Whether looking to expand your lab to include an environmental test chamber or environmental testing lab, or whether you simply want to test your products more thoroughly during development, making such a decision requires some thought. You may not know exactly what product may suit your test situation, it may make sense to get some help with your acquisition plan for your environmental testing business or product testing lab.

Several things you need to consider before you place investment capital in an environmental chamber are:

1. The size of the environmental test chamber
2. The type of environments you need to expose your testing items
3. Whether to lease, rent or buy new or used environmental test chamber
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ask a consultant or supplier to help you develop a plan for your environmental test chamber needs

Many factors determine which environmental test chamber is right for your situation. It might be a good idea to consult a laboratory stability chamber manufacturer directory to get an idea of the range of products available. Then ask a consultant, or one of the suppliers you find, to help you select the right product or products that are right for your situation.

I recommend: Environmental Test Chamber Manufacturers has an environmental test chamber directory including suppliers which custom make solutions for your specific needs. Tescor is one such supplier that custom designs test chambers small enough for document storage and large enough for vehicle testing.

Get several price quotes for environmental chambers

One you develop a plan, get several quotes from suppliers that specialize in the type of environment chamber your business requires. Whether it's one of the used environmental walk in chambers for storing original antique documents and photographs or a small new temperature controlled chamber for your environmental testing business, you want to get the best price and service.

I recommend: Thermal Product Solutions, a division of SPX has a quick easy online quote form and a wide range of products as well as custom solutions. Envirotronics also has an online contact form that can include your specifications.

Consider new and used environmental test equipment acquisition options

Once you have decided on a model and supplier, ask your sales associate about leasing and renting options as well as the cost effectiveness of buying used test chambers over new. Many suppliers have buy back programs and pay cash or offer credit for the equipment your company has grown out of.

I recommend: Bemco, a leader in the in the environmental test chamber industry, has trade-in policies as well as leases available starting at a 12 month term. TestEquity specializes in economical test equipment acquisition and has lease, rent and purchase options on several environmental test chambers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Smaller chambers, while economical, may cause a problem if your company grows out of them. You may opt for a larger environmental chamber, or rent the smaller chamber, especially if you expect your company's product line or testing facilities to grow out of a small chamber in less than five to seven years.