Weathering Testing: Acceleration

This seminar addresses the principles on how acceleration can be achieved in weathering testing. Technical solutions are described. What should be considered to get reliable and significant results from accelerated testing? How can reciprocity be validated? This seminar will give some answers.

(Part 5 of our six part series of general weathering related online seminars)

This seminar addresses the principles on how acceleration can be achieved in weathering testing. Technical solutions are described. What should be considered to get reliable and significant results from accelerated testing? How can reciprocity be validated? This seminar will give some answers.

(Part 5 of our six part series of general weathering related online seminars)

Introduction to Weathering

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

Weathering Testing: Correlation

To evaluate and to understand accelerated weathering testing, it is important to know how the results “correlate” to real world weathering. In this seminar mathematical/statistical procedures are described on how to compare and how to validate weathering results from different exposures. Basic principles on how to increase correlation are discussed.

(Part 6 of our six part series of general weathering related online seminars)

To evaluate and to understand accelerated weathering testing, it is important to know how the results “correlate” to real world weathering. In this seminar mathematical/statistical procedures are described on how to compare and how to validate weathering results from different exposures. Basic principles on how to increase correlation are discussed.

(Part 6 of our six part series of general weathering related online seminars)

Weathering and Light Stability Testing of Electronics

Modern consumer electronic contain a multitude of organic and polymeric components, ranging from seals, housings and covers to active components like liquid crystals and OLEDs. Those components can degrade or alter functionality by the influences of the environment, especially by solar radiation (natural or artificial), heat and moisture. This online seminar addresses these effects and provides information and methods how these issues can be tested during product development.

Modern consumer electronic contain a multitude of organic and polymeric components, ranging from seals, housings and covers to active components like liquid crystals and OLEDs. Those components can degrade or alter functionality by the influences of the environment, especially by solar radiation (natural or artificial), heat and moisture. This online seminar addresses these effects and provides information and methods how these issues can be tested during product development.

Introduction to Weathering

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

Accelerated Outdoor Weathering: EMMAQUA

Accelerated outdoor weathering with linear Fresnel-reflecting concentrators that follow the path of the sun and concentrate solar radiation onto the test specimen is well established (see e.g. ASTM G90). The use of natural solar radiation often results in degradation processes that are very similar to those observed in static outdoor weathering. Rain and dew can be simulated by spraying the specimen with deionized water.

Since traditional mirrors concentrate the entire solar spectrum, substrates with poor thermal conductivity, such as plastics or composites, are usually not suitable, as they can easily overheat and be thermally decomposed. Coatings on substrates with good thermal conductivity, such as metals, can, however, be effectively cooled from the rear with air and are therefore usually very suitable.

A more recent development in accelerated outdoor weathering is the use of so-called “cool mirrors” (CM), which mainly reflect UV and short-wave visible, but not infrared radiation. This results in much lower specimen temperatures compared to traditional mirrors. This enables temperature-sensitive materials to be tested.

Accelerated outdoor weathering with linear Fresnel-reflecting concentrators that follow the path of the sun and concentrate solar radiation onto the test specimen is well established (see e.g. ASTM G90). The use of natural solar radiation often results in degradation processes that are very similar to those observed in static outdoor weathering. Rain and dew can be simulated by spraying the specimen with deionized water.

Since traditional mirrors concentrate the entire solar spectrum, substrates with poor thermal conductivity, such as plastics or composites, are usually not suitable, as they can easily overheat and be thermally decomposed. Coatings on substrates with good thermal conductivity, such as metals, can, however, be effectively cooled from the rear with air and are therefore usually very suitable.

A more recent development in accelerated outdoor weathering is the use of so-called “cool mirrors” (CM), which mainly reflect UV and short-wave visible, but not infrared radiation. This results in much lower specimen temperatures compared to traditional mirrors. This enables temperature-sensitive materials to be tested.

Weathering Testing of Coatings – Principles and Test Methods

There is a wide range of technical coatings based on different composition and application processes. Often these coatings have simple decorative purposes. However, coatings are also used to protect the substrate from corrosion, mechanical impact, and other environmental stress factors. The coating properties themselves might be affected by environmental stress factors such as solar radiation, heat, and moisture. For each application, it is important that the coating retains the desired properties during the service life of the product.

