uvtesterAustest Laboratories now offers UV testing of components and plastics for lightfastness, colourfastness, and photostability in a new Xenon Arc chamber reproducing the entire spectrum of sunlight, including ultraviolet (UV), visible light and infrared (IR) from 295nm to 800nm.  The chamber includes moisture through water spray, humidity and temperature conditioning for accelerated life testing of plastics and components.

In a few days or weeks, our UV tester can reproduce the damage caused by full-spectrum sunlight and rain that occurs over months or years in the field and is suitable for exposing large, three-dimensional parts or components.

The chamber is fully calibrated and meets the requirements of ISO 4892-2 and Annex AA of AS/IEC 60335-2-109 for UV radiation conditioning.  The chamber meets the solar radiation requirements of IEC 60068-2-5  and is fully compliant against SAE J2527 (automotive exterior materials) and SAE J2412 (interior trim/materials) to support the Australian automotive industry.  Note SAE J 1960 has now been superseded by SAE J 2527.

The chamber also meets the Queensland Department of Main Roads & Transport specification regarding accelerated weather testing of road furniture and the NSW Roads & Maritime Services specification D & C 3412.

The UV tester is a key research & development and quality control tool for testing materials that are exposed to direct sunlight, sunlight through window glass or even harsh indoor lighting from fluorescent or halogen lamps and augments Austest Labs existing environmental facilities covering salt spray/mist, temperature and humidity cycling from -40°C to +150°C and vibration.

To decide between our Xenon Arc chamber or our Short-Wave Weathering Tester for your specific requirements, refer to this article.

Contact Austest Laboratories for a quote.

The chamber complies with the following numerous product and industry standards for textiles, cables, plastic and rubber parts, components, power coatings, roofing materials, Photovaltalic (PV) Modules and labels :

  • IEC 60068-2-5

Solar Radiation

Simulation of the effects of solar radiation on products

  • AATCC TM16

Colorfastness to Light

This test method provides the general principles and procedures which are currently in use for determining the colorfastness to light of textile materials.

 

  • AATCC TM169

Weather Resistance of Textiles: Xenon Lamp Exposure

This test method provides the procedure for the exposure of textile materials of all kinds, including coated fabrics and products made thereof, in an artificial weathering apparatus using controlled conditions of test.

 

  • ASTM C1257

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solvent-Release-Type Sealants

This test method includes two laboratory accelerated exposure procedures for predicting the effects of ultraviolet or ultraviolet/visible radiation, heat, and moisture on color, chalking, cracking, and adhesion of solvent-release sealants.

 

  • ASTM C1442

Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This practice covers three types of laboratory weathering exposure procedures for evaluating the effect of actinic radiation, heat, and moisture on sealants.

 

  • ASTM C1519

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Durability of Building Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures

This test method covers the method for the determination of the durability of a sealant based on its ability to function in cyclic movement maintaining adhesion and cohesion after repeated exposure to laboratory accelerated weathering procedures.

 

  • ASTM C732

Standard Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of aging effects of artificial weathering on latex sealants.

 

  • ASTM C734

Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex Sealants After Artificial Weathering

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of low-temperature flexibility of latex sealants after 500 h artificial weathering.

 

  • ASTM C793

Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the effects of accelerated weathering on cured-in-place elastomeric joint sealants (single- and multi-component) for use in building construction.

 

  • ASTM D1148

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Discoloration from Ultraviolet (UV) and Heat Exposure of Light-Colored Surfaces

This test method covers techniques to evaluate the surface discoloration of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber that may occur when subjected to UV or UV/visible exposure from specified sources under controlled conditions of relative humidity, or moisture, and temperature.

 

  • ASTM D1670

Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials

This test method covers the use of a spark generating apparatus for determination of failure due to cracking of bituminous materials undergoing accelerated or outdoor weathering on electrically conductive backings.

