Climatics » Sand & Dust Testing

Sand and dust testing is crucial for various industries, especially those that produce equipment or devices intended for use in harsh environments. Blowing Sand can be extremely abrasive and can deteriorate paint, protective coatings, windows, plastics and labels on vehicles and components. Gears, rotors, and seals can be damaged by sand as well as jet engines and turbines. Since dust has a nasty habit of getting into areas of your product that can be detrimental to its operation. Circuit boards, relays, moving parts and equipment with air intakes, filters and fluid reservoirs can all be adversely affected when exposed to blowing dust.

So, Sand and Dust testing plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability, quality, compliance, and performance of products used in environments where exposure to abrasive particles is a concern. By conducting thorough testing, manufacturers can deliver products that meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.

At E-Labs, we can create adverse conditions to mimic situations such as the air blast from helicopter rotor blades in a desert or an Arizona dust storm. MIL-STD environmental testing is performed inside our facility using 2 separate sand and dust chambers, and we also offer an outdoor setup for items as large as a pickup truck. The outdoor facility is capable of producing wind speeds in excess of 200 mph.

• Durability Assessment

  These tests simulate harsh environmental conditions, such as coastal areas or industrial settings where salt exposure is prevalent. By subjecting materials to salt-fog or salt-spray, manufacturers can evaluate how well they withstand corrosion over time. This is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of products, such as automotive components, electronics, and marine equipment.

• Quality Assurance

  Integrating salt-fog and salt-spray testing into quality control processes helps identify potential weaknesses in materials and coatings early on. By detecting corrosion susceptibility during testing, manufacturers can address issues before products reach consumers. This ensures that only high-quality, corrosion-resistant products enter the market, bolstering customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

• Compliance with Standards

  Many industries have regulatory standards that mandate specific levels of corrosion resistance for products. Salt-fog and salt-spray testing are often prescribed in these standards as a means of assessing compliance. Ensuring that products meet these standards is essential for legal compliance, market acceptance, and maintaining competitiveness in the industry.

• Research and Development

  Salt-fog and salt-spray testing are invaluable tools in the development of new materials and coatings. Researchers can use these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative formulations and identify areas for improvement. By understanding how materials perform under simulated corrosive conditions, researchers can refine their compositions to enhance corrosion resistance, leading to the development of more durable and reliable products.

• Cost Savings

  Early detection of corrosion susceptibility through salt-fog and salt-spray testing can result in significant cost savings for manufacturers. Identifying and addressing corrosion-related issues during the testing phase helps prevent costly recalls, warranty claims, and reputation damage associated with product failures in the field. Additionally, optimizing materials for corrosion resistance can extend product lifespans, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance costs for consumers.