Substrates can be metals, composites, wood, and/or plastics. For each application and substrate, the type of coating and its specific sensitivities might be different. Most coatings have in common, that they are sensitive to moisture, especially to moisture cycles.

In this webinar we address general weathering degradation modes and effects of coatings and how these can be tested best using different natural and artificial accelerated test methods.

There is a wide range of technical coatings based on different composition and application processes. Often these coatings have simple decorative purposes. However, coatings are also used to protect the substrate from corrosion, mechanical impact, and other environmental stress factors. The coating properties themselves might be affected by environmental stress factors such as solar radiation, heat, and moisture. For each application, it is important that the coating retains the desired properties during the service life of the product.

Substrates can be metals, composites, wood, and/or plastics. For each application and substrate, the type of coating and its specific sensitivities might be different. Most coatings have in common, that they are sensitive to moisture, especially to moisture cycles.

In this webinar we address general weathering degradation modes and effects of coatings and how these can be tested best using different natural and artificial accelerated test methods.

Weathering and Light Stability Testing of Electronics

Modern consumer electronic contain a multitude of organic and polymeric components, ranging from seals, housings and covers to active components like liquid crystals and OLEDs. Those components can degrade or alter functionality by the influences of the environment, especially by solar radiation (natural or artificial), heat and moisture. This online seminar addresses these effects and provides information and methods how these issues can be tested during product development.

Modern consumer electronic contain a multitude of organic and polymeric components, ranging from seals, housings and covers to active components like liquid crystals and OLEDs. Those components can degrade or alter functionality by the influences of the environment, especially by solar radiation (natural or artificial), heat and moisture. This online seminar addresses these effects and provides information and methods how these issues can be tested during product development.

Weathering Testing - Common Test Setups

Standard test setups and cycles are the one side of the story, performing weathering tests in laboratory equipment are the other side. This online seminar should give guidance on how to translate standard test cycles into meaningful weathering experiments for common applications, such as automotive interior and exterior materials, plastics, textiles, composites, and other applications.

Standard test setups and cycles are the one side of the story, performing weathering tests in laboratory equipment are the other side. This online seminar should give guidance on how to translate standard test cycles into meaningful weathering experiments for common applications, such as automotive interior and exterior materials, plastics, textiles, composites, and other applications.

Component and Full Product Testing (IEC 60068-2-5/DIN 75220/MIL-STD-810H)

Accelerated solar environmental stress tests are applied to test the durability of components and complete products. While their related test standards share characteristics with xenon weathering tests, there are important differences to be aware of. There are big differences in the scope of testing, the exposure techniques, and the analytical perspective. This online seminar covers the most common accelerated solar environmental test methods for electronics (IEC 60068-2-5), automotive interior parts (DIN 75220), and defense products (MIL-STD-810H). We discuss the test conditions for each standard and provide guidance on how best to perform each test.

Accelerated solar environmental stress tests are applied to test the durability of components and complete products. While their related test standards share characteristics with xenon weathering tests, there are important differences to be aware of. There are big differences in the scope of testing, the exposure techniques, and the analytical perspective. This online seminar covers the most common accelerated solar environmental test methods for electronics (IEC 60068-2-5), automotive interior parts (DIN 75220), and defense products (MIL-STD-810H). We discuss the test conditions for each standard and provide guidance on how best to perform each test.

Test Method Development

Solar radiation, heat, and water are acting synergistically on materials and components, causing ageing processes and ultimately product failure. Accelerated weathering instruments simulate and control these primary weather factors. This seminar explains how to develop a realistic, precise, and correlating accelerated weathering test method. The starting point is always the end-use environment, from which worst case conditions are derived, which are then translated into test parameters. ASTM D7869 is a recent example of such test method development. Often, multiple laboratory and outdoor weathering tests are combined into a “test program” that includes materials, components, and the final product. Examples form the automotive and PV industries will be discussed.

