration testing. It creates rapid temperature changes with varying humidity. The vibration test measures a product's reaction when being shipped or moved.
Thermal Shock Testing is testing that verifies the reliability of a product during rapid changes in temperature, which are more severe than the expected range a product may experience. It is used to determine the cracking and strength of bonding materials.
Altitude Testing tests the adaptability and reliability of a sample under low pressure, high temperature, and high altitude while measuring electrical performance parameters. These test chambers test vehicles, computers, and electronic components for high mountain conditions as well as packaging for air transport.
Moisture Testing simulate soaking and rainy conditions. They use watertight chambers for water spray testing and have self-contained recirculation systems. Water is injected by nozzles with flow meters to adjust the water supply.
Electrodynamic Vibrations or Shaker Systems conduct shock, vibration, and stress screening for failure analysis of electric PCB boards, mobile phone chips, aerospace equipment, military aircraft, automotive parts, tanks, and heavy weapons and equipment.
Electromagnetic Radiation Testing tests for the flow of electromagnetic waves from a product, is required by several nations, and must be repeatedly performed on production models.
Cyclic Corrosion Testing accelerates the corrosion process in laboratory conditions and is widely used in the auto industry. Materials may be submerged, dried off, or sprayed. The test is complicated and involves multiple exposure processes.
Salt Spray Test is another accelerated corrosion test that exposes a sample to a salt spray or salt fog. The test chamber subjects the sample to a constant and continuous indirect application of fog or spray.
Climactic Testing is testing that creates a controlled setting for all types of weather conditions to determine the reliability and longevity of a product. Climactic testing includes many of the other forms of testing, such as temperature, humidity, corrosion, and sand and dust.
Sand and Dust Testing is a form of testing that circulates sand, dust, and other possible contaminants at high speeds in the testing chamber. Particulate count and speeds are adjusted in accordance with per preset specifications for the tested material.
Vacuum Testing is mainly performed on equipment used in outer space or processes that include vacuum drying or coating
Cytogenetic Testing is designed for slide drying tests for the creation of in situ and non-in situ cell samples. For the best results, control of the temperature and humidity must duplicate the environment conditions for chromosome spreading. The results of a chromosome analysis greatly depend on the conditions where the evaporation of the methyl acetate or ethyl acetate fixatives happens.
Many test chambers are built to handle multiple types of tests, optimizing both cost and time. Specialized chambers assess the viability of new products nearing launch. Most chambers are used for temperature and humidity testing or for evaluating stress and vibration endurance. A few advanced models are equipped for Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) or Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT).
Test chambers play a crucial role in contemporary product development, testing, and marketing. Here are some of the various types available.
Anechoic or EMC test chambers are lined with sound and electromagnetic absorbing material to shield against attenuated electromagnetic interference. They test the radiated emissions of a product or its immunity to radiation emissions. Since the chambers are shielded against outside interference, an operator receives an accurate measure of the EMC field generated by a device and can determine if a piece of equipment complies with emission standards. The image below is of the interior of an anechoic chamber.
Cryogenic test chambers are designed to generate extremely low temperatures. By utilizing liquid nitrogen or helium, these chambers can achieve temperatures as low as -238°F (-150°C). Due to the need for gradual cooling, they are both time-consuming and expensive to operate.
Mechanical test chambers are used for various mechanical tests, including hardness, shock, vibration, impact, fracture, and fatigue. In certain industries, they are referred to as shakers. Below is an image of a tensile testing machine.
Modular test chambers are pre-engineered and prefabricated to accommodate a wide range of testing requirements. They feature adaptable modular electrical temperature control systems, allowing for customization to achieve specific testing conditions.
Pressure test chambers expose products to extreme pressures, simulating both static and fluctuating conditions at high altitudes and deep ocean levels. They can achieve pressures up to 60,000 psi or create a vacuum by reducing pressure.
Reach-in test chambers are portable units that can replicate a wide range of environmental conditions. They offer a convenient solution for botanical and biological research.
Remote conditioners can be used with large or hard-to-reach products. They have flexible temperature settings for secluded locations, can create temperature variations and humid conditions, are cost effective.
