ESPEC has the widest selection of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, and precision industrial ovens.

Benchtop Test Chambers

Twenty different benchtop models

  • Temp-only or Temp/humidity
  • Ranges as wide as -85 to 180°C
  • Sizes from 1 to 4 cu. ft.
  • Fully programmable via touch-screen
  • Space-saving design
See all benchtop types
Reach-in Test Chambers

Five different product series:

  • Platinous - General use; 8-32 cu. ft.
  • Global-N - Fast cycling up to 20°C/m.
  • Platinum - 42 & 60 cu. ft. interiors
  • Agree - Custom vibration shaker integration
See all reach-in types
Walk-in Test Chambers

Standard and custom walk-in rooms deliver the temperature or humidity testing performance you need:

  • Modular for flexibility in design and installation
  • One-piece construction for extreme conditions
  • Drive-in systems for automotive applications
See all walk-in types
Industrial Ovens

ESPEC’s precision industrial ovens are used for high-temperature testing, as well as heat treatment and drying during manufacturing. With over 60,000 units sold worldwide, we have the high quality and features you need.

See all oven types

ESPEC has the widest selection of environmental test chambers. We can meet your reliability testing needs with our broad range of test chamber models. With our complete range of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, Qualmark chambers, and precision industrial ovens, our testing equipment will help you improve your product reliability. We can also work with you to develop a specialty custom-built chamber if you have more specific testing needs. Browse our environmental test chambers and contact us today to get your fast and free price quote!

Thermal shock, temperature cycling, accelerated stress test. ESPEC has more types of chambers for extreme testing of your product.

Thermal Shock Chambers

Five types of thermal shock chambers, including air-to-air and liquid-to-liquid:

See all thermal shock types
Global-N Temperature Cycling

Faster temperature cycling of 5 to 20°C/min.

  • Compact footprint
  • Over 50 temperature-only or temperature/humidity models
  • Interior sizes: 4, 12, 16, 28, or 35 cu. ft.
  • Stainless steel interior and exterior
  • Touch screen controller and USB standard
See Global-N Series
Qualmark HALT/HASS Systems

Environmental Chambers on Steroids for faster product development
(HALT = Highly Accelerated LIfe Testing)

  • -100 to 200°C at rates up to 100°C/min.
  • Six degree-of-freedom vibration / repetitive-shock tables
  • Table sizes from 18"x18” to 100”x48”
See all HALT/HASS systems
Extreme Thermal Cycling

All the thermal performance of a HALT system, but without a vibration table.

  • -100 to 200°C at rates up to 100°C/min.
  • Five sizes
  • Inferno option for extended high range of 250°C
  • Use in place of a traditional thermal shock chamber, or to supplement existing HALT programs.
Learn about Extreme Cycling
Compact Temperature Cycling

New model BTZ-4200 with fast 15°C/min. change rate

  • Wide temperature range: -70 to 180°C
  • Compact design based on our 4 cu. ft. benchtop models
  • Fits thru doors, requires no cooling water or LN2
Learn more about the BTZ-4200
Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)

Stress test chambers to eliminate infant mortality and ensure the reliability of your product

  • Change rates up to 20°C/min
  • >500 CFM horizontal airflow (workspace)
  • Designed for high volume throughput
See ESS Series

ESPEC has the widest selection of environmental test chambers. We can meet your reliability testing needs with our broad range of test chamber models. With our complete range of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, Qualmark chambers, and precision industrial ovens, our testing equipment will help you improve your product reliability. We can also work with you to develop a specialty custom-built chamber if you have more specific testing needs. Browse our environmental test chambers and contact us today to get your fast and free price quote!

Qualmark HALT Chambers are now a product line of ESPEC North America, further expanding "The Widest Selection of Chambers"

Qualmark HALT Systems

Qualmark offers the industry's most popular HALT chambers
(Highly Accelerated Life Testing)

  • Up to 100°C/min., -100 to 200°C
  • Six degree-of-freedom vibration / repetitive-shock system
  • Six chamber sizes witth tables from 18"x18” to 48”x100”
See all HALT Models
Non-Nitrogen HALT Systems

Conduct HALT programs with a high performance cascade refrigeration system

  • 15°C/min change rates (without LN2)
  • -70 to 180°C temperature range
  • Acceleration: 7 - 75gRMS (bare table)

