C-MAC MicroTechnology enhances Test House

C-MAC’s new cold storage facility, which facilitates the testing of whole instruments down to -85°C, will enable manufacturers to test their electronics in space-like conditions for a prolonged period of time. The internal volume of the chamber is 800 x 650 x 950mm and this extends the test steady state hot and cold storage capability from -85ºC to +300ºC. As part of the general expansion of Test House capability, its accreditation has been extended to include EIA-364, particularly important for companies providing electrical connectors for applications in space and other harsh environments.

Another key feature of C-MAC’s enhanced test house facility is its new vibration system, which extends the static load capacity to 500kg. This six times capacity increase allows electrical, electro-mechanical and mechanical components and products to be tested at the C-MAC facility, which is particularly useful for companies working in oil and gas support services. This new 20kN system features a shaker with a 51mm travel providing sine, random, and sine-on-random waveforms. Bump and shock test capability has also been expanded to 50g, 6mS.

Paul Hill, General Manager, C-MAC, commented; “These improvements to our testing facility significantly enhance our offering in both the oil & gas and space industries. With the launch of the UK Space Agency we anticipate a growing need for UK-based testing facilities, so I’m very pleased that we can offer world leading facilities right here in Great Yarmouth.”

These extended services join C-MAC’s wide range of ISO 17025 accredited test methods which include; temperature cycle, thermal shock, high humidity, salt mist, salt corrosion, high and low temperature storage and insulation resistance, which have been a key element of C-MAC’s test services for many years.

C-MAC’s test house allows the rigorous testing of printed circuit board assemblies, hybrid modules and other electronic components employed in harsh environments, such as satellites, automotive applications and military aircraft. It is one of the few UK facilities used by C-MAC and other companies to ensure that components manufactured in Europe meet the stringent requirements of IEC 68, EIA-364, MIL-STD 883 and MIL-STD 202 test methods.