Stability test chambers provide a controlled environment where all conditions remain constant except for the variables being tested. They are mainly used for temperature and humidity testing but also conduct shelf-life evaluations for drugs, nutraceuticals, personal care products, and food and beverages, following ICH Q1A guidelines.
Steady test chambers are designed for long-term shelf life testing and can replicate various humid environments and temperatures. They are used for tests such as accelerated aging, packaging, life science studies, storage assessments, and research purposes.
Tabletop test chambers are designed for testing smaller items and offer similar functionality to larger chambers, with adjustable temperature and humidity levels. They are available in sizes ranging from one to four cubic feet.
Vacuum test chambers remove air and pressure from a sealed compartment to evaluate the effects of a vacuum. Testing by a vacuum test chamber is a required by the aerospace and defense industries. Spacecraft engineers use it for testing electronics, circuits, lenses, filters, and structural materials.
Walk-in test chambers are spacious enough for a person to enter, with sizes ranging from a small closet to large enough to accommodate a car or truck. They are capable of conducting a wide range of tests, including thermal shock, salt spray, humidity, and temperature variations. The YouTube video below features a Ford testing center conducting cold-weather tests on trucks and cars.
Welded test chambers are designed for high-temperature applications exceeding 200°F (93°C), as well as for high humidity, rapid temperature fluctuations, and altitude simulations. They feature a one-piece construction with a hermetically sealed steel frame.
For many years, test chambers have been employed to examine products in fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, automotive, electronics, solar cells, medicine, and industrial research. They provide a practical, cost-effective, and efficient means for evaluating products throughout their development, production, and distribution stages.
Since their inception, test chambers have become integral to nearly every aspect of manufacturing. Below is a brief overview of industries that utilize these testing chambers.
Auto industry - In the auto industry, test chambers provide artificial space to recreate possible conditions vehicles and their parts may confront during their lifetime. Test chambers allow engineers to accelerate conditions to determine the resilience of materials.
Pharmaceutical industry - The main forms of pharmaceutical testing are steady, accelerated aging, shelf life, and expiration date. As with the aerospace industry, pharmaceutical companies have very stringent regulations determining their production methods. Testing of medicines is one of the most crucial factors.
Standards and regulations for industrial equipment ensure data quality and user safety. Test chambers are subject to a wide range of certification organizations that outline requirements and specifications. The most recognized and frequently used designations are established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Companies have the option to select the standards they will adhere to. However, industries critical to public safety must comply with specific regulations. Many manufacturers aim to obtain certification from multiple certifying organizations to ensure broader compliance.
Here is a list of some certifying organizations.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental body and the leading developer of voluntary international standards. The ISO standards for test chambers include 10605 for electrostatic discharge, 16428:2005 for surgical implants, 16525-7:2014 for adhesives, 7137:1995 for airborne procedures, and 9022-20:2015 for optics and photonics.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) offers guidelines for military equipment through the Allied Environmental Conditions and Test Publication (AECTP) 100, which outlines environmental standards for defense materials. AECTP 100 specifies requirements for handling different types of ordnance.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets standards for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, chemicals, consumer products, food processing, medical devices, IT, telecommunications, manufacturing, pulp and paper, and safety and security. Originating in the United States to address manufacturing quality concerns, ASTM has grown to encompass 140 countries and includes 1,150 participating organizations.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was established to safeguard public health by setting standards for the quality and purity of products.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) issues standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies.
The Joint Electron Device Engineering Committee (JEDEC) establishes standards for microelectronics, focusing on overseeing technology in this field. Over its sixty-year history, JEDEC has developed testing methods and product standards for the semiconductor industry.
MIL-STD, developed by the United States Department of Defense, provides suppliers with standardized guidelines for the production of military weapons and equipment.
The Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) is focused on organizing complex issues within the aviation industry. It publishes standards for advancements in aviation and methods for testing aerospace instruments and equipment.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International develops standards for the transportation industry. Many testing organizations serving the automotive, truck, and aerospace sectors aim to obtain SAE certification.
