Environmental Chambers
For Testing at Non-Ambient Temperatures
Compatible with both static and dynamic testing machines, the 3119-600 Series environmental chambers provide extensive temperature testing capabilities for evaluating material properties under non-ambient conditions. Chambers are available in a wide range of standard dimensions and can be fixed to the machine or mounted on roller brackets. They can also be fitted to other makes of testing machines with custom mountings, if needed. In addition, Instron can tailor complete solutions, including load string components, if the requirements for your application fall outside of the specifications of our standard chambers, grips, and fixtures.
HEATING AND COOLING
Heating is achieved by passing air over an electrically heated element. All chambers in the range come with heating as standard. Cooling is achieved by blowing cryogenic gas (either CO2 or LN2) into the chamber via an optional cooling valve. The cryogenic gas is normally stored in cylinders (liquid CO2) or a self-pressurizing Dewar (liquid N2). Waste cryogenic gas is exhausted to the rear of the chamber through a dedicated port to which a silicone rubber pipe can be attached and vented outside the laboratory environment.
SPECIMEN ACCESS
Access to the specimen and grips is via a left-hand hinged door that also contains a heated, optical-glass window. An internal light allows the inside of the chamber to be clearly seen if required. The chamber automatically turns off heating, cooling, and the fan when the door is opened, reducing the hot/cold air reaching the operator.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
A dedicated Eurotherm 3208 temperature controller mounted to the chamber is used to select the required set-point temperature. Temperature is monitored and controlled by a Type N thermocouple inside the chamber. The controller can be programmed with defined heating rates and dwell times (8 segments), as well as communicate with a PC via USB using compatible Instron software. It also features a 0-10V analog output of temperature for use by other devices, such as chart recorders.
CUSTOM CHAMBERS
For those testing applications that require more than a standard chamber offers, our Engineered Solutions Group is available to design specialized environmental chambers to fit your needs, including taller or wider chambers, chambers with higher temperature ratings, and custom load string components, such as grips and fixtures.