Validate your products' durability with our liquid-to-liquid thermal shock testing that delivers superior temperature ramp rates between -65°C and +150°C. Our rapid transitions (under 10 seconds) identify potential failures faster than conventional methods, while custom specimen holders accommodate various product sizes. Meet industry standards while ensuring your products withstand real-world temperature extremes.

 

What is Thermal Shock Testing at Element? 

Thermal shock testing evaluates product durability by rapidly cycling components between extreme temperatures. At Element, we specialize in liquid-to-liquid thermal shock testing, where a programmable mechanical transfer arm rapidly moves test specimens between hot and cold liquid reservoirs in under 10 seconds. This method offers superior temperature ramp rates and comprehensive testing capabilities from -65°C to +150°C to validate your products' thermal resilience.

 

What Can Element Offer You For Thermal Shock Testing Services? 

 

Components and products we test 

Our comprehensive testing capabilities cover everything from delicate electronic components to robust aerospace assemblies. We specialize in testing multi-material products and bonded components where thermal expansion properties are critical. Our custom containment systems accommodate products of various sizes and geometries, ensuring accurate testing regardless of your product's specifications. 

  • Electronic systems and components 
  • Aerospace and defense hardware 
  • Transportation equipment 
  • Telecommunications devices
  • Bonded material assemblies 

 

Key tests offered 

We deliver industry-leading thermal shock testing through our advanced liquid-to-liquid systems. Our testing protocols simulate real-world conditions with unprecedented precision, helping you validate product durability and reliability. From standard compliance testing to custom thermal cycling programs, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific requirements. 

 

Methods and solutions offered 

Our liquid-to-liquid thermal shock systems consist of two reservoirs—one filled with a high-temperature liquid heat transfer medium and another with a low-temperature cold liquid. This innovative approach delivers superior results through rapid temperature transitions and precise control. The transfer typically occurs in under 10 seconds, subjecting your products to violent thermal shocks that far exceed what's possible with conventional air-to-air thermal chambers. 

We offer various heat transfer liquid options depending on your application's temperature requirements and material compatibility factors, including: 

  • Water for less extreme temperatures  
  • Silicone oils for moderately high heat  
  • Specialized thermally stable inert liquids with high electrical resistance and low surface tension for extreme testing 

 

Cutting-edge equipment we use 

Our state-of-the-art thermal shock testing facilities feature dual-reservoir systems with advanced temperature control capabilities. The programmable mechanical transfer arms ensure precise, repeatable testing cycles, while our specialized containment systems protect your products during testing. Our equipment maintains strict temperature tolerances throughout the entire testing process. 

  • Advanced dual-reservoir systems
  • High-precision temperature controllers
  • Specialized heat transfer mediums
  • Custom perforated specimen baskets for larger or oddly shaped test articles
  • Automated cycling mechanisms 

 

Which labs offer this service 

Our  team operates from Product Qualification Testing hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find out where your nearest Product Qualification Testing hub is on our Locations Page. 

  • Electronic components and systems 
  • Aerospace components 
  • Defense equipment 
  • Transportation systems 
  • Telecommunications hardware 

Rigorous methodology complies with numerous industry test specifications and quality assurance standards such as: 

  • MIL-STD-810 
  • MIL-STD-202 
  • MIL-DTL-38999 
  • TIA/EIA guidelines, and more 

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

your testing partner

Protecting products in extreme environments

Your products face dramatic temperature changes during real-world use, from scorching heat to freezing cold. Our thermal shock testing replicates these severe conditions, identifying potential weaknesses before they lead to costly failures. For example, we can simulate transitions from air conditioning to desert heat.

 

Ensuring transport and storage durability

Temperature fluctuations during shipping and storage can compromise product integrity. Our advanced thermal shock testing simulates these conditions, validating your product's resilience throughout its journey from manufacture to end-use. We help you identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they impact your customers.

 

Meeting rigorous industry standards

Navigating complex industry requirements can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive thermal shock testing services align with major standards including MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-202, streamlining your compliance process. We help you meet certification requirements efficiently while maintaining the highest testing quality standards.
  

Validating material bond integrity

When different materials are bonded together, mismatched thermal expansion properties can cause critical failures when suddenly exposed to temperature changes. Our sophisticated testing protocols evaluate these bonds under extreme temperature changes, helping you optimize designs with detailed insights into material behavior under thermal stress. 

Element Experts at your Service

Browse our experts by discipline and specialty, and explore their skills and experience.

Why Choose Element

More extreme temperature transition capability

Industry-leading transfer times under 10 seconds between extreme temperatures resulting in maximize thermal stress testing effectiveness.
 

Comprehensive temperature range

Testing capabilities from -65°C to +150°C meet your most demanding requirements.

 

 

Flexible testing solutions

Custom specimen baskets accommodate various product sizes and shapes.

 

 

Multiple medium options

Various heat transfer liquids available for optimal testing conditions.

 

 

Q: How does liquid-to-liquid thermal shock testing work? 
A: Our system uses two reservoirs—one with hot liquid and one with cold liquid. A programmable mechanical transfer arm rapidly moves your test samples between these reservoirs in under 10 seconds, creating violent thermal shocks that far exceed what's possible with conventional air-to-air chambers. 

Q: What types of heat transfer liquids do you use? 
A: We offer various options based on your testing needs: water for less extreme temperatures, silicone oils for moderately high heat, and specialized thermally stable inert liquids with high electrical resistance and low surface tension for the most extreme testing scenarios. 

Q: What types of failures can thermal shock testing identify? 
A: Thermal shock testing can reveal design weaknesses that lead to shattering, binding, cracking, or internal damage—particularly in products with bonded materials that have mismatched thermal expansion properties. This helps ensure your products perform reliably in real-world conditions. 

Explore our global network of Labs and find your nearest location

View all locations

Our team of over 9,000 Engaged Experts in North America, Europe, The Middle East, Australia, Asia and Africa are ready to help you.