Issue 4 of SR-332 outlines methods for predicting hardware reliability, known as the Telcordia Reliability Prediction Procedure. It utilizes data from major companies to create models for forecasting equipment performance.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conducts research and analysis on safety to develop standards for the commercialization of technology. It offers safety certifications, validations, testing, inspection, auditing, advisory services, and training.
UN/DOT 38.3 consists of regulations for the transportation of lithium batteries and has been established as a global standard.
An altitude chamber is a test chamber that is designed to simulate the altitude, vacuum, and temperature of environmental conditions at heights that match the flight patterns of all forms of aircraft, from commercial to military...
A climate chamber is an enclosed space that provides a controlled set of circumstances for testing the impact of various environmental and climatic conditions on industrial goods, commercial products, electronic devices, materials, and biological matter...
A cold room is a temperature controlled environment that is capable, through refrigeration, to create conditions for storage, experimentation, and preservation of foods, equipment, and medical supplies. The types of cold rooms are...
An environmental chamber is an enclosure used to test the effects of a variety of conditions on a product, component, part, or assembly. These highly technical pieces of equipment are capable of simulating the types of conditions a product may face while in use...
A humidity chamber is a mechanism that examines how products react when exposed to variations in humidity. This type of environmental testing is used by manufacturers to test the various parameters of their products in the harshest of conditions...
Stability chambers and rooms are climate-controlled environments that provide stable conditions for testing and storage. These specialized environmental chambers offer a precise, raised temperature or humidity to ascertain whether a...
A temperature chamber is a controlled environment capable of producing conditions that a product will encounter during its use. These highly controlled technical tools are able to produce the types of hazards, uses, and atmospheres a product may endure...
Thermal shock chambers are climatic chambers for thermal shock testing that are utilized to put the material to serious shocks. This is accomplished through the repeated and sudden passage to low temperature areas from...
A vacuum chamber removes air and pressure from a confined enclosure to test the effects of a vacuum on parts, materials, components, and assemblies. It can also be used to test the performance of applications for manufacturing operations...
The purpose of an environmental testing chamber is to examine the effects of a variety of climactic, physical, and other unique conditions on a product. They are designed to create environments that a product may encounter during its use...
A cleanroom is a specially designed enclosed space where airborne particulates have been limited or removed by a highly sophisticated filtration system. They are used by industries that require a highly controlled and monitored environment for the production...
Cleanroom products are specially designed and engineered to prevent the contamination and pollution of highly sensitive cleanroom environments. For a cleanroom to receive its level of classification, it is required to be cleaned, constructed, and sanitized to meet a list of qualifying conditions and standards....
A HEPA filter is a high efficiency pleated air filter capable of capturing extremely small particulate matter down to particles that are the size of a micron (µ), or a micrometer, which is 1/1000th of a meter...
Modular buildings are buildings made up of standardized sections, called "modules," manufactured in a controlled environment of a factory away from the building's future location. The common factory-made, standard modules include walls...
A modular clean room is a prefabricated, controlled environment that is constructed to limit the presence of sub-micron particulates. These specially designed rooms are assembled using prefabricated panels inserted into a frame. They are purchased as a kit to be assembled or can be constructed by a technician...
A portable cleanroom is a compact system that requires little space, provides mobility, is cost effective, and offers exceptional clean and filtered airflow to create an uncontaminated and sanitized environment. They are a modular designed room where...
A portable office is a mobile workspace that can be easily assembled and placed to provide a quiet and convenient location for meetings, completing paperwork, or examining plans. They are built using...
Prefabricated buildings, or prefabs, are buildings with components (walls, roof, and floor) that are manufactured in a factory or manufacturing plant. These components can be fully or partially assembled in a factory which is then transferred at the construction site...
A softwall cleanroom is a confined controlled space with a metal frame, clear panel walls, an entrance, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and exceptional lighting that is designed to provide a contaminant and particulate matter free workspace...
A cleanroom is a specially designed and configured room that has been constructed to eliminate dust particulates and atmospheric contaminants. They are commonly used for scientific research, pharmaceutical production, and other industries that produce products that can be damaged by unsanitary or polluted conditions...