Optical testing

Test equipment

• Stellar Net Inc. SILVER NOVA TEC X2 spectrometer (shown in the photo opposite), together with SpectraWiz software and the following accessories:
• 2” integrating sphere,
• tungsten-halogen lamp, deuterium lamp,
• heads for reflection and transmission measurements.

Norms and regulations

• UNECE Regulations Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7, 23, 27, 38, 69, 70, 87
• CIE 15.3, CIE 54.2, CIE 63, CIE 84
• PN-EN 13032-1, PN-EN 13032-4
• IES LM 79.

This test (along with the photometric method) can be used to assess the product’s resistance to weather conditions.
The assessment is made by comparing the colour change of the working sample under test with the unexposed sample, using a grey scale.

The grey scale for assessing colour change is used in a 5-grade range (basic scale) and in a 9-grade range, corresponding to half-grade colourfastness indicators.

Standards

• PN-EN 20105-A02
• ISO 105-A02

In the photo: Byko-spectra chamber (BYK) for visual assessment using a grey scale

Colour measurements – X-Rite spectrophotometers

The test method involves determining the specular gloss of coatings using three measurement geometries: 20°, 60°, and 85°. The choice of the appropriate geometry depends directly on the surface characteristics of the specimen (ranging from high gloss to matte finishes).

• 60° Measurement Geometry – A universal solution applicable to the majority of coating types (semi-gloss).
• 20° Measurement Geometry – Developed specifically for high-gloss coatings. It utilizes a smaller aperture angle, which ensures significantly higher measurement resolution and precision.
• 85° Measurement Geometry – Dedicated to the accurate evaluation of matte and low-gloss coatings.

In addition to the standard multi-angle glossmeter, we offer testing using a compact version of the device designed for measuring small components. With the capability to operate on a minimal test area of approximately 15 x 15 mm, this device is perfectly suited for tight spaces and applications requiring high precision.

Test Standard:

• PN-EN ISO 2813

Laboratory Equipment:

• BYK micro-Tri-gloss (20°/60°/85°)
• ZEHNTNER ZGM 1120 (20°/60°)

Thermovision, sometimes referred to as thermography, is one of the available methods for thermal inspection of products. It uses the phenomenon of non-contact detection of electromagnetic radiation in the mid-infrared band (wavelengths from approx. 0.9 μm to 14 μm). An infrared camera can therefore register the thermal radiation emitted by physical bodies at temperatures of about -40°C to about 2000°C. Typically, thermal imaging cameras record a range from -20°C to 250°C.

The great advantage of the thermovision method is its lack of invasiveness. In addition, it is possible to conduct temperature measurements at hard-to-reach locations. With the use of thermovision methods, we can quickly diagnose the correct functioning of electrical and electronic components, including industrial automation systems, the uniformity of heating of objects such as machines, furnaces, etc.

BOSMAL uses thermovision measurements for research on (among others):

• car seat heating systems,
• heat exchangers,
• windows.

• Basic detector resolution: 1024 × 768 px
• Temperature range: -40°C to 2000°C
• Three temperature measurement ranges -40°C to 150°C, 0°C to 650°C, 300°C to 2000°C
• Sensitivity: < 20 mK @ 30°C
• Sequence registration: 30/120/240 Hz
• Field of view: 45° × 34°

Other features of FLIR T1030sc infrared camera:

• Time-lapse recording at user-defined intervals
• Possibility of numerically increasing the resolution of a single image (3.1 Mpx)

Thermovision measurements – comparative tests of heated car seats

Thermovision measurements of heated windows

Thermovision measurements of heat exchangers

They are performed, for example, on heat exchangers after the “thermal shock” test.

Other optical measurements

• tests of the homogeneity of screens and warning signs with a matrix luminance meter,
• photometric tests using a transmission/reflecting screen,
• testing the character of the reflections from various warning devices (e.g. reflective road markers – wildlife scarers),
• testing image distortion for windscreens,
• examination of new and prototype materials and lighting technology devices,
• development of new research methods, taking into account customer requirements.

Testing reflective road markers (wildlife scarers)

Testing of light guide systems

• The standard light transfer characteristic and output device efficiency according to CIE 173:2012
• Light guide components efficiency: roof part (collector), diffuser, light guide
• Luminous intensity distributions
• Photometric files for specific weather conditions

Night visibility measurements

Range of services

• Measurement of the RA coefficient for vertical road markings
• Measurement of the R` factor for reflective materials placed on clothing
• Measurement is possible both in the field and in the laboratory
• Measurement of all types of reflective materials with automatic colour detection

Application areas

• Manufacturers and users:
  • vertical markings
  • registration (license) plates
  • reflective protective clothing
  • reflective tapes
• Road administrations, road managers and supervisors/inspectors