Samsung Electronics Introduces Home Appliance Quality Tests via Newsroom
Refrigerators Undergo Multiple Door Opening and Closing Tests
'Ambient Temperature Change Test' Also Conducted
Washing Machines Must Withstand Extreme Cold to Pass
Induction Cooktops Subjected to 'Durability Life Test'
On the 20th, Samsung Electronics vividly introduced the process of testing the quality of home appliances through its 'Newsroom'.
According to Samsung Electronics, quality testing is conducted rigorously to predict and prepare for numerous situations that may occur in daily life. It is carried out from multiple angles to ensure convenience, durability, and safety so that anyone can use the products safely and for a long time.
All processes take place in Samsung Electronics' quality testing laboratory. Upon entering the quality testing lab, there is the 'Refrigerator Door Opening and Closing Test Site,' where the doors of refrigerators lined up in a row are continuously opened and closed every second. Refrigerators are the most frequently used kitchen appliances in households. The door opening and closing test, which involves repeatedly opening and closing the door, is essential. The test machine operates to open and close the door tens of thousands of times depending on the type of refrigerator, and during this process, it comprehensively evaluates whether there is any sagging of the door, abnormal operation, or noise.
There is also a 'Surrounding Temperature Change Test' that evaluates whether the internal temperature of the refrigerator is maintained at a certain level even when the external temperature changes. It checks whether the refrigerator can withstand temperature environments ranging from the low temperatures of winter to heatwave levels above 40 degrees Celsius. When the external temperature changes, it closely monitors whether the internal temperature of the refrigerator and freezer compartments is excessively high or low compared to the target.
To keep food fresh for a long time, the refrigerator undergoes a Notch (temperature controller) test to verify the uniformity of the internal temperature. Thermocouples are installed in key internal spaces of the product, and by changing the notch temperature settings under real-use temperature and humidity conditions, the temperature data of the refrigerator and freezer compartments are analyzed to see if the temperature is evenly distributed between shelves. The 'Ice Making Performance Test' for refrigerators equipped with an automatic ice-making system is conducted under various usage conditions. Engineers change the notch settings, surrounding temperature, and water supply pressure conditions to check not only the amount of ice produced but also whether there are any abnormalities in the state and shape of the ice.
For washing machines, tests are conducted to withstand severe cold environments. Washing machines are often installed outdoors, such as on balconies, or in bathrooms. Therefore, it is essential to check whether there are any issues in environments with sudden temperature changes or water exposure. Samsung Electronics conducts freeze tests to evaluate the durability of washing machines in preparation for winter. The product is repeatedly exposed to temperatures ranging from those of the Arctic region to the summer temperatures of Korea, and key operations and components are checked. Additionally, to prevent water leakage in various real-use environments such as high temperature and high humidity, a leakage test is conducted by tilting the washing machine filled with water on an inclined surface and leaving it for more than 24 hours. A rotating nozzle sprays water onto the washing machine for several tens of minutes. This is a water injection insulation test to verify whether the washing machine is safely waterproof even when there is water around it, thoroughly checking for moisture penetration into the charging parts and condensation caused by humidity.
There is also a 'Durability Life Test' to predict the lifespan of electric cooktops such as induction cookers. The test site is always filled with hot steam. Simulating real-use environments, dozens of electric cooktops installed in a row have standard containers placed on them, and water is automatically supplied while heating and resting are repeated for tens of minutes over several months. Dishwashers, which frequently have dishes loaded and unloaded, undergo a 'Basket Opening and Closing Test' where the rollers inside the product are opened and closed tens of thousands of times to check for defects. Dishes are loaded more than in normal use, and the upper and lower baskets are opened and closed tens of thousands of times separately to check for roller detachment, deformation of rails, and nozzle connections.
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