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How Do Thermal Chambers Work?

Jul 21, 2025

Thermal chambers are specialized environments designed to simulate extreme temperature conditions for product testing. They are vital in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where product reliability under varying temperatures is critical.

 

LIB's thermal chambers offer different models including fast cycling, 2-zone, and 3-zone thermal shock systems-each designed to replicate real-world thermal stress scenarios with precision.

How Heating, Cooling, and Airflow of Thermal Chamber Work Inside

Thermal chambers create controlled environments by precisely managing heat input, cold generation, and internal airflow.

 

Equipped with French Tecumseh compressors and robust alloy heaters, LIB Thermal chambers deliver precise heating and cooling. Electrical resistance elements elevate temperature, while the refrigeration system ensures efficient low-temperature performance.

 

A low-noise (≤65 dBA) centrifugal fan system with even-numbered forward and reverse cycles circulates air throughout the chamber without dead angles, ensuring uniform temperature and humidity distribution. Conditioned air is evenly delivered around each specimen, minimizing thermal gradients and guaranteeing consistent exposure across all samples.

 

A closed-loop PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller continuously monitors chamber temperature via PT100 class A sensors and adjusts heater/cooler output to maintain setpoints within ±1 °C.

 

Component

Function

Heaters

Use electrical resistance to rapidly increase air temperature.

Refrigeration Units

Compressors and evaporators circulate refrigerants for fast cooling.

Air Circulation Fans

Ensure uniform temperature distribution by moving air throughout the chamber.

PID Controller

Maintains precise temperature setpoints using feedback control systems.


In fast change rate chambers, temperature ramps can be controlled at 5°C, 10°C, or 15°C per minute or more. This capability allows stress testing components that must withstand sudden environmental changes.

LIB Thermal Testing Solutions: Fast Temperature Cycling, Two-Zone & Three-Zone Shock Chambers

a) Fast Change Rate Thermal Cycle Chamber

info-642-642

-Designed for rapid temperature ramp-up and ramp-down.


- Meets standards like IEC 60068-2,VW 80000,ISO 16750,UL 2580,...


- Ramp rate adjustable: ≥5°C/min, ≥10°C/min, or ≥15°C/min.


- Intelligent PID control ensures efficient stabilization and recovery.

Advantages

1. Adjustable ramp rates-user‑selectable 5 °C, 10 °C, or 15 °C per minute to suit varied ESS protocols.

2. Rapid defect detection-accelerated cycling uncovers latent flaws faster than standard chambers.

3. Energy‑saving recovery phases-PID‑controlled loops optimize heater/cooler output for minimal power draw.

4. Minimal temperature overshoot-closed‑loop control holds setpoints within ±0.5 °C, protecting sensitive samples.

5. Shorter test cycles-efficient temperature transitions and recoveries boost overall throughput.

b) 2-Zone Thermal Shock Test Chamber

info-700-700

- Two separate chambers: hot and cold.


- Sample basket automatically transfers vertically between chambers.


- Transition time: <3 seconds.


- Recovery time: <5 minutes.


- Equipped with water drainage to prevent freezing during condensation.

Advantages

1. Extreme temperature performance - operates between +220 °C and –75 °C to simulate rapid thermal mutations across a wide test range.

2. Fast transfer mechanism - basket transitions between zones in <3 seconds with ≤5-minute recovery time, shortening test cycles and increasing throughput.

3. Safe and stable sample transport - dual system of chain drive and precision guide rails ensures smooth, centered movement to protect test samples.

4. High durability for heavy loads - wear-resistant chain system supports reliable testing of weighty components such as automotive parts.

5. Flexible shelving system - adjustable/removable shelves accommodate varying sample sizes and simplify cleaning and maintenance.

6. Power-on testing support - built-in cable hole with stainless steel cap enables live monitoring of powered devices during testing.

7. Anti-condensation defrost system - prevents icing and condensation to ensure accurate results, equipment longevity, and a clean test environment.

8. Corrosion-resistant interior - SUS304 stainless steel construction resists moisture damage, lowering maintenance needs and extending lifespan.

c) 3-Zone Thermal Shock Test Chamber

info-700-700

- Includes Pre-Heat Room, Test Room, and Pre-Cool Room.


- The specimen remains stationary in the central test room.


- Air from hot/cold zones is rapidly redirected using pneumatic dampers.


- Ideal for testing large objects with high throughput.


 

Advantages:

1. Stationary samples - test items remain fixed, avoiding mechanical damage and simplifying setup.

2. Fast air switching - pneumatic dampers deliver rapid hot/cold air circulation for efficient thermal shock.

3. Pre-heated/cooled zones - maintain ready conditions for faster temperature transitions.

LIB Provides Thermal Systems with Vibration and More

Beyond temperature cycling, LIB offers integrated systems that combine thermal chambers with vibration tables, enhancing stress screening protocols. These combined environments are vital for industries requiring HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening).

 

Additional Capabilities:

- Custom chamber sizes available for oversized products.

- Optional humidity control modules.

- Combined environmental + vibration simulation.

-Efficient global service with 3-year warranty and lifetime support.

-Professional English-speaking after-sales team providing 24-hour support.

-Fast delivery within 7–15 days and complete installation guidance.

 

Thermal chambers from LIB simulate extreme temperature environments with high precision, offering models suitable for fast ramping, 2-zone transfers, and stationary 3-zone shock testing. Whether testing for reliability, endurance, or stress tolerance, these systems deliver dependable, configurable, and efficient performance across demanding industries.

 

Contact LIB today to customize your thermal testing solution-engineered for precision, built for performance.

 

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