Outlasting Weather Exposure
Because all materials eventually fail, all products have a finite lifespan. Part of the manufacturing process is choosing appropriate materials for the composition of the product, and an important factor in this decision is considering how long materials perform to expectations under the product’s intended use. Depending on how the product is to be used or stored, it may need to survive any host of environmental factors like wind, rain, heat, cold, salinity, and altitude.
About the Method: Xenon-Arc Exposure
ATS performs the method by exposing the sample materials to cycles of radiation like those present in actual sunlight. Our technicians accomplish this with the help of powerful xenon arc chambers; this equipment uses xenon-powered arc lights to emit radiation, which is then filtered to most closely emulate the sun’s rays. By controlling the exposure periods and intensity, our lab observes any differences between reactions to varying stimuli and measures them.
Our xenon chambers can affect more than just solar radiation as well: manipulating the chamber’s temperature, ambient humidity, and spray exposure allow ATS’ technicians to more accurately simulate weather patterns and other live-usage scenarios. To account for the product’s intended use, we can also directly expose the test materials or filter the radiation through a pane of glass.
Our lab is ISO 17025 (A2LA) accredited to perform xenon testing to the standards of SAE J2527, SAE J2412, SAE J1885, and ASTM G155, although we regularly conduct these tests to ISO 4892–2, ASTM D6695, ASTM D4459, and ASTM D2565 as well. ATS technicians may further perform the method to client or industry standards as relevant.