ConstaCon® SC – Condensation Moisture Test Chamber

Liebisch ConstaCon® SC is a cabinet-type test chamber developed to evaluate the resistance of paints, coatings, metals, and surface treatments to condensation humidity. Its K and KB configurations enable continuous condensation tests or alternating humidity tests that include ventilation stages.

ConstaCon SC exposes coated test samples to a condensation humidity environment at a controlled temperature. Heating the demineralised water at the bottom of the chamber creates high relative humidity within the test area, causing condensation to form on the sample surfaces.

This method is used to evaluate blistering, corrosion, colour changes, loss of adhesion, and other moisture-related deterioration in paints and coatings. The test results help compare different materials and coating systems under standardised conditions.

ConstaCon SC can be used for humidity resistance testing in the automotive, paint and coatings, metalworking, galvanising, fastener, construction materials, and household appliance industries, as well as in quality control laboratories.

High-humidity and condensation conditions are maintained continuously within the test area. The samples remain exposed to the same condensation humidity atmosphere throughout the test.

This method is used particularly to compare the resistance of coatings and surface treatments to prolonged exposure to humid conditions.

The condensation humidity stage alternates with exposure to ambient air or ventilation stages. This allows samples to be subjected not only to continuous humidity but also to changes between wetting and conditioning conditions.

The applicable cycle and chamber configuration should be determined according to the requirements of the relevant standard or internal test procedure.

The K system heats the water at the bottom of the chamber in a controlled manner to create a condensation humidity atmosphere within the test area. The K configuration does not include automatic ventilation.

ConstaCon K M-SC models are suitable for continuous condensation humidity tests. For applications requiring timed temperature stages, the chamber can be equipped with an optional cycle timer.

In addition to the K condensation humidity system, the KB configuration includes an automatic ventilation system. After the programmed humidity stage, ambient air is passed through the test chamber, allowing the ventilation and conditioning stage to be performed without operator intervention.

This configuration is more suitable than the K model for tests in which condensation humidity and ventilation stages alternate.

For detailed information about Liebisch system codes and other process combinations, please visit the Liebisch Process Systems page.

The suitability of ConstaCon SC chambers for the applicable standard should be assessed according to the selected K or KB system, control equipment, and options.

TS EN ISO 6270-2 – Paints and Varnishes — Determination of Resistance to Humidity — Part 2: Condensation
Specifies the conditions for exposing coated test samples to constant or alternating condensation atmospheres in test chambers equipped with a heated water reservoir.

DIN 50958 – Evaluation of Coatings in a Condensation Humidity Atmosphere
A test method for evaluating the behaviour of metals and coated surfaces under condensation humidity conditions.

The test temperature, duration, and evaluation criteria should be verified against the current version of the standard or the version specified by the customer.

Standards Applicable with Suitable Optional Equipment

TS EN ISO 6270-1 – Single-Sided Condensation
A method for determining the resistance of coated test samples to humidity under single-sided condensation conditions.

Applying this standard may require special sample positioning or optional equipment. Chamber suitability should be assessed together with the sample geometry and support system to be used.

Before the test begins, the water reservoir at the bottom of the chamber is filled to the required level with demineralised water. When the water is heated in a controlled manner, a high-humidity atmosphere is created inside the chamber, causing condensation to form on the cooler sample surfaces.

The water-level safety system prevents the heating system from operating when there is insufficient water. The temperature is monitored using a sensor located within the test area and a PID-controlled temperature system.

On KB models, ventilation periods can be programmed in addition to the condensation stages. This allows the test area to be conditioned with ambient air at specified intervals.

400 Litres
A compact option for smaller samples, laboratories with limited space, and routine quality control tests.

1000 Litres
Provides a balanced test volume for laboratories that need to evaluate samples of different sizes and quantities within the same test.

2000 Litres
Developed for applications requiring large, long, or numerous samples to be tested together. The assisted top-opening door facilitates the placement of long samples in the test area.

When determining the chamber volume, consideration should be given not only to the external dimensions of the samples but also to the required spacing between them, the support arrangement, total load, and laboratory installation conditions.

ConstaCon SC can be configured with the following options according to the application requirements:

The availability of each option should be confirmed according to the selected model and test standard.

Share your intended test standard, test cycle, sample dimensions, and required capacity with us so we can assess the necessary process systems and a suitable chamber configuration together.

Contact us for assistance with selecting the appropriate Liebisch process system and chamber, and for a technical quotation.