The performance, safety, and long-term reliability of automotive vehicles depend on the ability of components and systems to withstand complex environmental stresses throughout their entire lifecycle. From development validation to vehicle qualification, environmental testing is a critical step to ensure compliance with global automotive standards. Automotive environmental testing includes temperature and humidity exposure, vibration and shock under climatic conditions, dust and salt fog corrosion, IP protection testing, water splash and immersion testing, as well as combined and accelerated environmental stress tests.
LIB Industry provides complete environmental testing solutions for automotive components and systems, covering high and low temperature testing, temperature cycling, thermal shock, temperature and humidity exposure, salt fog and cyclic corrosion testing, water ingress and IP protection, dust testing, and mixed gas corrosion testing. LIB environmental test chambers are designed in accordance with major automotive and international standards, including ISO 16750, IEC 60068, LV124, GB/T 2423, IEC 60529, ISO 20653, and ASTM standards. These solutions support component-level, subsystem-level, and vehicle-level testing, helping automotive manufacturers and suppliers verify reliability, safety, and long-term performance while ensuring compliance with global automotive certification and validation requirements.
ISO 16750-4 / IEC 60068-2 Series / GB/T 2423 / LV124
This test is performed to evaluate the functional stability, material integrity, and structural reliability of automotive components under extreme temperature conditions.
a) The sample under test shall be stabilized at room temperature prior to testing.
b) The sample under test is placed in a temperature or temperature-humidity chamber with gravity or forced air circulation.
c) The chamber temperature is raised or lowered according to the specified rate to the defined high or low temperature limit (typically –86 °C to +150 °C, or as specified by the component requirement).
d) The sample under test is maintained at the target temperature for the specified dwell time before inspection or functional testing.
LIB temperature chambers ensure uniform airflow, precise control, and stable thermal conditions required for automotive validation.
Standard Item | IEC 60068-2-1 - Low temperature test |
Test Temperature | –40°C (most common) –25°C (interior components) –55°C (engine compartment / high-reliability components) |
Temperature Change Rate | ≤ 1–3°C/min |
Dwell Time | 2 h / 4 h / 16 h (commonly 2 h or 4 h) |
Acceptance Criteria | No cracking, no functional failure, and all parameters remain within specified tolerances |
This test characterizes the thermal durability of automotive components by exposing them alternately to low- and high-temperature environments, causing repeated expansion and contraction.
a) The sample under test is installed in a representative mounting position.
b) Temperature cycling is performed in accordance with IEC 60068, ISO 16750-4, or LV124, with minimum and maximum temperatures defined by the component specification.
c) The sample under test is maintained at each temperature extreme until thermal equilibrium is achieved.
d) A specified number of cycles (commonly 30–300 cycles) is completed to assess fatigue, cracking, or seal degradation.
Standard Item | IEC 60068-2-14-Temperature Cycling Test |
Test Objective | To verify product performance under repeated high-low temperature cycles |
Temperature Range | –40°C ↔ +85°C. –40°C ↔ +125°C |
Temperature Change Rate | 1–5°C/min (continuous ramp) |
Dwell Time at Each Extreme | 30–60 min |
Number of Cycles | 10 / 50 / 100 / 500 cycles |
Acceptance Criteria | No cracking, no functional failure, parameters within tolerance |
Applicable Standards:
IEC 60068-2-14 / LV124
Thermal Shock Test Chamber exposes automotive components to rapid temperature transitions to identify failures caused by extreme thermal stress.
a) The sample under test is transferred between hot and cold chambers with a transition time typically ≤3 s.
b) Holding time at each temperature extreme is maintained until thermal equilibrium is reached.
c) A high number of cycles is completed to assess long-term durability
Standard Item | IEC 60068-2-14 — Thermal Shock Test |
Test Objective | To verify product resistance to extreme and rapid temperature changes |
Low Temperature Zone | –40°C / –55°C |
High Temperature Zone | +125°C / +150°C |
Transfer Time | ≤ 10 s (air-to-air type) |
Dwell Time per Zone | 15–30 min |
Number of Cycles | 10 / 25 / 50 / 100 cycles |
Acceptance Criteria | No structural damage, normal functional performance |
GB/T 2423.4 / IEC 60068-2-30 / GB/T 28046 / LV124
This test evaluates the resistance of automotive components to high temperature and high humidity environments, which may lead to corrosion, insulation degradation, or material hydrolysis.
a) The sample under test is placed in a temperature-humidity chamber and subjected to cyclic or steady-state damp heat conditions.
b) Typical test conditions include temperatures up to 55–85 °C with relative humidity up to 93–95% RH.
c) The sample under test may operate continuously, intermittently, or remain non-operational depending on the defined operating mode.
d) After completion, visual inspection, electrical testing, and functional verification are conducted.
