Refurbished chambers
When faced with the decision to purchase equipment, there is always the temptation to purchase the newest and best to ensure top quality. This can be especially true when deciding on purchasing a testing chamber since the data acquired from it can be a critical part of the product development process. The daunting part of the decision is the cost of a new testing chamber, depending on size, which can be several thousand dollars.
Refurbished testing chambers provide and economical alternative and can perform the same tasks as new ones but at a much lower cost. To some, the name refurbished may have the same meaning as inferior. In reality, refurbished testing chambers are put through a rigorous rebuilding process that transforms them from used to practically new.
Refurbishing can take two forms. Companies that manufacture testing chambers will get used chambers from their customers and refurbish them for resale with the limitation that the company only sells chambers they have produced. Companies that specialize in refurbishing follow the same process but offer chambers from a variety producers. In either case, the refurbished chambers are put through very strict and stipulated processes to ensure quality and value.
Refurbishing begins when the initial owner requests the used chamber be removed. Before being shipped, the chamber is inspected for contaminates and possible defects that may be a problem during transport. This initial inspection provides valuable information for the refurbishing team as well as a first assessment of the viability of the chamber.
Once delivered to the refurbishing engineers, the chamber is further examined for defects, flaws, and quality. This aspect of the process is very detailed and includes an investigation of every part of the chamber from the wall panels to the formatting of the data collection device. Parts or components that still have possible use are upgraded and reinstalled as well as being remanufactured and improved to meet industry standards. Refurbishing companies follow strict guidelines during and after the refurbishing process to ensure what they resell meets customer requirements.
Prior to the final inspection and testing, the chamber is thoroughly cleaned of any possible contaminates. Since testing chambers are precise instruments, it is important to have any miscellaneous factors removed so that the chamber provides accurate data during its final appraisal. The chamber is cleaned down to the smallest details.
To be approved for resale, the refurbished chamber has to be able to demonstrate that it can complete each of its functions. During this phase, the chamber performs tests that it was manufactured to do. The design of the chamber determines the tests for the final inspection, which can vary from high altitude scenarios to drastic variations in temperatures.
In the end, a refurbished testing chamber is just as capable of providing accurate data as a new one. The standards and stipulations refurbishing companies meticulously follow guarantee that their units will perform up to customer requirements. Essentially, a refurbished testing chamber has all of the qualities of a brand new chamber without the price.