 

  • ASTM D2565

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon-arc exposure of plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

  • ASTM D3424

Standard Practice for Evaluating the Relative Lightfastness and Weatherability of Printed Matter

This standard describes procedures for the determination of the relative lightfastness and weatherability of printed matter under the following conditions, which involve exposure to natural daylight or accelerated procedures in the laboratory.

 

  • ASTM D3451

Standard Guide for Testing Coating Powders and Powder Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of procedures for testing coating powders and powder coatings. The test methods included are listed in . Where more than one test method is listed for the same characteristic, no attempt is made to indicate superiority of one method over another. Selection of the methods to be followed must be governed by experience and the requirements in each individual case, together with agreement between the purchaser and the seller.

 

  • ASTM D4101

Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials

This specification covers polypropylene materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Polymers consist of homopolymer, copolymers, and elastomer compounded with or without the addition of impact modifiers (ethylene-propylene rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and butyl rubber), colorants, stabilizers, lubricants, or reinforcements.

 

  • ASTM D4303

Standard Test Methods for Lightfastness of Colorants Used in Artists’ Materials

Four test methods to accelerate the effects of long term indoor illumination on artists’ materials are described.

 

  • ASTM D4355

Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles by Exposure to Light, Moisture and Heat in a Xenon Arc Type Apparatus

This test method covers the determination of the deterioration in tensile strength of geotextiles by exposure to xenon arc radiation, moisture, and heat.

 

  • ASTM D4434

Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Sheet Roofing

This specification covers flexible sheet made from poly(vinyl chloride) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

  • ASTM D4459

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Indoor Applications

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for exposure of plastics in window glass-filtered xenon-arc devices in accordance with Practices G151 and G155 for evaluating the stability of plastics intended for use in indoor applications.

 

  • ASTM D4637

Standard Specification for EPDM Sheet Used In Single-Ply Roof Membrane

This specification covers flexible sheet made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

  • ASTM D4798

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon-Arc Method)

This practice covers test conditions and procedures for xenon-arc exposures according to Practices G151 and G155 for bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials.

 

  • ASTM D4811

Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing

This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather.

 

  • ASTM D5019

Standard Specification for Reinforced CSM (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) Sheet Used in Single-Ply Roof Membrane

This specification covers reinforced non-vulcanized polymeric sheet made from chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) intended for use as a single-ply roof membrane exposed to the weather.

 

  • ASTM D5071

Standard Practice for Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics in a Xenon Arc Apparatus

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon arc exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

  • ASTM D5383

Standard Practice for Visual Determination of the Lightfastness of Art Materials by Art Technologists

This practice covers a method for exposing specimens of colored art materials indoors to sunlight coming through a closed window.

 

  • ASTM D5398

Standard Practice for Visual Evaluation of the Lightfastness of Art Materials by the User

This practice covers a method for exposing specimens of colored art materials indoors to sunlight coming through a closed window.

 

  • ASTM D5819

Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability

This guide covers a designer/specifier through a systematic determination of those factors of the appropriate application environment that may affect the post-construction service life of a geosynthetic.

 

  • ASTM D6083

Standard Specification for Liquid Applied Acrylic Coating Used in Roofing

This specification covers liquid-applied water-dispersed acrylic latex elastomeric protective roof coatings.

 

  • ASTM D6551

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes by Xenon-Arc Exposure Apparatus

This practice describes one environment for the exposure of pressure-sensitive tape, used primarily for packaging, to a laboratory accelerated weathering environment.

 

  • ASTM D6577

Standard Guide for Testing Industrial Protective Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of test methods and procedures for testing industrial protective coatings.

 

  • ASTM D6662

Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards

This specification covers polyolefin-based plastic lumber products for use as exterior residential decking boards.

 

  • ASTM D6695

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings

This practice covers the selection of test conditions for accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in xenon arc devices conducted according to Practices G151 and G155.

