The first consideration when selecting a salt spray corrosion test machine is the size and quantity of the samples to be tested. For large components such as automotive engine blocks or heavy mechanical parts, a test machine with a large chamber volume is necessary to ensure that samples can be placed completely inside with enough space around them for uniform salt spray distribution. Machines with a volume of 1000 liters or more are suitable for such large samples.
For smaller samples, such as electronic components or small metal parts, machines with smaller volumes (e.g., 200–500 liters) can meet testing needs while saving space and reducing costs. When testing multiple small samples simultaneously, it's also important to ensure that the interior of the salt spray corrosion test machine can accommodate all samples without overlap that could interfere with the spray distribution.
Different materials and products have varying temperature and humidity requirements for salt spray corrosion testing. Typically, the standard test temperature is (35±1)°C. However, some specialized materials may require testing at higher or lower temperatures. For example, aerospace materials may require a wider temperature range of -55°C to 70°C, which demands that the salt spray corrosion test machine have robust temperature control capabilities.
As for humidity, salt spray tests are generally conducted in a high-humidity environment, usually not less than 95%. If higher humidity control precision is needed (such as ±2%), it is essential to select a salt spray corrosion test machine equipped with a high-precision humidity control system.
Salt spray deposition rate is a critical parameter in salt spray corrosion testing, usually maintained between 1–2 mL/(80 cm²·h). Different materials and applications may require different deposition rates. For instance, metal products with demanding surface treatments may need more precise control of the deposition rate.
Various spray methods are available, the most common being continuous and intermittent spray. Continuous spray is suitable for quickly assessing corrosion resistance, while intermittent spray better simulates real-world environments. For products used long-term in salt-laden conditions, such as marine components or offshore wind power equipment, the intermittent spray method is often more appropriate.
If a laboratory has sufficient staff and needs to control testing costs, manual or semi-automatic salt spray corrosion test machine may suffice. Manual machines require operators to adjust parameters such as spray, temperature, and humidity. Semi-automatic machines offer partial automation, such as automatic control of temperature and humidity.
For R&D departments in large enterprises or professional testing institutions with heavy workloads and high demands on accuracy and repeatability, fully automatic salt spray corrosion test machine is a better option. These machines can perform the entire test process based on preset programs, including automatic control of parameters, data logging, and analysis, significantly improving test efficiency and accuracy while minimizing human error.
Budget is a crucial factor when choosing a salt spray corrosion test machine. Generally, the larger the machine's capacity and the more complex its features and automation level, the higher the price. Within the scope of meeting testing requirements, it is important to choose a product that fits your financial capability. Additionally, operating costs such as energy consumption, salt solution usage, and maintenance should also be considered.