Most products will need to be tested in an environmental test chamber before they’re released. Whether you’re testing a circuit board at low temperatures (-40°C), a sensor housing for moisture or a battery pack under heat, the machinery can be expensive, take up a lot of space and require regular maintenance. For a lot of companies, it can be left sitting unused.
Renting an environmental test chamber means you can pay a fee to use the chamber for the length of time your project will take (usually weeks or months). Many manufacturers, test laboratories and R&D teams are choosing to rent chambers to ensure accurate results, without having to invest in a full chamber. This guide will explain when, what and how to rent an environmental test chamber, plus what will affect the price and what to avoid.
When Should You Rent An Environmental Test Chamber?
Renting is best for defined test requirements.
- If you have a short test programme, such as qualifying a new product for a customer or completing one validation programme.
- You need to test quickly, perhaps your customer has set a deadline for you to complete.
- You need a backup solution. Your chamber is currently out of action for repairs or is booked in full.
- You have a tight budget. Startups or small suppliers may struggle to justify purchasing a full chamber for a few tests a year.
- To trial a chamber. Using a rental will give you an idea of how large and specified your chamber needs to be.
Benefits of Renting An Environmental Test Chamber
There are many benefits to renting an environmental test chamber.
1. No Capital Investment
By renting a chamber you won’t have to pay the full price upfront. You also won’t have to invest in setting up your site, 3-phase power and floor space. This means you save money to invest in production, staff or product development.
2.Quick Access to Test Equipment
If you were to purchase a new chamber you would have to specify, manufacture, deliver and commission. By renting you’ll have a chamber ready to go. If you have a set launch date or customer deadline, you can start testing much quicker.
3.Scale Up or Down As Required
Testing requirements aren’t always constant. You may have a busy period where you need 3 chambers and then nothing for the next 2 months. Renting means you can scale up when you need more and scale back down when you don’t.
4.Advanced Capabilities
Some tests will require specialist equipment such as thermal shock and vibration shaker chambers. If you only need to carry out these tests a couple of times a year it won’t be justifiable to purchase. Renting means you’ll have the capability for your project.
5.Less Maintenance
Chambers will require regular maintenance such as checking the refrigeration, seals and sensors. When renting, this will usually be handled by your provider. The chamber will arrive fully serviced and ready to use. Make sure you know exactly what is included in your agreement.
What Types of Environmental Test Chambers Can Be Rented?
Depending on what you’re testing, the size of your product and the conditions you want to replicate Envisys have a range of chambers.
1.EM-Series (Mini)
This is a compact benchtop chamber. Great for small items such as semiconductors, circuit boards and electronic components. The chamber can be 30L, 64L, 80L and 100L. It can reach temperatures of -60°C to +150°C and humidity of 35% to 95% RH. It’s ideal for R&D labs and QA teams with limited floor space.
2.ET Series (Mid)
This is our general purpose chamber. It has a temperature range of -70°C to +180°C and humidity of 10% to 98% RH. The chamber can handle up to 500kg evenly distributed on the floor. It’s great for larger assemblies.
3. EWS Series (Walk-In)
These are large chambers designed for testing whole systems. This could be vehicles, battery packs, electronic racks and defence equipment. They are modular and sized to suit your test item. The chamber can reach up to +180°C with wide humidity control.
4. ETS Series
This is a thermal shock chamber. It has a hot and cold section and uses a basket to move your test item between the sections. Usually taking less than 10 seconds. It can reach temps of -45°C to +210°C. It is used to identify cracked solder joints, poor bonding and failed seals due to rapid temperature changes.
5. ETV Series
This is a combination of temperature, humidity and vibration. It can be mounted to an electrodynamic vibration shaker. This means your product will be tested under heat, cold, humidity and vibration. This replicates what parts will experience in vehicles and aircraft.
How To Choose The Right Environmental Test Chamber
When renting a chamber you’ll only save money if you can actually run your test. Make sure your test matches the following:
- Temperature – Ensure the chamber can reach the max and minimum temperatures required by your standard. It should also have a little extra range. If you need to cycle temperatures check how quickly it can change.
