Thermal shock test chambers (or thermal shock environmental test chambers) are a special type of environmental test chambers that you can use for thermal shock testing of your products. Thermal shock testing measures the resistance of the component to sudden changes in temperature.

The results of thermal shock testing can help you in evaluating faults in your design and manufacturing process, identifying weak components and estimating metal viscosity at extreme temperatures.

Thermal shock chambers come in three types: liquid-to-liquid, air-to-air and three-zone chambers. As the names suggest, liquid-to-liquid chambers and air-to-air chambers use liquids and air respectively. Three-zone chambers are similar and these chambers also allow for exposure to the room temperature between hot and cold air environments.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying thermal shock testing equipment are:

1. Temperature ranges for the thermal shock testing chambers
2. Heat rate for the thermal shock testing chambers
3. Capacity of the thermal shock testing equipment
4. Total power consumption
5. Required controls and accessories

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

Buy thermal shock test equipment from reputable manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, check out different test chambers for thermal shock testing.

I recommend: ESPEC, a reputable manufacturer of environmental test chambers, supplies thermal liquid-to-liquid and air-to-air thermal shock test chambers. Russells Technical Products manufactures air-to-air thermal shock test chambers. You can buy three-zone thermal shock test chambers at Associated Environmental Systems, a leading environmental test chambers manufacturer. Thermotron Industries is another supplier of thermal shock test chambers that operate within temperature range from -73°C to +200°C. Temptronic Corporation and CM Envirosystems are other manufacturers of thermal shock test chambers.

Buy thermal shock test equipment from distributors

For your thermal shock testing requirements, you can buy an environmental test chamber from distributors or retailers.

I recommend: Intertechnology, a distributor of testing and measurement equipment, offers thermal shock test equipment from leading manufacturers including Cincinnati Sub-Zero Products and Chart Industries. You can also buy thermal shock test chambers from other environmental test chamber distributors such as RDP Corporation and R. A. Mayes Company.

Buy used thermal shock test equipment

Used thermal shock test equipment can save you money when establishing a thermal shock testing setup.

I recommend: LR Environmental, supplier of used ovens and test chambers, offers used thermal shock testing chambers. Thermal Product Solutions is another thermal processing equipment manufacturer that can supply used thermal shock test equipment. Burnsco Technologies is another supplier of used thermal shock test chambers with different configurations such as bench-top and reach-in chambers.

Check out thermal shock testing services from reputable companies

If your thermal shock testing requirements are temporary, check out the services offered by thermal shock test labs.

I recommend: ESSC, Inc. provides thermal testing services to various industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical and telecommunications. Motorola Product Testing Services provides thermal shock testing services as per customers’ requirements. Environment Associates is another testing service provider that can conduct an array of climatic tests including a thermal shock test. DDL Inc. conducts various cycles of thermal changes for the component as a part of its thermal shock testing services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do not confuse a thermal cycling chamber with a thermal shock testing chamber. The difference between these two chambers is the heat transfer rate for the thermal processes.
• •  Train your employees properly about efficient use of your thermal shock test equipment.
• •  Get your thermal shock test equipment tested and serviced by reputable companies.