Artificial Weathering Tests

ARTIFICIAL WEATHERING TESTS

The main benefit of an artificial weathering test over a natural weathering test conducted outdoors is the results’ significantly enhanced reproducibility because the weathering conditions in the lab can always be controlled and easily reproduced when necessary. The types of Artificial weathering tests are as mentioned below : 

• Xenon Arc Test: Weathering of materials from interior and outdoor solar exposure is simulated by the Xenon Arc weather meter. The test is helpful in applications where high-quality finishes for paints and coatings are required yet are highly susceptible to UV deterioration.
• Carbon Arc Test: When an electric current is carried between the carbon rods in the weathering system used for carbon arc testing, it produces radiation in the form of UV, VIS, and infrared waves. A product’s resistance to loss of electrical, mechanical, and optical qualities when exposed to light and heat is assessed via carbon arc testing.
• UV Exposure Testing: Using fluorescent UV lamp weathering equipment, UV Exposure Testing simulates exposure to the sun. Through this test, the mechanical properties of a product are examined in relation to ultraviolet light.

Some industrial use cases of artificial weathering tests are:

• Aerospace Industry: Artificial weathering tests are used to evaluate the performance of automotive coatings under exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Paint and Coatings Industry: Artificial weathering tests are used to evaluate the resistance of aircraft coatings and components to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, humidity, and other environmental conditions.
• Plastics Industry: Artificial weathering tests are used to evaluate the performance of building materials such as roofing and cladding systems under exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Construction Industry: Artificial weathering tests are used to evaluate the performance of paints and coatings under exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Automotive Industry: Artificial weathering tests are used to evaluate the performance of plastic materials under exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture.

Video 01: Artificial Weathering Test – Trespa Quality Videos #1