Accelerated Stress Testing

 

Check out our FAST chambers for HALT and HASS testing.

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Customers may download updated AST-8800 software.

Accelerated Stress Test (AST) Chambers accelerate product failures and fatigue by applying high levels of stress to products to reveal design defects. Utilizing extreme temperature change rates in excess of 70°C per minute and repetitive shock multi-axis vibration with acceleration over 50 g's, product design and operating limits can be established in just hours, rather than years. Organizations use AST to improve product reliability, reduce product development time and lower costs associated with production, warranty and field-related failures.

Thermotron AST systems are able to perform various accelerated stress test methods such as Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT), Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS), Step Stress Testing among others. Each type of stress precipitates specific defects that might be missed by traditional testing methods and equipment and more information on HALT/HASS testing can be found on our HALT/HASS page.

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AST-35

Inside an AST-35

The liquid nitrogen cooled chambers feature a high volume, adjustable air distribution system capable of pinpointing rapid airflow directly over the product. A large door located near the controller provides access to the chamber workspace and facilitates convenient product attachment and interconnect. Utilizing several sizes of repetitive shock vibration tables with durable, Teflon-coated impactors to last longer and reduce maintenance downtime, Thermotron's AST chambers allow impactor configuration to achieve the required vibration performance characteristics. Thermotron repetitive shock shakers incorporate a unique thermal isolation system designed to minimize thermal loading on the chamber and provide a stable condition for impactor operation.

Mechanically refrigerated AST Chambers that reduce or eliminate the necessity for liquid nitrogen and dramatically reduce the cost of operations are also available. For more information about Mechanically Cooled Alternatives for Accelerated Stress Testing see our presentation.

For customers that desire AST airflow and performance but have a large, cumbersome product unable to fit inside traditional AST Chambers, Thermotron has created FAST chambers. Utilizing a slide-out shaker, product loading has been made easy and expanded sizes up to 80 cubic feet allow for combined testing of large products.

Because all types of accelerated stress testing require that the product be continuously monitored while stresses are applied, Thermotron's Product Test Solutions group can provide hardware and software solutions to stimulate and monitor multiple product parameters, detect failures and collect pertinent information for proper failure mode analysis.

Our PC-based AST-8800 control system has been designed specifically for extreme change rate chambers and repetitive shock vibration systems. It features a 17-inch flat panel monitor that displays power spectral density, temperature and acceleration data all on easy-to-read screens. Ethernet-compatible and web-enabled with an internet-ready front end for virtual anytime/anywhere access.