The melding of ESPEC and Qualmark technologies

See EQ HALT models
Qualmark HASS Systems

Screen for known product weaknesses at production volumes
(Highly Accelerated Stress Screening)

  • Six tables for maximum throughput
  • -60 to 120°C at rates up to 60°C/min.
  • Six-degree-of-freedom vibration system
  • Acceleration: 5 - 40gRMS
Learn about HASS Series
Qualmark Benchtop Repetitive-Shock Table

Benchtop Vibration / Qualmark Repetitive-Shock Table

  • Six-degree-of-freedom vibration system
  • Acceleration: 5 - 60gRMS
  • Table sizes of 18"x18” or 24”x24”
  • Configurable for use inside temperature test chambers
Benchtop Repetitive-Shock

ESPEC has the widest selection of environmental test chambers. We can meet your reliability testing needs with our broad range of test chamber models. With our complete range of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, Qualmark chambers, and precision industrial ovens, our testing equipment will help you improve your product reliability. We can also work with you to develop a specialty custom-built chamber if you have more specific testing needs. Browse our environmental test chambers and contact us today to get your fast and free price quote!

Specialty environmental chambers and custom-built systems for specific testing applications.

Settling Dust Chambers

A ready-made solution for common dust tests for automotive and electronic-cabinet requirements. Often specified for use with "Arizona fine dust". See a video demonstration.

  • Two standard sizes
  • Low mess design
  • Options for different test methods
See Dust Chambers
Drive-In Chambers

ESPEC customizes each drive-in to include features to suit the simulation requirements.

  • Solid or panelized construction
  • Configurable for running vehicle testing
  • Dynamometer or Four-post road simulator integration
See Drive-in models
HAST - Highly Accelerated Stress Test Chambers

Drastically reduce time for humidity testing with high temperatures and high pressure. Designed for consistant, repeatable results.

  • Touch-screen controller
  • Conforms to EIA/JEDEC tests A110 & 102C
  • Automatic humidity filling
  • Specimen power terminals
Learn about HAST
Rain & Spray Test Chambers

Chambers for rain & spray simulation, including special tests like car wash spray.

  • Can meet IP Code, IEC, SAE, JIS, and most automotive-OEM test standards
  • High-volume floor drain system
  • Water pressure regulators, gauges and flow meters
  • Speed control for the rotating spray nozzles
  • See video demonstration of different spray types
See details on Rain/Spray
AGREE Chambers

Industrial-quality chambers for combination testing with vibration systems

  • Fast temperature changes of 5 to 25°C/m.
  • Chamber floor designed for interchangeable vibration system “floor plugs”
  • Customizable to meet your exact requirements.
See AGREE Series
Tensile Test Chambers

Temperature/humidity test chambers designed to work with tensile-test machines

  • Configured to fit your tensile-test machine
  • Refrigeration for temperature (and humidity) control
  • Actuator slots in the chamber floor and ceiling for test grips
  • Cart or bench installation
See Tensile Test Chambers
Altitude Chambers

Simultaneous testing of temperature and low-pressure altitude conditions

  • Altitude range from ground to 100,000 feet
  • Temperature range from -70 to 170°C
  • Automatic altitude control, integrated with temperature controller
  • Custom size and performance to meet your testing
See Altitude Models
Solar Panel Test Chambers Chambers

Chambers to complete certification testing of solar panel modules to IEC or UL standards.

  • Interior sizes: 48, 112 & 282 cu. ft.
  • 85°C/85% RH steady state testing
  • Temperature cycling rates up to 15°C/min.
See Chambers for Solar Panels
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ESPEC has the widest selection of environmental test chambers. We can meet your reliability testing needs with our broad range of test chamber models. With our complete range of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, Qualmark chambers, and precision industrial ovens, our testing equipment will help you improve your product reliability. We can also work with you to develop a specialty custom-built chamber if you have more specific testing needs. Browse our environmental test chambers and contact us today to get your fast and free price quote!

Stock and rental chambers from ESPEC.

Criterion Benchtop Models

Nine different models, two chamber sizes

  • Large interiors: 1.5 or 4 cu. ft.
  • Temperature range: -20 or -70 to 180°C
  • Models with humidity: 10 to 95%
  • Space-saving vertical design
  • Your most economical choice
See available models
Rental Models

Select models of our most popular chambers are available for rental.

