Accelerated Leaving Test

Accelerated Decomposition - UV Exposure Test

Accelerated weather conditions simulate the harmful effects of prolonged outdoor exposure of coatings, materials and products. There are accelerated weathering tests for a variety of outdoor conditions, including wind, rain, icing, sand, dust, and of course UV exposure.

There are a number of standards that include accelerated weathering requirements.

• ASTM G151, Standard Practice for Exposing Non-Metallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices Using Laboratory Light Sources
• ASTM G154 test, Standard Practice for Operation of Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials. ASTM G154 test uses fluorescent light sources to simulate UVA and UVB
• ASTM G155 Application of Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials. The ASTM G155 test uses xenon arc UV light sources to simulate natural sunlight exposure.
• British Standard BS 2782: Part 5, Method 540B (Laboratory Light Sources Exposure Methods)
• Colts Standard Test - Fade UV Paint Resistance - QUV
  GB / T 14522 - Machinery Used for Industrial Products Plastic, Coating and Rubber
• Artificial Weathering Test Method for Materials - Fluorescent UV Lamps
• SAE J2020, Accelerated Exp. Selection of Automotive Exterior Materials Using UV / Condensation Apparatus
• MIL-STD-810 Part 505.5 - Solar Radiation

Both fluorescent light sources and xenon arc UV light sources are used to estimate the effect of sunlight on a product or material. Both are used to simulate indoor sun exposure and outdoor sun exposure, but xenon arc light simulates natural sunlight more closely.

Xenon arc UV light is the preferred choice for testing outdoor products, making the ASTM G155 standard a more popular choice for materials and product manufacturers for sunlight exposure testing.

You can contact us to learn more about our accelerated weathering test services.