Environmental Testing
Environmental Chamber Tests
Extreme environmental conditions can have a detrimental impact on electronic products and components. Environmental testing is designed to show how your product responds to climatic conditions it may encounter in its lifetime and determine reliability.
Cranage EMC and Safety, based in Shropshire near Birmingham, has an extensive suite of environmental test chambers at our premises. These chambers simulate the majority of environments that your product may be exposed to, either through storage, transport, or operation. We can apply environmental stress parameters to suit worldwide climatic conditions to verify that a product can perform reliably in the intended environment.
We have climatic chambers to cover humidity, RH damp heat, solar radiation, temperature cycling and salt spray.
Don’t leave your product’s reliability to chance. Reach out below to explore our comprehensive environmental testing solutions and ensure your electronics can withstand the toughest conditions they may encounter.
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Solar Radiation Testing
Solar radiation testing simulates the deteriorating effects of UV sunlight on a product. Heat from exposed sunlight can cause many issues, including changes in electronic components, weakening of joints, and changes in the characteristics of some materials. We have an irradiation capability of 280 to 3000nm to verify fatigue in enclosures.
Our solar radiation experience includes testing within MIL-STD-810F, DEF-STAN 00-35 part 3, and IEC 60068-2-5. Don’t hesitate to enquire below about our solar radiation testing capabilities and fortify your product against UV-induced fatigue and deterioration.
Temperature and Humidity Testing
Extreme temperatures can make some materials brittle, cause expansion or contraction, and cause electronic failure. At Cranage, we can test a range of temperature and humidity requirements with chambers of varying sizes. Temperature or humidity related failures can cause your products to be out of action for a while, potentially causing to failures in electronic components, optical failures, water tightness, and material degradation, making it very important to get your products tested.
We can carry out these tests. Enquire below for tailored tests that ensure your electronics can withstand the toughest environmental conditions.
Salt Spray Corrosion Testing
Salt spray testing uses high saline to measure resistance to corrosions of metals, plastics, paints and surface coatings over a period of time. Testing is carried out in accordance with IEC / EN 60068-2-52. We can test equipment with dimensions up to 1.2m (L) x 0.8m (W) x 0.5m (H) and up to 20kg in weight.
Reach out below to learn more about our salt spray testing services, which are conducted in accordance with industry standards and ensure the durability of your products in challenging environments.
Shock and Vibration Testing
We also offer shock and vibration testing as part of our environmental facilities. This is typically used to evaluate how a product will react to random vibration, such as when in transit or a sudden shock.
Our shock capabilities are up to 500m/s², and our shock impulse modes are half-sine, triangle, rectangle, trapezoid and haver-sine.
We can test random, swept sine, and RSTD (Resonance, Search, and Tracked Dwell) vibration modes. Our capabilities range from 5Hz to 2kHz.
Get in touch with our experts below and find the the best way to fortify your product against unexpected impacts during transit or operation.
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Ingress Protection Testing
Ingress Protection testing, commonly known as IP testing, is used to test a product’s resistance to water and dust infiltration, as well as solid objects.
Many products have to withstand exposure to the elements, and IP testing is used to ascertain whether a product will operate as intended in its environment.
IP ratings are standardised ratings that confirm the type and degree of ingress protection the product possesses. Ratings always start with ‘IP’ and are then followed by two letters; the first digit will indicate the ingress protection against solid bodies and dust, whilst the second shows the protection against water ingress.
Types of IP Testing
When referring to either of these contaminants, the remaining type is identified with an ‘X’, showing that the relevant rating has not been given. For example, a rating of IP1X shows that the product has a rating of 1 against foreign objects and that a rating for ingress against water has not been given. Conversely, IPX7 indicates a moisture resistance rating of 7, with no rating against foreign body protection. When two numbers are provided, it shows that a product has been assessed and rated against both foreign objects and water. For example, IP68 shows that a product is protected against dust ingress and water submersion. This is a severe IP certification as the item must be dust-tight and protected against complete, continuous submersion.
IP testing is carried out in accordance with BS EN/IEC 60529, for which Cranage EMC and Safety is UKAS accredited. Using a UKAS-accredited laboratory for your IP testing gives manufacturers assurance that we have been assessed as technically competent, with accurate and reliable test results. BS EN/IEC 60529 covers the following:
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Defenses Against Solids, Dust, and Water
Solids/Dust
IP1X Protects against solid objects greater than 50 mm in diameter.
IP2X Protects against solid objects greater than 12.5 mm in diameter.
IP3X Protects against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm in diameter.
IP4X Protects against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm in diameter.
IP5X Dust Protected. Ingress is not totally prevented, but dust shall not penetrate in a quantity to interfere with the operation of the apparatus or to impair quality.
IP6X Dust Tight.
Water
IPX1 Protected against vertically falling water drops.
IPX2 Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15°.
IPX3 Protected against spraying water at an angle up to 60°.
IPX4 Protected against splashing water from any angle.
IPX5 Protected against water jets.
IPX6 Protected against powerful water jets.
IPX7 Protected against the effects of temporary immersion. The product is tested in 1m of water for 30 minutes.
IPX8 Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.
IPX9K
High-pressure and high-temperature testing. We now have a 50m2 indoor test area for evaluating water ingress to the highest rating currently available.
Initially developed for the automotive industry, IPX9K is suitable for any enclosure or apparatus subject to severe cleaning methods or environmental stresses. This high-temperature and pressure test system allows for the evaluation of washdown devices and machinery used in highly regulated industries, such as food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, oil, gas, and chemical industries.
We are able to provide IP testing to several specifications, including the commonly used IEC 60529 and DIN 40050-9 Road vehicles, degrees of protection, protection against foreign objects, water and contact, and electrical equipment.
Get in touch below to explore our high-pressure and high-temperature testing capabilities, including the latest IPX9K rating, and fortify your products.
