Flexible material folding temperature and humidity test chamber

Date: 11/11/2025 Categories: Video Views: 9655

Of course. Here is a detailed explanation of a Flexible Material Folding Temperature and Humidity Test Chamber, covering its purpose, key features, working principle, and applications.

Flexible Material Folding Temperature and Humidity Test Chamber: A Comprehensive Overview

This specialized equipment is formally known as an Environmental Stress Folding Endurance Tester​ or a Flexing Test Chamber with Climate Control. Its primary function is to simulate the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and repeated mechanical folding​ on flexible materials to evaluate their durability and longevity.

1. Primary Purpose

The chamber is designed to answer a critical question: "How will this flexible material hold up when it's constantly bent or folded under specific environmental conditions?"It accelerates the aging process that occurs in real-world applications, such as:

  • ••A leather shoe creasing in a hot, humid climate.
  • ••The repeated folding of a flexible electronic display.
  • ••A car seat fabric being bent in cold weather.

By testing in a controlled, accelerated environment, manufacturers can predict product lifespan, identify failure points, and improve material formulations.

2. Key Components and Features

A typical chamber consists of two main systems integrated into one unit:A. Climate Control System (The "Environmental" Part)

  • ••Temperature System:​ Includes a heater, refrigerant-based compressor (for cooling), and a high-capacity blower for air circulation. The range is typically from as low as -70°C​ (for extreme cold tests) up to +150°C​ or higher.
  • ••Humidity System:​ Includes a water tank, humidifier (often a boiler system), and a dehumidification system (usually tied to the cooling coils). The range is typically 20% to 98% Relative Humidity.
  • ••Control System:​ A programmable touchscreen PLC or controller allows users to set precise temperature/humidity profiles (e.g., cycle between high heat/humidity and low heat/low humidity).

B. Mechanical Folding System (The "Folding" Part)

  • ••Folding Mechanism:​ This is the core differentiator. Common types include:
    • ••Clamp-Type Folders:​ Two or more clamps hold the material sample and repeatedly fold it back and forth at a specific angle (e.g., 180°).
    • ••Crimp-and-Fold Type:​ The material is pressed and folded in a specific manner, often used for textiles and leather.
  • ••Sample Holders:​ Designed to securely grip test specimens of standardized sizes without slipping.
  • ••Drive System:​ An electric motor and crank mechanism that provides the repetitive folding motion.
  • ••Counter:​ A digital counter tracks the number of folding cycles applied to the sample until failure.

3. Working Principle

  1. 1.1.Sample Preparation:​ A standardized specimen of the flexible material is cut and clamped into the folding apparatus inside the test chamber.
  2. 2.2.Parameter Setting:​ The desired temperature, humidity, folding speed (cycles per minute), and total number of cycles (or until failure) are programmed into the controller.
  3. 3.3.Test Execution:
    • ••The chamber first stabilizes the internal environment to the set temperature and humidity.
    • ••Once stable, the mechanical folding mechanism is activated. It continuously folds and unfolds the specimen.
  4. 4.4.Evaluation:
    • ••The test continues for a pre-set number of cycles or until the material shows a defined failure (e.g., cracking, coating peeling, complete breakage).
    • ••After the test, the sample is removed and evaluated for damage. This can be a visual inspection or more precise measurement of physical properties (e.g., tensile strength, electrical conductivity for flexible electronics).

4. Common Test Standards

This equipment is used to comply with various international standards, such as:

  • ••SATRA TM92:​ A well-known standard for determining the flexing endurance of shoe uppers and similar materials.
  • ••ISO 7854:​ For determining the resistance to damage by flexing of coated fabrics.
  • ••ASTM D2097:​ Standard practice for determining the flex endurance of leather by the Bally flexometer.
  • ••Various OEM-specific standards for automotive interiors, apparel, and consumer electronics.
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