What is an ATM waterproof rating and what is the difference between ATM waterproof and IPXX protection ratings?

In our daily lives, our electronics are often challenged by water and dust. Whether we're relaxing by the pool or exploring the great outdoors, we want our smartphones and professional sports gear to be safe and secure. This brings us to the concept of water and dust resistance.

What is an ATM waterproof rating?Difference between ATM waterproofing and IPXX protection rating Illustration
The Apple Watch is water resistant to 50 meters of water.

Today, we'll take an in-depth look at two common standards for water and dust resistance: ATM and IPXX, and how to use an airtightness tester to test your product's waterproof rating.

1. Definition and Classification of ATM Water Resistance Classes

The ATM Water Resistance Rating originally originated in watch manufacturing to evaluate the water resistance of a watch underwater.1ATM is actually a unit of standard atmospheric pressure, equivalent to water pressure at a depth of 10 m. ATM waterproofness ratings are categorized according to pressure values ranging from 1ATM to 100ATM, with higher values indicating greater waterproofness.

  • 1 ATM:Equivalent to 10 meters of water. This is generally considered to be the most basic level of waterproofing against light raindrops and splashes from hand washing.
  • 2 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 20 meters of water depth. Suitable for splash-proofing in everyday life, such as rain and hand washing.
  • 3 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 30 meters of water depth. Ideal for swimming and short shallow water activities.
  • 5 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 50 meters of water depth. Ideal for more frequent water activities such as snorkeling.
  • 7 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 70 meters of water. Suitable for some underwater sports, but not for diving.
  • 10 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 100 meters of water depth. Suitable for most water sports, including some diving activities.
  • 15 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 150 meters of water depth. Suitable for deeper diving activities.
  • 20 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 200 meters of water depth. Suitable for professional diving and water sports.
  • 30 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 300 meters of water depth. Suitable for professional divers and extreme water sports.
  • 50 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 500 meters of water depth. Suitable for professional diving and other extreme underwater activities.
  • 100 ATM:Pressure equivalent to approximately 1000 meters of water depth. Suitable for deep sea diving and other specialized underwater work.
What is an ATM Waterproof Rating?The Difference Between ATM Waterproofing and IPXX Protection Rating Illustration 1
Casio G-SHOCK Watches 200 meter water resistance or 20ATM

To test a product's ATM water resistance rating, use the JCGK Airtightness TesterThePrecision Engineering's instruments can simulate the pressure of different water depths and determine the waterproof ability of the product under test by monitoring the pressure changes inside the product. The test procedure is simple and efficient, just connect the tested parts, set the pressure parameters, the tester will automatically complete the test and output the result report.

2. Connotation of IPXX protection class

Unlike the ATM standard, which evaluates water resistance alone, IPXX is a combined protection rating that specifies the requirements for protection of electronic products against solid particles (dust) and liquids (water).IP is an acronym for IngressProtection. The standard consists of two digits, the first indicating the dustproof rating (0-6) and the second the waterproof rating (0-9), with the higher the number, the greater the protection.

What is an ATM waterproof rating?Difference between ATM waterproofing and IPXX protection ratings illustration 2
IPXX protection ratings in a nutshell

Taking the common rating of IP68 as an example, 6 stands for the highest level of dust-free protection against any dust particles, while 8 denotes a high level of waterproofness, which allows for prolonged immersion in water without leakage. Being IP68 certified means that the product has excellent dust and stain free performance.

It should be noted that the testing requirements for IP68 rating are extremely strict. In addition to the water immersion test, it also includes vibration, temperature difference cycle and other multiple complex assessment links, which puts forward high requirements for the overall sealing performance of the product.

3. Application of airtightness testers in IPXX testing

As a leading domesticAir tightness testing equipmentJCGK's testers have been widely used in IPXX dust and waterproof testing. jcgk's testers are not only equipped with advanced technologies such as high accuracy of pressure detection and automation of temperature compensation, but also with convenient data transmission and simple operation, which can easily complete complex simulated environment testing.

Automotive parts air tightness testing process

Using JCGK Airtightness TesterTo perform the IPXX rating test, the product under test is first connected to the tester via a special sealing fixture, and then parameters such as test pressure, test time, leakage values, etc. are set according to the corresponding protection level, and the automatic test can begin.During the whole process, the tester will monitor the change of inflation pressure in real time, and quantitatively evaluate the sealing performance of the product through the rate and degree of pressure drop. The final result will be presented visually with precise data, which is easy for technicians to analyze and interpret.

4. Differences between ATM and IPXX

While both ATM and IPXX are standards for measuring water resistance, they have different emphases; ATM focuses more on the ability to withstand underwater pressure, while IPXX provides a more comprehensive assessment of dust and water resistance. Which standard you choose depends on your specific needs and environment.

5. Practical application case studies

Protection class standards for ATM and IPXX are unique in their application in different industries. Take JCGK Airtightness TesterAs an example, they have already played an important role in a number of consumer electronics sectors, such as waterproof watches, smartphones, and sports equipment.

Smartwatch sealing test case

The watch industry has always been a major application of the ATM standard. Precision Technology once tested the 5ATM waterproof capability for a famous watch brand, and found that there were defects in the design of the pressure seal through the tester, so the customer improved the structure in time to ensure the waterproof safety of the product.

Bicycle code meter air tightness test case

Outdoor sports equipment also requires excellent waterproof and dustproof performance. A cycling equipment brand has used the Precision Engineering tester to test its bicycle code meter according to the IP67 standard, simulating the harsh environment of outdoor rain, and finally ensuring that the product is waterproof and durable.

Summarize

The choice of water and dust resistance standards is not complicated. By understanding the difference between ATM water resistance and IPXX protection, and by choosing the appropriate test method for the actual need, we can ensure that the products we manufacture perform optimally when challenged by water and dust. Despite the differences between the two, they are both essentially designed to help consumers choose a quality product that meets their needs. The choice of test standards needs to be product-specific and, more importantly, the use of professional and reliable testing equipment, such as the JCGK Airtightness TesterTheOnly through rigorous testing and continuous optimization can manufacturers truly improve the quality of their products and win the trust of consumers.

Welcome to contact JCGK to learn more about the domesticAirtightness TesterThe information. Let's work together to create a better future for manufacturing!

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