LIB temperature and humidity chambers support cyclic, steady-state, and frost-inclusive damp heat profiles required by automotive OEM standards.
Standard Item | IEC 60068-2-30 — Damp Heat Test |
Test Objective | To verify product resistance to cyclic high humidity and temperature conditions |
Temperature Range | +25°C / +55°C / +65°C |
Humidity Range | 93% RH (commonly), can vary according to test requirement |
Cycle Duration | 6 / 12 / 24 hours per cycle |
Number of Cycles | 3 / 5 / 10 / 20 cycles |
Dwell Time | According to cycle specification, usually 1–2 hours |
Acceptance Criteria | No structural damage, normal functional performance |
ASTM B117、ISO 9227、ASTM G85、JIS Z 2371、SAE J2334、Ford CETP / VW PV1210 / GM 9540P、ISO 9223、IEC 60068、ISO 2409
Salt Fog Test chamber evaluates the corrosion resistance of automotive components exposed to road salt, coastal environments, and winter driving conditions.
a) The sample under test undergoes pre-test inspection before exposure.
b) The sample under test is placed in a salt spray chamber and exposed to a 5% NaCl salt fog for a specified duration.
c) After spraying, the sample under test is transferred to a humidity or storage environment to simulate real-world corrosion cycles.
d) The spray and humidity phases are repeated according to the required severity level.
e) Post-test cleaning and inspection are performed as specified.
LIB salt fog and cyclic corrosion test chambers support neutral salt spray, cyclic corrosion, and combined humidity corrosion testing.
Standard Item | ASTM B117 -Salt Spray Test |
Prepare salt solution | 5% ±1 NaCl |
Collecting solution pH | 6.5–7.2 |
Salt spray chamber temperature | 35±1.5°C |
Mist flow rate at horizontal collection area | 1.0–2.0 ml/h/80㎡ |
ISO 20653 / IEC 60529 / LV124
Water ingress tests verify the protection level of automotive components against water splash, high-pressure water jets, and immersion.
a) The sample under test is installed in the IP test chamber in a representative orientation.
b) Water spray or high-pressure jets are applied from all accessible directions.
IPX1 – Drip rate 1 mm/min, 10 min, specimen rotates 1 rpm.
IPX2 – Same drip rate, 15° tilt in 4 directions, 10 min total.
IPX3 – ± 60° oscillation, φ0.4 mm holes, 0.07 L/min per hole.
IPX4 – ± 180° swing for stronger splashes.
IPX5 – 6.3 mm nozzle, 12.5 ± 0.625 L/min, 30–100 kPa, 2.5–3 m.
IPX6 – 12.5 mm nozzle, 100 ± 5 L/min, 100 ± 5 kPa, ≥ 3 min.
IPX9K - Water pressure may reach 8000-10000Kpa with water temperature up to 88 °C.
d) After testing, the sample under test is examined for water ingress and functional degradation.
Applicable Standards:
GB/T 31467.3 / ISO 20653
a) The sample under test is immersed in water or simulated seawater (typically 3.5% NaCl) for a defined duration for IPX7/IPX8.
b) The immersion depth and orientation simulate actual vehicle installation conditions.
IPX7 – Immersion depth up to 1 m for 30 min; simulates rainfall and splash scenarios.
IPX8 – Simulated immersion up to 50 m (5 MPa hydrostatic pressure); suitable for flood or diving conditions.
c) Post-immersion inspection and electrical testing are performed.
IEC 60068-2-68/ ISO 20653/ DIN 40050-9/ LV 124/ MIL-STD-810H/ IEC60529
Dust Test Chamber evaluates the resistance of automotive components to particulate ingress in desert, off-road, and urban environments.
a) The sample under test is placed in a dust chamber with controlled dust concentration and airflow.
b) The operating mode depends on whether the component is electrical, electronic, or mechatronic.
c) The test continues until the specified protection level is achieved.
LIB IP5X/IP6X/ MIL-STD dust test chambers support talcum powder and standardized dust testing in accordance with automotive requirements.
| Standard Item | IEC 60529 - Dust Protection Test |
Purpose | Test enclosure protection against ingress of solid objects and dust. |
First Characteristic Number (0–6) | 0 – No protection |
Long-term sunlight can fade automotive paint, yellow headlamp lenses, crack plastic housings and damage exterior coatings. Xenon-arc chambers simulate natural sunlight using full-spectrum light, combined with controlled temperature and humidity. They help evaluate the weathering resistance of automotive plastics, coatings, dashboards and lighting components. Relevant standards include ISO 4892-2, ASTM G155 and SAE J2527.
