Product light and weather conditions resistance tests

Testing in solar simulation chamber – metal halide lamps

Determination of materials and components resistance for solar radiation is very important aspect of products’ quality evaluation. Simulation of external conditions effect on materials may be performed with various methods. In case of solar radiation simulation the kind of light source is of great importance due to differences in spectral characteristics. Radiation emitted by metal halide lamp very closely simulate spectral energy distribution and intensity of solar radiation – in reference with CIE publication No. 85 (spectral range: UV-VIS-IR i.e. 280 ÷ 3000 nm) with fully regulated intensity.
 
Testing of components and assemblies in solar simulation chambers allows determination of changes in such properties as shape, color, gloss or strength. Other characteristics that are common evaluated are presence of stains, cracks or delamination and other aesthetic and functional aspects.
 
Chamber allows performing of::
  • cyclic tests,
  • long-term tests,
Introduction of appropriate filters allows simulation of:
  • outdoor conditions (simulation of outdoor climatic conditions effect on vehicle’s exposed surfaces),
  • indoor conditions (simulation of climatic conditions inside the close passenger compartment).

ESPEC Type ARS-1100 climatic chamber with MHG 2500W light module (metal halide lamp)

Device:

ESPEC Type ARS-1100 climatic chamber with MHG 2500W light module (metal halide lamp)

Chamber’s equipment:

  • Light module SolarConstant 2500W allowing solar radiation simulation

Chamber’s basic parameteres:

  • Temperature range: -75°C ÷ 180°C
  • Humidity range: 10 ÷ 98% RH
  • Inner volume: 1100 L
  • Chamber’s inner dimmensions : 1100 x 1000 x 1000 mm (width x height x deep)

Testing standards:

  • DIN 75220 – Ageing of automotive components in solar simulation units
  • VDA  230-219:2011

Resistance to weather conditions. Exposure to laboratory light sources. Xenon-arc lamps

The test method consists of exposing working samples to artificial weather conditions (filtered xenon lamp, temperature, humidity and precipitation) in order to simulate ageing processes that occur as a result of natural weather conditions, in the laboratory. Resistance to weather conditions is assessed by comparing the colour change of the tested working sample to a sample not exposed by means of a gray scale according to ISO 105-A02.
 

Testing norms

  • PN-EN ISO 4892-2, method A
  • PN-EN ISO 16474-2 method A
  • PN-EN ISO 105-B04
 

Customer norms

  • Ford, Volvo, VW, Renault, GMW, PSA, BMW, Daimler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Kia, Fiat and others
 

Devices

  • Xenon Weather-Ometer Ci 3000+
  • Xenon Weather-Ometer Ci 4000
  • Xenon Weather-Ometer Ci 4400

Resistance to light. Exposure to laboratory light sources. Xenon-arc lamps.

The test method consists of determining the colour fastness and ageing characteristics of the products in response to artificial light simulating natural daylight passing through window glass with the unmistakable action of heat. The working sample of the tested product is subjected to artificial light under defined conditions. Colour fastness is assessed by comparing the colour change of the test specimen to a non-exposed specimen, in accordance with ISO 105-A02.
 

Testing norms

  • PN-EN ISO 4892-2, method B
  • PN-EN ISO 16474-2 method B
  • PN-EN ISO 105-B02
 

Customer norms

  • Ford, Volvo, VW, Renault, GMW, PSA, BMW, Daimler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Kia, Fiat and others
Document No. Title/Description
BOSMAL/I-7-04 Accelerated ageing under the influence of atmospheric factors (W-O)
PN-EN ISO 4892-2, met. B ISO 4892-2: Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
PN-EN ISO 16474-2, met. B ISO 16474-2: Paints and varnishes - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
PN-EN ISO 4892-2, met. A ISO 4892-2: Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
PN-EN ISO 16474-2, met. A ISO 16474-2: Paints and varnishes - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
PN-EN ISO 105-B04 ISO 105-B04: Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B04: Colour fastness to artificial weathering: Xenon arc fading lamp test
PN-EN ISO 105-B02 ISO 105-B02: Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test
ISO 105-A02 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
DIN 75220 Ageing of automotive components in solar simulation units
VDA 230-219 Ageing of automotive components in solar simulation units