  • SH Benchtops
  • Criterion Benchtops
  • Platinous Reach-ins
  • TSE-12-A Thermal Shock
  • Global-N Reach-in Temp Cycling
  • Qualmark Non-Nitrogen HALT
See available models
Refurbished Qualmark HALT Models
  • ​Get a HALT chamber with significant savings OR
  • Get your existing HALT chamber upgraded
See available models
Platinous Models

Your first choice for most general applications. Quality and competitive pricing.

  • Temperature-only or temperature/humidity models
  • 8, 14, and 32 cubic foot workspaces
  • Fully programmable, touch-screen operation
See available models
Compact Temperature Cycling Models

New model BTZ-4200 with fast 15°C/min. change rate

  • Wide temperature range: -70 to 180°C
  • Compact design based on our 4 cu. ft. benchtop models
  • Fits thru doors, requires no cooling water or LN2
See available models
SU/SH Series Benchtop Models

Premium features for the ultimate in testing flexibility

  • Two sizes: 0.8 & 2.2 cubic feet
  • Temp range of up to -60 to 150°C
  • Humidity models with 30 to 95%RH
  • USB and Ethernet standard
See available models
TSE-12-A Models

Small, economical system

  • Meets strict Mil-Std 883 performance
  • Volume: less than 1 cu. ft. (10L)
  • Only requires electricity
  • Direct-drive verticle-lift for reliable transfer between zones
See available models

ESPEC has the widest selection of environmental test chambers. We can meet your reliability testing needs with our broad range of test chamber models. With our complete range of temperature chambers, humidity chambers, Qualmark chambers, and precision industrial ovens, our testing equipment will help you improve your product reliability. We can also work with you to develop a specialty custom-built chamber if you have more specific testing needs. Browse our environmental test chambers and contact us today to get your fast and free price quote!

Learn more about Thermal Shock Chambers

Learn more about thermal shock chambers from ESPEC

  1. What is a thermal shock chamber and how does it work?
    1. These chambers rapidly change temperature by physically moving the product from a hot zone to a cold zone, or rapidly changing the air temperature by specialized means.
  2. What are the different models of thermal shock chambers available from ESPEC?
    1. There are elevator/lift types and air-exchange damper types.
  3. What temperature ranges can ESPEC thermal shock chambers achieve?
    1. All are around -65 to 180°C in range
  4. How do thermal shock chambers simulate extreme environmental conditions?
    1. Subfreezing temperatures are by a cascade refrigeration,
    2. Hot temperatures are generated by electrical resistance heaters.
  5. What safety features are included in ESPEC thermal shock chambers?
    1. Elevator systems have special protections to avoid injury from moving lift.
  6. How do ESPEC thermal shock chambers compare in terms of energy efficiency?
    1. The modern TSA series are 50 to 70% more efficient than their predecessors.
  7. What international testing standards can be met with ESPEC thermal shock chambers?
    1. https://espec.com/na/chamber_f...

Following are links to the most popular thermal shock testing standards in use today.

EIA, Electronics Industries Association

EIA’s JEDEC Solid State Products Engineering Council has many published specifications for environmental testing. The JESD22 group of specifications include temperature/humidity, thermal shock, and HAST. You must register, but the standards are free!

  • The air-to-air thermal shock test is JESD22-A104D “Temperature Cycling”
  • The liquid-to-liquid thermal shock test is JESD22-A106B “Thermal Shock”

Mil-Std 883:

The electronics industry has used this Military Standard 883 as theirs. It is what the JEDEC spec listed above is based on. This page offers the entire text of the standard in Adobe Acrobat format, but you don’t need the whole thing. (Note: Current version is “883J Method 1010.8”. Previous versions 883C, 883D, 883E, 883F, 883G, 883H are the same basic standard, which was numbered 1010.6 and 1010.7.)

  • Download the 1000 section (covers test method) Print out pages 33-35 to get Method 1010.8 “Temperature Cycling” for air-to-air thermal shock
  • Print out pages 37-39 to get Method 1011.9 “Thermal Shock” for liquid-to-liquid thermal shock

Mil-Std 202G:

Another thermal shock method is part of Military Standard 202. Once again, you don’t need the whole specification, just a few pages.

  • Scroll down till you find Method 107 “Thermal Shock” for air-to-air and liquid-to-liquid thermal shock methods

Technology Report Downloads:

Our Technology Reports cover thermal shock testing as part of a general review of testing methods, as well as specific articles. These are in the Adobe Acrobat format.