UV exposure accelerates aging of automotive plastics, rubber seals, interior materials and exterior coatings. UV chambers use UVA-340 and UVB-313 lamps to simulate sunlight exposure, with programmable UV, condensation and water-spray cycles. These tests help evaluate color fading, cracking and material degradation. Relevant standards include ISO 4892-3 and ASTM G154
IEC 60068-2-60 / LV124
This test evaluates corrosion caused by industrial and urban atmospheric pollutants.
a) The sample under test is exposed to a controlled mixture of corrosive gases (SO₂, H₂S, NO₂, Cl₂) at specified concentrations. SO₂ concentration: 1 ~ 35 ppm (adjustable). H₂S concentration: 10 ~ 30 ppm (adjustable). NO₂ concentration: 10 ~ 100 ppm (adjustable). NH₃ concentration: 1000 ~ 2000 ppm (adjustable)
b) The test is conducted at controlled temperature and humidity for extended durations (e.g., 21 days).
c) Post-test inspection and functional validation are performed.
By integrating temperature, humidity, corrosion, dust, water, and combined environmental stress testing, LIB environmental test chambers provide a complete solution for automotive validation and compliance. These systems support component-level, system-level, and vehicle-level testing to ensure reliability, safety, and conformity with global automotive standards.
Test | Key Conditions |
|---|---|
High/Low Temp Storage (K-01) | Two 24 h cycles: 12 h at Tmin + 12 h at Tmax |
Temperature Step (K-02) | 5°C steps, each held until DUT is at temperature, then parameter/function test; 6 DUTs |
Low Temp Operation (K-03) | DIN EN 60068-2-1, Test Ab; 12 h Mode II.a + 12 h Mode II.c at Tmin; 48 h total; 6 DUTs |
Repainting Temp (K-04) | 130°C for 15 min and 110°C for 1 h |
Thermal Shock (K-05) | Tmin ↔ Tmax; 15 min hold after equilibrium; transition ≤10 s; 300 cycles; 6 DUTs |
Operating Exterior Salt Spray (K-06) | DIN EN 60068-2-11 Ka, 35°C; 8 h spray + 4 h rest per cycle; 12 cycles (underbody/engine) or 8 cycles (others); 6 DUTs |
Operating Interior Salt Spray (K-07) | 35°C; 8 h spray + 4 h rest; 2 cycles; 6 DUTs |
Damp Heat, Cyclic (K-08) | DIN EN 60068-2-30 Var. 1; upper temp 55°C; 144 h; 6 cycles; 6 DUTs |
Damp Heat, Cyclic with Frost (K-09) | DIN EN 60068-2-38; 240 h; 10 cycles (first 5 with cold sub-cycle); 6 DUTs |
Water IPX0–IPX6K (K-10) | ISO 20653; 1 min Mode II.a + 1 min Mode II.c alternating |
High-Pressure/Steam-Jet IPX9K (K-11) | ISO 20653; ≥10,000 kPa (100 bar) at nozzle; 80°C; 6 DUTs |
Thermal Shock with Splash Water (K-12) | Heated to Tmax; 0–4°C splash water with 3% Arizona dust (ISO 12103-1); 3 s splash; 3–4 L per splash; 300–350 mm; 30 min cycle; 100 cycles; 6 DUTs |
Thermal Shock Immersion (K-13) | IPX7; immersion ≤5 s in 0°C 5% salt water; ≥25 mm fluid around all sides; 5 min immersion; 20 cycles; 6 DUTs |
Damp Heat, Steady-State (K-14) | DIN EN 60068-2-78; Severity 1: 40°C/93% RH/21 days; Severity 2: 65°C/93% RH, 47 h Mode II.a + 1 h Mode II.c; 6 DUTs |
Condensation (K-15) | 95–100% RH; 35 h total; 5 cycles of 7 h |
Mixed Flowing Gas (K-18) | DIN EN 60068-2-60 Method 4; RT; 75% RH; SO₂ 0.2 ppm, H₂S 0.01 ppm, NO₂ 0.2 ppm, Cl₂ 0.01 ppm; 21 days; 6 DUTs |
① IP5KX / IP6KX dust: Arizona A2 dust (ISO 12103-1), about 2 kg/m³ kept in suspension; DUT in normal installation position; one cycle = 6 s air-dust movement + 15 min break; 20 cycles unless otherwise agreed. IP5KX checks protection against dust ingress; IP6KX requires a dust-tight enclosure.
