ATS' Walk-In Solar Chamber Accommodates Large Samples
Purpose and Benefits of Solar Testing
Applied Technical Services, Inc. offers solar testing to clients whose materials and equipment can be affected by direct solar radiation. Our ISO 9001-certified labs are well equipped and professionally managed to perform accurate testing and provide clear, detailed reports. By using a variety of methods, technicians in our environmental testing lab determine the degree to which sample materials are susceptible to the negative effects of solar radiation.
Materials are subject to three main stress factors when exposed to direct sunlight:
Based upon manufacturing process and material composition, it can be determined if a component absorbs higher rates of radiation or has more reflective qualities.
Industries Served
Among the many industries with which ATS enjoys an excellent reputation are military, aerospace, maritime, railroad, automotive, construction, consumer products, industrial, manufacturing, nuclear, chemical, commercial, pharmaceuticals, power generation and telecommunications.
Popular Industry Testing Standards:
Whether you are testing to popular industry standards or need customized testing, our experts have the knowledge to get your questions answered and your products validated. ATS’ experts also offer reviews of installation practices and workmanship. With clients from many industries, ATS tests a wide variety of products.
Commonly Tested Products / Components:
Below is a list of solar testing standards and descriptions for which we are ISO 17025 accredited by the A2LA to perform, categorized by the general method to which they pertain:
Standard Description
ASTM D4329
Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics
ASTM D4587
Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
ASTM D4674
Standard Practice for accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor Fluorescent Lighting and Window Filtered Daylight
ASTM D5894
Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal, (Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and a UV/Condensation Cabinet)
ASTM G154
Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
ISO 11997-1
Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to cyclic corrosion conditions — Part 1: Wet (salt fog)/dry/humid
ISO 4892–3 (EN) (DIN)
Plastics — Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources - Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps
SAE J2020
Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Fluorescent UV and Condensation Apparatus
Standard Description
ASTM D2565
Standard Practice for Operation of Xenon Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Use
ASTM D4355
Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light and Water (Xenon-Arc Type Apparatus)
ASTM D4459
Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Indoor Applications
ASTM D6695
Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
ASTM D7869
Standard Practice for Xenon Arc Exposure Test with Enhanced Light and Water Exposure for Transportation Coatings
ASTM G155
Standard Practice for Operation of Xenon Arc Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
FLTM BO 116-01
Resistance to Interior Weathering
GMW 14162
Colorfastness to Artificial Weathering
GMW 3414
Test Method for Artificial Weathering of Automotive Interior Trim Materials
ISO 105–B02
Textiles — Tests for color fastness — Part B02: Color fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test
ISO 105–B04
Textiles — Tests for color fastness — Part B04: Color fastness to weathering: Xenon arc test
ISO 11507
Paints and varnishes — Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering — Exposure to fluorescent UV lamps and water
ISO 4892–2
UV Exposure: Plastics – Methods of Exposure To Laboratory Light Sources — Xenon Arc
PV 1303
Non-metallic materials — Lightfastness test for interior parts
PV 3929
Non-Metallic Materials — Weather Ageing in Dry, Hot Climate
PV 3930
Non-Metallic Materials — Weathering in Moist, Hot Climate
SAE J1885
Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Water Cooled Xenon-Arc Apparatus
SAE J2412
Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus
SAE J2527
Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Water Cooled Xenon-Arc Apparatus
VDA 75202
Automotive interior materials — Colorfastness and ageing test against light at high temperatures: Xenon arc
Standard Description
ASTM D2244
Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
ASTM D523
Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
ISO 2813
Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20 degrees, 60 degrees and 85 degrees
ISO 3668
Paints and varnishes — Visual comparison of colour of paints
ISO 7724
Paints and varnishes — Colorimetry
JIS D 0205
Weatherability for Automotive Parts Sections 1-6, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 8-9
ATS' Commitment to Quality
Our environmental testing lab runs according to an ISO 9001 certified quality management system. This distinction means that a third-party auditor affirms that ATS’ quality assurance program is consistent with the principles outlined in the internationally recognized standard on effective quality management practices. By implementing an ISO 9001 certified system, we laid the foundation to continually improve our customers’ experience when they work with ATS. We make this effort to ensure that we provide our clients with reasons to keep coming back: accurate and detailed reporting, experts who are engaged, available, and responsive, all delivered within a short turnaround window.
If your company needs to determine whether your product or equipment sufficiently resists the effects of solar radiation, contact ATS today about our solar testing services — we take a closer look!

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