MIRA Environmental Testing

MIRA has a dedicated component Environmental Test Centre located at Quatro Park in Basildon, Essex. A wide range of tests are undertaken in environmental chambers designed & built by Weiss Gallenkamp, together with vibration testing under both ambient and environmental conditions.

The facilities are extensive and include two walk-in combined environmental and vibration chambers, 6 thermal shock chambers,15 environmental chambers with capacities ranging from 180L to 2000L, and four 'shake and bake' chambers with capacities up to 3400L.

The wide range of testing undertaken includes work from the Automotive, Aerospace, Defence and other industries, with components tested ranging from electronic systems interior trim (including complete vehicle bucks), and Powertrain. The type of components typically tested includes Driver Information Centres (functionally exercised during the environmental testing using special electronic functional exercisers), multi-media systems (functionally exercised as for the Driver Information systems), seats, instrument panels, centre consoles, and engine induction systems. The components can all be physically operated if required, using programmable pneumatic systems, whilst being tested simultaneously under environmental conditions.

The electronic components are tested for evidence of any malfunctioning, or lack of physical integrity, when subjected to extremes of temperature and humidity, frequently under vibration conditions. Trim and seat components are tested for their ability to withstand the extremes of temperature and humidity experienced in service, with the integrity of the mechanical operating systems being validated, and any physical distortion of components that may be present at the completion of the test determined using a CMM system.

The test facility is ISO 17025 accredited.