② IPX1–IPX6 water: vertical drip (X1); drip with tilt up to 15° (X2); spray up to 60° either side (X3); splash from any direction (X4); 6.3 mm nozzle, 12.5 L/min (X5); 12.5 mm nozzle, 100 L/min (X6).
③ IPX7 / IPX8: temporary immersion / continuous submersion under conditions agreed between users of the standard.
④ IPX9K: 14–16 L/min flow, about 8000–10000 kPa, 80 ±5°C, 100–150 mm distance, angles 0°/30°/60°/90°, 30 s per position, turntable 5 ±1 r/min.
① Moisture (Method B): water submersion for specimens without drain holes or vents; depth 150–175 mm; 1 h; water at laboratory ambient ±5°C.
② Dust: fine Portland cement dust, 3–5 kg in a chamber ≤2 m³, agitated every 15 min for 2–15 s, 5 h; no significant dust inside and luminous intensity ratio ≥0.9.
③ Corrosion: salt spray per ASTM B117-73, 48 h, 1 h drying before evaluation.
④ Warpage: light source at rated voltage, 46–49°C for 60 min; no warpage that causes failure of other required tests.
① J2527 UV accelerated weathering: 0.55 W/m²/nm at 340 nm; 180 min cycle (40 min light/no spray + 20 min light/front spray + 60 min light/no spray at 70 ±3°C BPT, 50 ±5% RH, then 60 min dark/water spray at 38°C, 95 ±5% RH); duration per material specification.
② J2020 fluorescent UV and condensation: repeated 8 h UV at 70°C + 4 h condensation at 50°C; UVB 0.48 W/m²/nm at 310 nm.
③ J2334 cyclic corrosion: 0.5% NaCl + 0.1% CaCl₂ + 0.075% NaHCO₃ for 15 min, then 50°C/100% RH for 6 h and 60°C/50% RH for 17 h 45 min; 24 h cycle; typically at least 60 cycles for coated products.
Test | Key Conditions |
|---|---|
Cold | –65 to +5°C; dwell 2/16/72/96 h; ±3°C; recovery ≥1 h; ramp ≤1°C/min for Ab |
Dry Heat | 30–1000°C; dwell 2/16/72/96 h; ±2°C or ±2%; humidity <20 g/m³ |
Damp Heat, Steady-State | 40 ±2°C, 93 (+2/–3)% RH; 4/10/21/56 days |
Solar Radiation | Procedures A/B/C; irradiance 1.120 kW/m² ±10%; 3/10/56 cycles |
Salt Mist | 35°C, 5% NaCl, 1–2 ml/h per 80 cm², pH 6.5–7.2; 16 h to 672 h |
Temperature Change | Na: rapid transfer, 5 cycles; Nb: controlled rate 1/3/5°C/min, 2 cycles; Nc: liquid baths 0°C/100°C, 10 cycles |
Cyclic Damp Heat | 40 or 55°C cycles; RH 95–100% on rise, 93 ±3% at dwell |
Composite Temp & Humidity | 10 × 24 h cycles; 65°C/93% RH; –10°C for ~3 h in five of first nine cycles |
SO₂/ H₂S | 25 ±5 ppm SO₂ or 10–15 ppm H₂S; 25°C; 75% RH; 4/10/21 days |
Cyclic Salt Mist | 5% NaCl spray 2 h + 40°C/93% RH storage; Severity I: 4 cycles; Severity II: 3 cycles |
Mixed Flowing Gas | Methods A/B/C; 25°C; 75% RH; 4/10/21 days |
Climatic Sequence | Dry heat 16 ±0.5 h; cold 120 ±5 min; low pressure 60 ±5 min |
8. Real Customer Success Stories from LIB Industry
LIB Industry's test chambers support automotive, battery, new energy and motor manufacturers around the world. The six projects below show how a customer’s specimen and test requirements translate into a complete test solution.
Case 1: Mercedes-Benz — Customized Chamber for Battery Pack Testing
Requirement. In September 2021, an engineer from Mercedes-Benz contacted LIB’s UK agent about a battery pack
testing project. The customer needed equipment capable of both high and low temperature testing as well as oil immersion testing.
LIB Industry’s solution.
① T-350C Environmental Test Chamber (customized): Detailed design drawings were prepared covering the battery fixture design, power connection openings, dimensions, quantity, installation positions and other interior configurations.
② High-power heating tube: Installed to rapidly heat the liquid in the tank and improve heating efficiency during oil immersion testing.