Issue #3 (pdf link)

  • Understanding the Technology
    • Thermal shock testing
    • Current trends and example
  • Report 1: Confirming reliability of printed circuit boards with temperature cycle and thermal shock

Thermal Shock Chamber ZonesUnfortunately many people use the same name to refer to different tests. Thermal shock is one of those. Let me elaborate:

Definitions:

1. Alternately dipping the product in hot and cold liquids. More precisely, this should be referred to “liquid-to-liquid thermal shock”.

2. Changing the air temperature as quickly as possible in a single chamber. This we would recommend calling “thermal cycling” or “stress screening” and isn’t truly thermal shock.

3. Moving the product from a hot to a cold chamber or other sudden change of the air temperature. This is “air-to-air thermal shock” or “two-zone thermal shock.”

***

Sometimes during transfer as described in 3, there is an intermediate step of exposure to room temperature. This is done to allow manual transfer of the product. This is called a “three-zone thermal shock”. Mil-Std 202F method 107G allows such a step, for example.

So, from the above list, you can see the variations in what people commonly call “thermal shock”. It should also be noted that some specifications call for “thermal cycling” which is actually “air-to-air thermal shock”.

With thermal shock tests, there are also several ways to define and measure the performance. Thermal shock tests focus on “recovery time”, or how long it takes to stabilize after the switch.

Recovery time can also be defined several ways:

1. Time it takes for the product to move from zone to zone. True name: “transfer time”

2. Time for the air temperature to recover in the new zone. This can be measured in the air stream before or after the test load. This can be called “upstream recovery time” or “downstream recovery time”.

3. Time for the physical product to recover, called “product recovery”. This time is dependent on where the sensor is placed on the load. Mil-Std 883 method 1010.7 defines their requirement as “worst-case” product recovery, which is for a sensor embedded in a sample buried among other samples.

***

Of course, some test specifications only make the confusion between thermal shock and thermal cycling worse. One example is Telcordia (Bellcore) GR-468 that states “Method 1010 of Mil-Std 883C with a minimum temperature ramp rate of 10C/min.” Many people assume that a cycling chamber that does 10°C/min. is sufficient, although the Mil-Std clearly defines the transfer time and recover time, which, if you have been paying attention a thermal shock test.

So when you are asked to do a thermal shock test, be sure that you have a clear definition of the requirements, otherwise it is easy to do incorrectly, or buy the wrong equipment.

Learn more about Walk-in Test Chambers

What is a “panelized” walk-in chamber?

Panelized walk-in chambers are test chambers constructed using interlocking insulated panels, allowing for easy assembly of any size without significant construction challenges during move-in. Panels are typically sealed together with special silicone caulking. A separate temperature/humidity conditioning system (we call a MAP), is installed in one wall of the chamber. The panels are manufactured to ESPEC high-quality standards, for a wide range of testing conditions.

What benefits do panelized chambers offer?

Being able to select a chamber box size for your needs is important, including door size and location. Utilizing a standard MAP sub-assembly allows for faster and more efficient manufacturing, and installation at your site.

What temperature and humidity conditions can be simulated in ESPEC's walk-in chambers?

ESPEC's walk-in chambers can simulate temperatures ranging from -35°C or -65°C to as high as 85°C. Humidity testing range of 10% to 95% RH, with special low-humidity options available. Temperature cycling rates of up to 10°C/min. are possible. (Higher temperatures or extreme humidity like 85°C/85% can be accommodated with a solid walk-in chamber.)

This size test chamber is more likely to be testing fully-running products. Let us know things like: The mass of the product, heat generated by the product, possible ingress or occupation by people, power or other supporting inputs for the system to operate.

Are panelized walk-in chambers suitable for extremely large applications?

Absolutely! ESPEC North America has successfully built extremely large drive-in chambers using panels, showcasing their scalability. The panels are lightweight, making move-in to your installation site easy. Larger chambers may need structural members for the ceiling, which would be included with your system. Large double-doors can be included, for maximum access.

How does ESPEC determine the right walk-in-test chamber for my needs?

We base the selection of the proper conditioning MAP, chamber, and system features, based on the information provided about your application. Every panelized walk-in system is built to order. Simply provide details such as desired chamber size, site limitations, temperature extremes, test profiles, humidity control needs, test load details, and any other specific testing requirements to your sales representative. Our price quotes typically include a concept drawing so you can start planning with confidence.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on the types of materials that can be tested in ESPEC's walk-in chambers?

