Overview
ISO 9022-22:2012 - Optics and photonics - Environmental test methods - Part 22 - specifies laboratory methods to assess the resistance of optical instruments (and assemblies that include mechanical, chemical or electronic parts) to combined thermal stress (cold, dry heat or temperature change) together with mechanical shock (bump) or random vibration. The standard defines conditioning method 22 and gives the procedural framework, environmental test code format and the items that must be specified in a test program and report.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Combined tests to investigate how optical, thermal, chemical and electrical performance are affected by simultaneous temperature and mechanical stresses.
- Conditioning method 22: Combines ISO 9022‑2 temperature methods (cold, dry heat, temperature change) with ISO 9022‑3 mechanical methods (bump or random vibration).
- Bump (shock): Typical shock pulse is a half‑sine (example severity listed: 10 g, 6 ms). The specimen is commonly subjected to 1 000 shocks in each direction along each axis unless otherwise specified.
- Random vibration: Digitally controlled per IEC 60068‑2‑64. Example acceleration power spectral densities shown in the standard:
- 20 Hz–150 Hz at 0.02 g²/Hz
- 20 Hz–500 Hz at 0.005 g²/Hz
- 20 Hz–2 000 Hz at 0.001 g²/Hz
- Temperature parameters: Values are selected from ISO 9022‑2 (examples include −10 °C, −25 °C, −35 °C, 40 °C, 55 °C, 63 °C) and temperature‑change cycles (methods for cycle duration and ramp rates are given).
- Test sequencing and operation:
- Temperature and vibration sequencing options (cold/dry heat vs temperature change) and allowed specimen repositioning between axes.
- Specimen operating state (powered/operational) during mechanical conditioning must be defined.
- Temperature stabilization and thermal insulation requirements for fixtures; mounting per IEC 60068‑2‑47.
- Environmental test code and specification: The standard provides the coding format (example: ISO 9022‑22‑14‑01/37‑01‑1) and an explicit list of items to include in the test specification and report (temperature dwell times, number of cycles, exposure times, shock axes, state of operation, acceptance criteria, etc.).
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers and designers of optical instruments (lenses, imaging systems, photonics modules) who need to validate environmental robustness.
- Test laboratories and QA/validation engineers performing combined thermal-mechanical environmental qualification, burn‑in, run‑in or environmental stress screening (ESS).
- Procurement and acceptance teams who require standardized test evidence for shipping, storage and operational durability.
Related standards
ISO 9022‑22:2012 is a practical reference for specifying and executing combined temperature and vibration tests to ensure optical products meet real‑world handling and environmental requirements.