Testing the NFC Ring at different temperatures
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So today we tested the NFC Ring at the temperatures we say it will operate at and then some..
We started the test at about 40 degrees C for 10 minutes, no problems with the finish before/after
Then we tested the ring at 100 degrees C for 10 minutes, no problem with the finish before/after
Then we tested the ring at 140 degrees C for 10 minutes, no problem with the finish before/after
Then we tested the ring at 180 degrees C for 10 minutes, no problem with the finish before/after
Then we tested the ring at 200 degrees C for 10 minutes, at this point the clear glue/epoxy layer of the inlay cover started expanding slightly so when you ran your nail over the outer edge of the ring you could feel a slight ridge. Performance was still fine though.After each test we submerged the ring straight into ice water, so there was rapid expansion/contraction. We expected to see the inlay fail read after 100 degrees C.
Overall we're ecstatic with the results. We no longer consider heat as an option of the primary cause of the few failures we have seen so far. Our investigate journey continues :)
Warning, DO NOT WEAR YOUR RING IN A FURNACE. You will die before the NFC Ring.
Disclaimer: Fire and heat isn't really a joking matter, you should only eat it if you have had the appropriate training.
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Hi John,
Thanks for sharing these test results! I am curious if you have any plans to test the rings in sub-zero (celsius) temperatures? Being in the friggin' frigid north (aka Canada) I often find myself in -10 to -30C temperatures during the winter. I'd love to see how well the ring handles that. I'm less concerned about the finish shrinking/contracting as I am concerned that the pressure from the shrinking finish might "squish" or otherwise damage the NFC inlay?
Cheers!
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That's a really good question, we'd absolutely like to do those tests. I can test here at minus 18 degrees C but I don't think I can think of any labs nearby that will have -30 degree controlled storage. I will have a think about it and try get some tests done.. Cheers for bumping me.
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Fantastic! Thanks for the reply... So I guess there's no local butcher whose meat locker you could borrow? :)
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Ah yes there is, hah, you totally solved that problem for me. I will go see him on Monday :) He will be happy to help I'm sure!
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Interesting tests and useful warning at the end ;)
I wonder if you have any plans to test the ring in a microwave (careful with putting metal in though...), a dishwasher, and a laundry machine.
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I'm pretty sure they should survive a dishwasher and laundry machine but I don't think it will survive a microwave, worth testing though!
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Ah ha sounds good. Keep us posted with the results John. Besides laundry, since we are on the temperature topic, drying machine would also be a good candidate, as it also tumbles.
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@victor
I agree about the dryer. -
Well the problem with the laundry and the drying machine will probably only be the scratches it makes on the ring.
@asbath The cold shouldn't be a problem but wearing rings in the cold is dangerous because the metal transport the body temperature easily. (you probably know better than me, but this is more a general warning for those who don't :-)
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@Lafunamor Indeed, I assume that the cold is less of a problem for the inlays than severe heat would be. But it's always best to test both ends of the spectrum to make sure you've covered all the bases. That's proper QA after all!
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@asbath sure. I didn't mean it shouldn't be tested.
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Just saw John's reply on the KS website:
"2) We tested the rings at 200 degrees C and they still worked after 10 minutes so we just sent a test set to our deep freeze facility (my local butchers) and we should know the test results of that tomorrow"
Ah so your butcher said yes! Very interested to know how the ring fares :)
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We tested the rings at -32° C for 24 hours and 4 of the 5 rings survived. One seems to have died on one side.
The one that died is the one that we baked at 200° C prior to sending it down to the butchers, it did get time to settle back down to room temperature but it could be that the expansion/contraction over a longer period of time was the cause.
I think further testing is required. If we experience a 20% failure rate at -32° C that needs to be documented. I think we need to discover how long a ring can be exposed to extreme colds before showing signs of failure, it's clear that this again is going to one of those tests where the human is more likely to perish prior to the ring but still, knowing your limits is always a good thing.
I'm happy with the tests so far and will continue to post our findings. I will try to pick this test back up in June or so.
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Washed my Alpha ring in my pants pocket by accident the other day... Still working fine after a 90 degree Celsius wash followed by a tumble dry.
I think the ring hates me, but it's still doing its job. -
@johnyma22 said:
We tested the rings at -32° C for 24 hours and 4 of the 5 rings survived. One seems to have died on one side.
The one that died is the one that we baked at 200° C prior to sending it down to the butchers, it did get time to settle back down to room temperature but it could be that the expansion/contraction over a longer period of time was the cause.
I think further testing is required. If we experience a 20% failure rate at -32° C that needs to be documented. I think we need to discover how long a ring can be exposed to extreme colds before showing signs of failure, it's clear that this again is going to one of those tests where the human is more likely to perish prior to the ring but still, knowing your limits is always a good thing.
I'm happy with the tests so far and will continue to post our findings. I will try to pick this test back up in June or so.
Indeed, nobody would be out in -32C for long. And even then, if you were out there for more than a few hours at a time you're going to be wearing a lot of gear to reduce any exposed skin as much as possible. That should raise the temperature.
But I really appreciate that you've taken the time to test the ring in extreme temperatures. As an avid skier (and neighbourhood driveway snow shoveler), my hands are often exposed to 0C to -15C temperatures for prolonged periods during the winter. It's reassuring to know that I'm sooner to die in frigid climates than my ring
@Lokki said:
Washed my Alpha ring in my pants pocket by accident the other day... Still working fine after a 90 degree Celsius wash followed by a tumble dry.
I think the ring hates me, but it's still doing its job.Given that you put your ring through the washer, I'm pretty sure you hate it more than it hates you ;)
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@asbath said:
Given that you put your ring through the washer, I'm pretty sure you hate it more than it hates you ;)
lol, I'm just seriously absent minded sometimes. I was pretty sure the ring would be fine after the other things I've done to it (24 volt welded it to a truck by accident while wearing - hot, and exposure to RF radiation around the 20 kW range to name a couple).
I was more upset about the wallet and cigarettes that were in the same pocket. And glad my phone hadn't gone in there too.