Result. Mercedes-Benz issued the purchase agreement in September 2022. The equipment was delivered and put into operation in November 2022. According to our UK agent, Mercedes-Benz was satisfied with the customized solution, and the chamber has been used successfully for battery testing.
Case 2: BYD — Temperature and Humidity Testing for PV Modules
Requirement. On February 19, 2020, BYD Brazil contacted LIB about environmental testing for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The customer needed to evaluate fatigue and thermal failure of PV panels under repeated temperature changes, and to verify thermal stress and long-term resistance to moisture penetration in high-humidity environments.
LIB Industry’s solution.
① PV-04 Temperature and Humidity Test Chamber: Simulates cyclic temperature variations and high-humidity conditions to evaluate PV module durability, thermal stress performance and moisture resistance.
Result. BYD placed an order on March 21, 2020. The equipment was delivered and put into operation in November 2020. The customer gave positive feedback on both the equipment performance and LIB’s after-sales service.
Case 3: Aptera Motors — IEC 61215 Testing for PV Panel Cells
Requirement. In December 2021, a Battery and High Voltage Systems Engineer from Aptera Motors contacted LIB
about environmental testing for photovoltaic panel cells. The customer needed a chamber compliant with IEC 61215, with customized plugs and power cords for their application.
LIB Industry’s solution.
① PV-04 Environmental Test Chamber: Configured to meet IEC 61215 testing requirements, and customized with plugs and power cords to support the customer’s PV cell testing program.
Result. Aptera Motors put the chamber into operation immediately after receiving it. LIB’s after-sales team provided continuous follow-up and technical support throughout the project. The chamber has performed reliably and met the customer's testing requirements.
Case 4: Magna — IP Water Ingress Testing for Automotive Components
Requirement. On September 23, 2022, Magna engineers emailed LIB about an IP water ingress testing project for automotive components. They specified typical specimen dimensions of approximately 6 × 6 × 6 inches and a weight of less than 10 pounds.
LIB Industry's solution.
① RD-1200C IP Rain Test Chamber: Provides reliable water ingress testing for automotive components, matched to the customer’s specimen size and weight.
Result. After technical discussions and solution confirmation, Magna ordered the RD-1200C on October 31, 2022. The chamber was delivered and supports the customer's waterproof performance validation.
Case 5: Nidec — From Single Chambers to a Walk-in Motor Testing Solution
Requirement. In June 2020, Nidec contacted LIB about environmental testing for motor products. The customer
needed a temperature chamber reaching -40°C, with a customized design to make motor connections easier during testing. In 2022, Nidec further required a large-capacity solution to improve batch testing efficiency.
LIB Industry's solution.
① T-1000B Temperature Chamber (customized): Built with a right-side access door for convenient motor connections.
② TR3-500B Rapid Temperature Change Chamber (customized, 2022).
③ TH-0098 Walk-in Temperature and Humidity Chamber (98 m³): Customized cable ports, precise humidity control and a modular structure for large-scale motor testing.
LIB also provided on-site installation, commissioning, operator training and preventive maintenance.
Result. Nidec reordered the T-1000B in 2021, showing confidence in LIB’s solution. The TH-0098 significantly improved testing efficiency and space utilization for batch motor testing. The customer expressed high satisfaction with both the equipment performance and LIB’s turnkey services.
Case 6: Fluid Routing Solutions — GMW16001 Water Spray Testing
Requirement. In March 2022, an application engineer from Fluid Routing Solutions contacted LIB about a water spray test chamber compliant with the GMW16001 standard. The customer needed to evaluate the leakage performance of sealing interfaces under water spray conditions and assess pass-through leakage behavior of the components.
LIB Industry's solution.① R-300 Environmental Test Chamber: Performs low-pressure spray, high-pressure spray and water immersion tests, enabling comprehensive sealing performance evaluation to GMW16001.
Result. Fluid Routing Solutions placed an order on November 2, 2022. The R-300 went into production immediately, followed by multiple rounds of quality inspection, packaging and safe transportation. The equipment was delivered in June 2023.
By integrating temperature, humidity, corrosion, dust, water, and combined environmental stress testing, LIB environmental test chambers provide a complete solution for automotive validation and compliance. These systems support component-level, system-level, and vehicle-level testing to ensure reliability, safety, and conformity with global automotive standards.
Looking for reliable environmental test chambers for automotive component validation? LIB Industry offers customized testing solutions to meet your specific test requirements and applicable standards. Contact our engineering team today at info@lib-industry.com to discuss your project and get a customed solution.
