The high and low temperature test chamber is used to simulate the working conditions of products in different temperature environments, and is widely used in industries such as electronics, electrical engineering, automotive, aviation, and materials. In order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of test results, it is necessary to not only rely on the performance of the test chamber itself, but also use appropriate fixtures to fix and support the test sample during high and low temperature testing.
Fixtures play a crucial role in experiments, as they not only affect the placement and stability of samples, but also affect the uniformity of sample heating, the reliability of test data, and other aspects. So, what are the fixtures suitable for high and low temperature test chambers? What are their types and application scenarios?
1 What is temperature test chamber fixture
The high and low temperature test chamber fixture is a device specifically designed to fix or support test samples, ensuring that the samples remain stable and do not shift in high or low temperature environments, while avoiding deformation of the samples due to gravity or environmental changes. Fixtures are usually customized according to the shape, material, size, and other characteristics of the test sample to ensure optimal support for the test sample under high and low temperature conditions. In addition, suitable fixtures can evenly heat the sample, ensuring the accuracy of the test results.
2 Types of fixtures
There are various types of fixtures available in the market to choose from for different testing needs. The following are common fixtures suitable for high and low temperature test chambers:
(1)Standard fixtures
Standard fixtures are the most basic fixed fixtures, suitable for samples with regular shapes and light weights. This type of fixture is commonly used for fixing conventional test samples such as electronic components, plastic materials, and metal parts. Standard fixtures are usually made of metal or engineering plastics that are resistant to high and low temperatures, and can adjust the tightness within a certain range to adapt to samples of different sizes.
Application scenarios:
-Temperature resistance testing of electronic components
-Aging test of plastic materials
-Temperature change testing of small metal parts
Advantage:
-Strong universality, suitable for multiple samples
-The price is relatively economical
Disadvantages:
-Not suitable for testing samples with complex shapes or larger sizes
(2)Customized fixtures
Customized fixtures are fixtures specially designed and manufactured based on the shape, size, weight, and other characteristics of specific test samples, which can provide more accurate fixing effects. Due to the different specifications and materials of each test sample, customized fixtures can be designed according to customer needs to ensure that the sample will not shift or deform during the testing process, while also ensuring uniform heating or cooling of the sample.
Application scenarios:
-Temperature test for special materials
-Testing of large or complex shaped samples
-Temperature change testing of precision instruments
advantage:
-Highly targeted and able to fully adapt to the sample
-Ensure the stability and accuracy of testing
Disadvantages:
-Long production cycle and relatively high cost
-Narrowly applicable and highly targeted fixtures are not suitable for use with other samples
(3)High and low temperature resistant fixtures
High and low temperature resistant fixtures are fixture materials specifically designed to cope with high or low temperature environments. Ordinary fixtures may experience embrittlement, expansion, deformation, and other phenomena under extreme temperature conditions, which can affect the accuracy of testing. And high and low temperature resistant fixtures usually use special materials such as stainless steel, ceramics, high temperature resistant plastics, etc., which can maintain their physical properties unchanged in high and low temperature environments.
Application scenarios:
-Material performance testing in extreme high or low temperature environments
-Long term high and low temperature testing
Advantage:
-Wide temperature resistance range, suitable for extreme environments
-Long term stable performance
Disadvantages:
-High manufacturing cost
-The weight of the fixture may be large and not suitable for lightweight samples
(4)Suspended fixtures
Hanging fixture is a fixture that fixes the test sample by hanging it in a high and low temperature test chamber. Unlike traditional fixed fixtures, suspended fixtures can reduce the contact area between the sample and the fixture, avoiding the influence of thermal conductivity or heat absorption of the fixture on the test results of the sample. Hanging fixtures are commonly used to test small, lightweight samples that require all-around heating, such as wires, cables, film materials, etc.
Application scenarios:
-High and low temperature performance testing of wires and cables
-Temperature resistance testing of lightweight materials
Advantage:
-The sample is heated more evenly
-Reduce the interference of fixtures on test results
Disadvantages:
-Narrow applicability, not suitable for heavier or larger samples
(5)Multi functional combination fixture
Multi functional combination fixture is a modular design fixture, where users can freely combine different fixing units according to the size and shape of the sample, and flexibly adjust the fixture’s fixing method. This type of fixture is suitable for various testing scenarios, especially for users who need to test different types and specifications of samples.
Application scenarios:
-Occasions requiring frequent replacement of test samples
-High and low temperature testing of multiple types of samples
Advantage:
-Strong flexibility and wide adaptability
-Easy to use, reusable
Disadvantages:
-The combination structure of fixtures may lead to complex installation
-The adaptability to certain special shaped samples is not as good as that of customized fixtures
3 How to choose suitable fixtures
Choosing suitable high and low temperature test chamber fixtures is the key to ensuring smooth testing and accurate results. Here are several factors to consider when choosing a fixture:
- Sample type
The type and shape of the sample are the first factors in selecting the fixture. If the sample has a standardized regular shape, a standard fixture can be selected. If the sample shape is complex, heavy, or requires special fixing methods, customized fixtures may be needed.
- Temperature range
The working temperature range of the high and low temperature test chamber will directly affect the selection of fixture materials. If testing needs to be conducted at extreme high or low temperatures, materials that are resistant to high and low temperatures, such as stainless steel or ceramics, must be selected.
- Uniformity of Heating
The structure and fixing method of the fixture will affect the thermal uniformity of the sample. If the sample requires uniform heating in all directions, a suspended fixture may be a better choice as it can reduce the contact area between the fixture and the sample.
- Testing accuracy
For some precision instruments or high-precision testing requirements, the stability of fixtures is crucial. Customized fixtures can be precisely designed according to testing requirements, ensuring that samples do not shift or deform during the testing process, thereby improving the accuracy of test results.
- Economy
The production cost of fixtures is also an undeniable factor. Although customized fixtures can provide more precise fixing effects, their manufacturing costs are relatively high. Therefore, when selecting fixtures, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the testing requirements and budget of the samples, and find the most cost-effective solution.
4 Maintenance and upkeep of fixtures
Appropriate fixtures can effectively improve the testing efficiency and accuracy of high and low temperature test chambers, but the maintenance of the fixtures themselves cannot be ignored. In order to extend the service life of the fixture, it is recommended to clean it regularly, especially after high-temperature testing, as there may be residues or surface oxidation on the fixture. In addition, the moving parts of the fixture should be regularly inspected to ensure smooth operation. If the fixture is damaged or worn, it should be replaced in a timely manner to avoid affecting the accuracy of the test results.