 

  • ASTM D6878

Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing

This specification covers flexible sheet made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the principal polymer, intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

  • ASTM D7356

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Acid Etch Weathering of Automotive Clearcoats Using a Xenon-Arc Exposure Device

This test method covers an accelerated exposure test intended to simulate defects in automotive clearcoats caused by acid rain that occurs at the Jacksonville, Florida exposure site.

 

  • ASTM D750

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This test method covers specific variations in the test conditions and procedures that shall be applicable when Practice G151 plus either Practice G152, G153, G154, or G155 are employed for exposure of vulcanized rubber compounds.

 

  • ASTM D882

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

This test method covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness).

 

  • ASTM D904

Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Artificial Light

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for ultraviolet (UV) light aging (with or without water) of adhesive bonded joints having at least one glass or transparent adhered, using fluorescent UV (see Method A) or xenon-arc light sources (see Method B).

 

  • ASTM D925

Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property—Staining of Surfaces (Contact, Migration, and Diffusion)

These test methods cover techniques to evaluate three types of staining that rubber may cause when in contact with, or in proximity to, another surface that may be light colored.

 

  • ASTM F1164

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Transparent Plastics Exposed to Accelerated Weathering Combined with Biaxial Stress

This test method covers the resistance of transparent plastics exposed to environmental conditioning (accelerated weathering) under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressure cell/test fixture.

 

  • ASTM F2366

Standard Practice for Determining the Relative Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Window Filtered Daylight Using a Xenon Arc Light Apparatus

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon-arc exposure of ink jet media prints conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

  • ASTM G151

Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources

This practice provides general procedures to be used when exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that use laboratory light sources.

 

  • ASTM G155

Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using xenon arc light and water apparatus intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual use.

 

  • GM 9125P

Procedures for Laboratory Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Materials

These procedures are used to determine the resistance to degradation of automotive materials when subjected to artificial light sources. It describes exposures to sunshine carbon arc, xenon arc, fluorescent ultraviolet light and condensation apparatus, and a twin carbon arc.

 

  • IEC 61345

UV Test for Photovaltalic (PV) Modules

  • ISO 105-B02 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles-Tests for colour fastness- Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test

Example of cloth fading after only 14 days exposure (Equivalent to ~3 months sunlight)
Example of cloth fading after only 14 days exposure
(Equivalent to ~3 months sunlight)

  • ISO 105-B04 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part B04. Colour Fastness to Artificial Weathering: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test

  • ISO 105-B06 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part B06: Colour Fastness and Ageing to Artificial Light at High Temperatures: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test

  • ISO 105-B07 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part B07: Colour Fastness to Light of Textiles Wetted with Artificial Perspiration

  • ISO 105-B10 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part B10: Artificial Weathering – Exposure to Filtered Xenon-Arc Radiation

  • ISO 11341 (EN) (DIN)

Paints and Varnishes – Artificial weathering and exposure to artificial radiation- Exposure to filtered xenon-arc radiation

  • ISO 12040

Graphic Technology – Prints and Printing Inks – Assessment of Light Fastness Using Filtered Xenon Arc Lightuv

  • ISO 29664

Plastics – Artificial weathering including acidic deposition

  • ISO 4892-1 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 1: General guidance

  • ISO 4892-2 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps

  • SAE J2412

Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus

This test method specifies the operating procedures for a controlled irradiance, xenon arc apparatus used for the accelerated exposure of various automotive interior trim components.

 

  • SAE J2527

Performance Based Standard for Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using A Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus

This SAE Standard specifies the operating procedures for a controlled irradiance, xenon-arc apparatus used for the accelerated exposure of various exterior automotive materials.

 

  • VW PV 1306

Exposure Test for Determining the Tackiness of Polypropylene Parts

  • VW PV 3929

Non-Metallic Materials, Weathering in Dry, Hot Climate

  • VW PV 3930

Non-Metallic Materials, Weathering in Moist, Hot Climate