Ultraviolet exposure (UV testing) is performed to understand how a material will withstand the damaging effects of ultraviolet exposure, which can cause significant changes to the properties and useful life of a material.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause a host of issues, including fatigue and reduction of strength, yellowing or discoloration, cracking, brittleness, and general deterioration. To combat this, UV testing simulates the sun’s ultraviolet rays in a controlled laboratory setting.
Ultraviolet exposure & UV testing programs allow labs to test for prolonged periods of exposure in a fraction of the time. Because of the variety of environmental factors involved in real-world scenarios, it is advisable to avoid attempts to correlate laboratory UV testing with specific time frames of real word aging. However, labs can provide comparative data for multiple materials to evaluate overall resistance to UV aging.
UV Exposure Testing Standards
Our Engaged Experts conduct UV Exposure Testing in compliance with the primary standards established by international organizations, including:
American Society for Testing & Materials - ASTM D1149, ASTM D1171, ASTM D518 , ASTM D573, ASTM D750, ASTM D865, ASTM D4329, ASTM D4587, ASTM D4674, ASTM D5208, ASTM D2565, ASTM D4355, ASTM D4459, ASTM D5071, ASTM D6551, ASTM D6695, ASTM D7869, ASTM G147, ASTM G151, ASTM G152, ASTM G153, ASTM G154, ASTM G155, ASTM G23
General Motors - GM9125P, GM9200P, GM9327PISO 4892
International Standards Organization - ISO 188, ISO 1431
Military Standards - MIL-STD-810
Nissan - NES M0135
Society of Automotive Engineers - SAE J1885, SAE J2020, SAE J2412, SAE J2527
The Element Advantage
Element offers accelerated aging and UV weathering testing throughout the United States and in Europe. Our experts can perform weathering tests on polymers, coatings, metals and small components. Element’s labs are equipped to perform some of the most popular UV testing standards, including ASTM G154, ASTM G155, ISO 4892 and MIL-STD-810, along with a wide range of unique, custom projects.
In addition to solar radiation and weather, Element experts can simulate long-term full spectrum (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared) actinic effects. Element can also calibrate the solar spectrum as required, including ultraviolet band spectrum, visible band spectrum, and infrared band spectrum.
To find out more about our capabilities and how Element can help you meet your UV weathering and accelerated aging requirements, connect with an expert today.
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