- Size – Ensure there is enough space for your samples, fixtures and cabling. Also consider the weight of your samples. Heavier samples will slow down the temperature changes.
- Humidity – If you need to run damp heat or condensation tests, ensure it can control humidity. Check the humidity range, how stable it can be and what temperatures it can be controlled at.
Ensure it can run your test profile. This could be IEC 60068, MIL-STD-810, ISO 16750 or customer specification. We’d also recommend checking if it can log data. The controller should log all cycles, export data for your reports and alert you if anything goes wrong during an overnight test. Consider your application. If you’re testing batteries ensure it has extra safety features. Thermal shock requires a 2 section chamber and combined stress requires a chamber with a shaker. For more information see our guide on how to choose the right environmental test chamber rental company.
Environmental Test Chamber Rental vs Buying: Which Is Better?
The answer depends mostly on how often you test. This table compares the two.
As a rule of thumb, if a chamber would be in use most weeks of the year for several years, buying usually works out cheaper. If your testing comes in bursts, renting usually wins. Our full comparison of environmental test chamber rental vs buying goes into this in more depth.
How Much Will An Environmental Test Chamber Cost?
There is no set price for renting a chamber. The price will depend on a few factors.
- Type – A standard temperature chamber will be cheaper to rent than a thermal shock or combined vibration chamber. Size – A walk-in chamber will be more expensive than a benchtop chamber. Specification – Chambers with a larger temperature range, humidity and extra safety features will be more expensive.
- Length of hire – The longer you hire the more it will cost. However you may get a cheaper monthly rate. Make sure you know if there are any extra charges for delivery, installation, calibration and on-site support. The quickest way to get an accurate price is to tell them what standard you’re testing to, how large your samples are and how long you need it for.
Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Test Chamber
Most issues when renting a chamber will be due to the following:
- Picking the cheapest – If the chamber can’t reach the temperatures you need or can’t maintain them it will be a waste of your rental time.
- Incorrect sizing – Measure your samples and fixtures. Ensure there is enough space for air flow.
- Not considering your site – Make sure you have the correct power, floor space and access.
- No calibration – Ensure they can provide a current calibration certificate. If your results are going into a customer report it’s important to know they’re calibrated.
- No support – Ensure you know who to contact if the chamber breaks during your test and how quickly they can help.
- Not working with a company that understands the equipment – If they design and manufacture the equipment they can help you set up your test profile and quickly resolve any issues.
Why Choose Envisys?
Envisys Technologies is an environmental test chamber and thermal test system manufacturer based in Bengaluru. As we design and manufacture our chambers we understand how they will perform under load and how to set them up.
We have a wide range of chambers to suit most rental requirements. From our EM-Series benchtop chambers, ET Series climatic chambers, EWS walk-in chambers, ETS thermal shock chambers and ETV combined vibration chambers. Our engineers can help you find the right chamber for your standard, set up your test profile and support you throughout the rental. Find out more about what we can offer on our services page.
Final Thoughts
While environmental testing is essential, you won’t need all types of chambers. Often renting will be the smarter option for short term projects, tight deadlines, backup and specialised testing. It will save you capital, get you testing quicker and means you can swap out the equipment as your requirements change. Use this environmental chamber rental guide as a checklist and speak to an expert to ensure your chamber will work for your test from day one.
FAQs
How long can I rent an environmental test chamber?
Usually this will be agreed per project. You can rent for a few weeks up to several months. Tell them what your test plan is so they can ensure you have enough time to complete your programme with some extra time for retests.
Is calibration included?
Often yes. This will depend on the provider and what’s included in your agreement. Ensure they can provide a current calibration certificate that can be traced back to a recognised body such as NABL or NIST. If you’re hiring for a long time, ensure they include re-calibration.
Can I rent for short term testing?
Yes! One of the most common reasons companies rent their environmental test chamber equipment is for short term projects.
Can I customize the chambers?
You can make some changes to the chamber. This could be fixtures, cable ports and test profiles to suit your standard. Larger changes will depend on the model. Speak to your provider early to discuss your requirements.
Is installation included?
Many providers will deliver, install and commission the chamber. Especially for larger chambers. Make sure you know what’s included on your site.