Our chambers typically use wire elements for heating, which can ignite flammable gasses emitted by your product. Additionally, there may be instances of chemical leaching from humidity testing. Please inform us if your product emits any chemicals or poses a risk of doing so during testing.

What considerations should be made for site planning?

When planning for site installation, it's important to account for floor space and provide additional space for the conditioning MAP adds, as well as three feet (one meter) spacing for servicing. In applications where large or frequent loading occurs, consideration should be given to installing a floor pit, so the insulated floor is at the same level as the room. Local codes, safety regulations, and considerations for the planned usage of the equipment should also be thoroughly investigated. All walk-in chambers include an interior safety release.

How does ESPEC assist with the installation and initial setup of walk-in test chambers?

ESPEC provides dedicated installation teams for large systems like walk-ins. Before installation, our team will meet with you to review the project. Typically, a basic walk-in chamber can be installed and commissioned within one week.

Can ESPEC's walk-in chambers be integrated with external testing or monitoring equipment?

Yes, our walk-in chambers can be built to integrate with third-party test systems such as lighting, power supplies, robots, vibration and motion simulation, and battery cyclers.

Platinous Air-cooled FrontPlatinous Air-cooled InsideESPEC’s larger and high-performance test chambers typically are water cooled systems. The water is used to cool the refrigeration system at its condenser. (See our last newsletter for details about water-cooling.) Our smaller, standard chambers avoid water-cooling by expelling the heat directly to the room via an air-cooled condenser. For larger refrigeration systems, this would create too much heat and be too large to be acceptable.

In instances where water-cooling is impractical, ESPEC can provide a remote air-cooled condenser. This condenser is placed outside, much like many buildings’ air conditioning condensers are. The refrigerant is piped to the condenser, where high velocity fans cool it before it is returned to the system. Because we use less common refrigerants with special capabilities to allow extremely low temperatures, our condensers are much more sensitive to outdoor temperatures. Typically, we limit our performance guarantee for a system to a maximum outdoor temperature of 35°C (95°F). As the temperature increases above this point, the performance of the chamber drops, eventually shutting down at around 40°C (104°F).

Walk-in Remote Air-cooled CondenserTo keep the ambient air at your condenser at its lowest possible and keep the system running efficiently, plan ahead. Locate the condenser in a shady location, preferably on the north or east side of your building. If placing the condenser on the roof, a reflective surface, like white pebbles, is best. Of course, allow adequate spacing for good airflow. Only for the most demanding, high production applications, should this be a serious concern. In regions where the design standard is higher than 95°F, ESPEC will need to oversize the refrigeration condenser and/or adjust the pressure limits of the system. To learn more, check out this web page: https://www.howstuffworks.com/ac.htm

Platinous Air-cooled FrontWhy do our larger test chambers need cooling water? The water is used to cool the refrigeration system at its condenser (where the refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid). Our smaller, standard chambers can do this by expelling the heat directly to the room via an air cooled condenser (similar to a refrigerator). But because the larger compressors used with our high performance systems would create too much heat and noise, water cooling is preferred. Cooling water can be from any source, but the following basic requirements are needed:

  • Water should be clean.
  • Water temperature should be between 5 and 30°C (41 to 85°F).
  • The pressure delta between the inlet and outlet should be 200 kPa (30 psi).
  • The flow rate specified for the equipment must be available at all times.

Because the quantity of water required may be too expensive to draw from a city water system, some customers select external cooling systems that re-circulate the water. This is especially beneficial when more than one system is involved, as one cooler can handle multiple systems. There are two types of coolers:

  • Evaporative coolers, which use the evaporation of a water spray to cool the re-circulating water. This method still consumes water and cannot cool to lower temperature.
  • Chilled coolers, which use a refrigeration system to cool the water. This system then uses an air cooled condenser to expel the heat outdoors.

Either system may use ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) mixed with the water to extend the temperature range of the cooling loop, mostly to avoid freezing. The use of anti-freeze makes the cooling less efficient, which means a higher overall flow rate is required. All ESPEC water cooled systems include a water regulating valve that only allows as much water as is required to maintain the outlet water temperatureof 35°C (95°F). The GPM (gallons per minute) value ESPEC specifies is a maximum flow rate. More at Wikipedia: Chillers, Cooling towers