After exposure to various environmental conditions, polymer products get damaged due to atmospheric conditions. The product’s life is affected by this environmental condition.
So, to prevent this damage, polymer products are being tested to check their quality. This test is done by using a test chamber commonly known as a UV accelerated weathering tester. This device is used to assess the weather-resistant properties of a material.
Environmental effects on different materials can be determined by using this testing instrument.
Moreover, it is available in two different models such as PSPL 855 and PSPL 856.
The thing that is different between these two models is the control of Irradiance.
PSPL 856 has Irradiance control along with automatic calibration, while PSPL855 does not have irradiance control.
What is the use of accelerated weathering Tester?
An important stage in determining a material's performance and resilience in outdoor environments is to test it for UV weathering, a process that is used to evaluate materials such as polymers. This testing technique provides crucial information about a material's resistance to deterioration over time by simulating the effects of temperature, moisture, and sunlight on the substance. Accelerated weathering tester is commonly utilised in various industries, including automotive, construction, aerospace, and packaging, to evaluate various elements that impact the durability of materials in outdoor environments.
Sunlight's UV radiation is one of the main causes of material deterioration in environments outdoors. Materials such as plastics and coatings may experience fading, yellowing, cracking, and a reduction in mechanical strength due to this type of radiation.
Polymer is the most common material that is used in several products. Manufacturers need to test the durability of their products in rain, UV light or other environmental conditions. Weather conditions can cause degradation in polymer and hence the products made up of polymer reduce their strength and durability.
So, manufacturers have done a weathering test for their products which is commonly known as UV accelerated weathering test. It is done with the help of a machine called UV light test chamber.
This test makes sure that the products withstand environmental conditions.
It has numerous uses across various industries.
The industries which get benefits from this weathering tester are:
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Textile
- Automotive
- Cosmetics
What is the UV testing method?
The UV test method involves testing materials in Ultraviolet radiations to check the durability of materials in sunlight. In the UV Weathering Test, test specimens are exposed to a regulated sequence of heat cycling, moisture condensation cycles, and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. In comparison to natural weathering, these circumstances are designed to accelerate the ageing process for faster results. They closely mimic real-life outside scenarios.
The UV accelerated weathering tester emits UV light directly proportional to the natural sunlight UV rays.
After that, the materials/products to be tested are placed in this tester and hence the effect and durability of UV radiations on the material can be tested.
It helps manufacturers to check whether the products can withstand sunlight exposure or weathering conditions.
What is the ASTM test method for accelerated weathering?
As we know, some standards are made for efficiently performing the tests.
Similarly, there are standards for UV accelerated weathering testing which is ASTM C1501.
The purpose of this accelerated uv testing method is to determine the colour stability of building construction sealants through laboratory accelerated weathering procedures utilizing either fluorescence UV or xenon arc test instruments.
How many hours in a QUV weathering tester equals a year of outdoor
In a QUV weathering tester, the exposure of approximately 4000 hours is considered equivalent to one year of outdoor exposure.
Manufacturers can accelerate testing and evaluate the sunlight’s effect on products in a shorter frame of time with the help of this.
