Products often have to withstand extreme environmental conditions during their life cycle. Whether in the heat of the desert, the humidity of the rainforest or the cold of the Arctic – the demands on the resilience of materials, electronics and mechanics are high. Temperature and climate tests are the key to ensuring the reliability and durability of products.
Which industries need temperature and climate tests?
Almost every industry that manufactures physical products requires temperature and climate testing. Here are a few examples:
- Automotive industry: Electronic control units, sensors and mechanical components in vehicles must function reliably – even in extreme temperature fluctuations between winter and summer.
- Medical technology: Medical products that are used in tropical or cool regions must be able to withstand the climatic conditions prevailing there.
- Consumer electronics: Consumer electronics such as soundbars, headphones or laptops are exposed to different temperature conditions during storage, transport and use.
- Energy technology: Inverters that are installed outdoors alongside photovoltaic systems are exposed to extreme conditions for decades.
What test methods are available?
1️⃣ Long-term temperature tests
This test simulates accelerated ageing of the product. Products are exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time. This method shows how the material properties change and what weaknesses the product exhibits after years of use. Example: An inverter that has been in use for 20 years is subjected to a similar load in a test within one year.
2️⃣ Temperature change tests
Here, the product is exposed to constant temperature changes in order to test how it reacts to material expansion, shrinkage and mechanical stress. A typical example is electronic components that are tested between -40°C and +85°C. These tests are particularly important in the automotive and electronics sectors.
3️⃣ Climate tests
Climate tests go beyond pure temperature tests. Humidity is also regulated here to simulate the effects of a humid, tropical climate or extremely dry desert air. This is important for products that are sold worldwide and have to function in different climate zones.
How long do temperature and climate tests take?
The duration of the tests varies depending on the test procedure and objective:
- Long-term tests can take months to a year if, for example, 20 years of product life are simulated in one year.
- Temperature cycling tests are usually faster. They can be carried out in a few days to weeks.
Climate tests take between a few days and several weeks, depending on the intensity of the test.
Examples from practice
- Inverter: An inverter that is installed outdoors next to a photovoltaic system must withstand extreme heat and cold for years. A long-term temperature test is used to simulate how the product will behave after 20 years of use.
- Soundbar: A soundbar that is placed under the TV in a warm home does not have to withstand extreme temperatures. The only stress occurs during transport when the product is exposed to hot or cold conditions. Short transport tests over two to three days are sufficient to guarantee functionality.
- Automotive sensors: Sensors that are installed in cars must work perfectly at temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. Temperature change tests are used here, which can be completed within a few days.
Why are temperature and climate tests important?
- Quality assurance: Products that undergo temperature and climate tests have higher product reliability and fewer failures in the field.
- Customer confidence: Products that perform even under extreme conditions gain customer confidence.
- Approval requirements: In many industries, such as the automotive industry or medical technology, temperature and climate tests are required for product approval.
- Image & brand value: Companies that manufacture high-quality and durable products strengthen their brand image and can set themselves apart from the competition.
Conclusion
If you want your product to function even under extreme environmental conditions, temperature and climate tests are essential. Whether electronics, medical technology or automotive components – with the right tests, you can ensure that your product is reliable, durable and suitable for all environments. Would you like to find out more about the ideal test strategy for your product? Contact us for a personalised consultation and let’s work together to find the ideal solution for your requirements.
