Salt Spray Testing Lab:
UV Testing Lab Services
UV testing is a crucial process that evaluates how ultraviolet radiation affects various materials, providing valuable insights into durability. Our UV testing laboratory utilizes operating fluorescent ultraviolet lamp apparatus to simulate sunlight exposure. We offer comprehensive UV testing services, including cyclic corrosion testing, to assess environmental stressors. Our experts guide clients through the testing process, ensuring compliance with ASTM G154 and other industry standards.
Introduction to UV Testing
UV testing is a crucial process that evaluates how ultraviolet radiation affects various materials, providing valuable insights into durability. Our UV testing laboratory utilizes operating fluorescent ultraviolet lamp apparatus to simulate sunlight exposure. We offer comprehensive UV testing services, including cyclic corrosion testing, to assess environmental stressors. Our experts guide clients through the testing process, ensuring compliance with ASTM G154 and other industry standards.
UV Test Equipment
Our UV testing lab follows established standards to ensure accurate test results. ASTM G154 serves as our primary standard practice for operating fluorescent ultraviolet lamp apparatus exposure testing. We use fluorescent UV lamps to simulate natural sunlight conditions, assessing how materials respond to environmental factors including temperature. Our test parameters replicate real-world conditions with precise light intensity measurements. We also offer other test methods, such as xenon arc exposure testing, for specific testing needs.
Choosing UV Test Methods
Choosing the right UV test method ensures accurate testing results reflecting real-world conditions. Our experts guide clients in selecting suitable test methods, whether ASTM G154 standard practice or ASTM G155 xenon arc exposure testing. We consider factors such as material type, exposure conditions, and test objectives for your testing needs. Xenon arc systems offer laboratory light sources simulating the full spectrum of natural sunlight, ideal for testing materials facing direct sunlight exposure.
UV Testing Equipment
Our UV testing equipment includes advanced lamp apparatus exposure systems simulating ultraviolet radiation effects on nonmetallic materials and coatings. We utilize fluorescent ultraviolet UV lamp apparatus technology providing full spectrum UV radiation. Our test chamber replicates outdoor exposure environments, including condensation cycles and non-metallic materials testing. The equipment features constant exposure capabilities for precise control over test conditions including UV spectrum intensity and environmental parameters.
Accelerated weathering
testing
Accelerated weathering testing simulates extended UV exposure on materials in compressed timeframes. Our UV testing lab uses accelerated weathering techniques to evaluate material performance under intense ultraviolet exposure conditions.
We simulate natural sunlight conditions, including the UV spectrum and light intensity, to assess material durability and resistance. Our testing services cater to industries requiring evaluation of plastics, coatings, and materials for outdoor applications and indoor applications.
Through UV exposure testing, we help predict product performance under environmental stressors.
Material performance assessment
Material performance and durability are critical factors determining a product’s lifespan and quality in actual use. Our UV testing laboratory assesses how materials exposed to ultraviolet radiation perform under various environmental conditions.
We evaluate mechanical properties, gloss measurements, and color change to determine material durability and resistance. Our testing results provide valuable insights into material behavior, enabling manufacturers to improve product quality.
Testing capabilities include:
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Fluorescent UV lamp apparatus
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Full spectrum UV radiation
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Condensation cycles
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Non-metallic materials testing
Talk to our experts
We can recommend the right test, and also customize test methods based on your needs. Contact us and let us know what you need, and we will deliver the right solution for your requirements.
UV Test Applications
UV testing has diverse applications across multiple industries, from outdoor exposure testing to simulating exposure for indoor applications. We consider numerous factors including light intensity, environmental factors, and characteristics of non-metallic materials. We provide guidance on test parameters, including UV spectrum characteristics and radiation levels.
Industry-Specific Testing
UV testing is critical for industries where material integrity impacts product quality. Our UV testing lab provides specialized testing services for plastics manufacturers, coatings developers, and automotive suppliers, including accelerated weathering testing. For the plastics industry, we evaluate how plastics intended for outdoor applications resist UV radiation and maintain mechanical properties. Coatings manufacturers rely on our expertise to assess resistance under ultraviolet exposure, helping them improve performance and meet industry standards.
Plastics
Evaluate outdoor-use plastics for UV resistance
Coatings
Assess resistance under UV exposure
Automotive
Test outdoor components for durability under sunlight
UV Testing
Reports
Reports
Our UV testing reports provide detailed information on test results, including data on material performance under simulated exposure conditions. Each report documents test parameters used, including light intensity, temperature cycles, and exposure time. We offer certification backed by quality control processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Our reports provide valuable insights into material behavior, including assessments of color change, gloss measurements, and mechanical properties degradation for informed decision-making.
- Test parameters (light intensity, temperature, exposure time)
- Color change, gloss, mechanical properties
- Quality certification / standard compliance
Exemple
EN ISO 16474‑3:2021
Title:
Paints and varnishes – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps
Purpose:
To reproduce the degradation effects that occur when materials are exposed to daylight or daylight filtered through window glass.
What is tested?
• UV radiation (UVA‑340, UVA‑351, UVB‑313)
• Temperature (e.g., 50–60 °C)
• Humidity and water (condensation or spray)
• The material’s resistance to these factors
Test methods (examples)
Method A – UVA‑340 lamps: Simulates short‑wavelength natural sunlight.
Method B – UVA‑351 lamps: Simulates sunlight filtered through window glass (indoor environments).
Method C – UVB‑313 lamps: Provides accelerated degradation, mainly used for quality control.
Each method includes different test cycles with specific settings for light exposure periods, condensation, spray, temperature, and intensity.
ASTM G155 – Overview (Xenon Arc Weathering)
ASTM G155 is a standard that defines methods for exposing nonmetallic materials to xenon arc light in a laboratory environment. The purpose is to simulate full‑spectrum sunlight, including UV, visible light, and infrared, often combined with moisture (spray or humidity) and elevated temperatures.
SUMMARY
What the standard is used for
ASTM G155 is commonly applied in:
- Automotive materials
- Plastics and polymers
- Paints, varnishes, and coatings
- Outdoor‑exposed components
Principle of the test
The xenon arc lamp reproduces natural sunlight as closely as possible, including:
- UV radiation
- Visible light
- Infrared radiation (heat)
- Moisture exposure (spray or humidity cycles)
- Controlled temperature
Typical exposure conditions
Based on internal emails, common exposure durations include:
- 200–300 hours for short screening tests
- 2000–3000 hours for long‑term or “desert‑like” simulations
Comparison to other standards
- ASTM G154 → Fluorescent UV (UVA/UVB), not full spectrum
- ASTM G155 → Xenon arc, full‑spectrum sunlight simulation
Internal correspondence confirms that ASTM G155 aligns with xenon‑based ISO standards such as ISO 4892‑2 / ISO 16474‑2.
(Referenced in RE: UV ASTM G154 – very high level of exposure, desert like conditions.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Spray Testing
Contact Our Testing Experts
Our lab provides comprehensive reports detailing salt spray test results and recommendations for improving corrosion resistance.
Contact our team to discuss your specific testing needs and learn how our spray testing services support product durability.
Joakim Ekström