Solar radiation, heat, and water are acting synergistically on materials and components, causing ageing processes and ultimately product failure. Accelerated weathering instruments simulate and control these primary weather factors. This seminar explains how to develop a realistic, precise, and correlating accelerated weathering test method. The starting point is always the end-use environment, from which worst case conditions are derived, which are then translated into test parameters. ASTM D7869 is a recent example of such test method development. Often, multiple laboratory and outdoor weathering tests are combined into a “test program” that includes materials, components, and the final product. Examples form the automotive and PV industries will be discussed.

Applications and Limitations of Different Types of Xenon-arc Instruments

Focus of this online seminar is the comparison of rotating-rack type and flat-bed type xenon-arc instruments. Both instrument types have their advantages and their limitations, regarding uniformity of irradiance and temperature, specimen geometry and sample handling. Those topics are discussed. Guidance is given on which instrument types might be favorable for specific applications.

Focus of this online seminar is the comparison of rotating-rack type and flat-bed type xenon-arc instruments. Both instrument types have their advantages and their limitations, regarding uniformity of irradiance and temperature, specimen geometry and sample handling. Those topics are discussed. Guidance is given on which instrument types might be favorable for specific applications.

Weathering Testing of Coatings – Principles and Test Methods

There is a wide range of technical coatings based on different composition and application processes. Often these coatings have simple decorative purposes. However, coatings are also used to protect the substrate from corrosion, mechanical impact, and other environmental stress factors. The coating properties themselves might be affected by environmental stress factors such as solar radiation, heat, and moisture. For each application, it is important that the coating retains the desired properties during the service life of the product.

Substrates can be metals, composites, wood, and/or plastics. For each application and substrate, the type of coating and its specific sensitivities might be different. Most coatings have in common, that they are sensitive to moisture, especially to moisture cycles.

In this webinar we address general weathering degradation modes and effects of coatings and how these can be tested best using different natural and artificial accelerated test methods.

There is a wide range of technical coatings based on different composition and application processes. Often these coatings have simple decorative purposes. However, coatings are also used to protect the substrate from corrosion, mechanical impact, and other environmental stress factors. The coating properties themselves might be affected by environmental stress factors such as solar radiation, heat, and moisture. For each application, it is important that the coating retains the desired properties during the service life of the product.

Substrates can be metals, composites, wood, and/or plastics. For each application and substrate, the type of coating and its specific sensitivities might be different. Most coatings have in common, that they are sensitive to moisture, especially to moisture cycles.

In this webinar we address general weathering degradation modes and effects of coatings and how these can be tested best using different natural and artificial accelerated test methods.

Accelerated Outdoor Weathering: EMMAQUA

Accelerated outdoor weathering with linear Fresnel-reflecting concentrators that follow the path of the sun and concentrate solar radiation onto the test specimen is well established (see e.g. ASTM G90). The use of natural solar radiation often results in degradation processes that are very similar to those observed in static outdoor weathering. Rain and dew can be simulated by spraying the specimen with deionized water.

Since traditional mirrors concentrate the entire solar spectrum, substrates with poor thermal conductivity, such as plastics or composites, are usually not suitable, as they can easily overheat and be thermally decomposed. Coatings on substrates with good thermal conductivity, such as metals, can, however, be effectively cooled from the rear with air and are therefore usually very suitable.

A more recent development in accelerated outdoor weathering is the use of so-called “cool mirrors” (CM), which mainly reflect UV and short-wave visible, but not infrared radiation. This results in much lower specimen temperatures compared to traditional mirrors. This enables temperature-sensitive materials to be tested.

Accelerated outdoor weathering with linear Fresnel-reflecting concentrators that follow the path of the sun and concentrate solar radiation onto the test specimen is well established (see e.g. ASTM G90). The use of natural solar radiation often results in degradation processes that are very similar to those observed in static outdoor weathering. Rain and dew can be simulated by spraying the specimen with deionized water.

Since traditional mirrors concentrate the entire solar spectrum, substrates with poor thermal conductivity, such as plastics or composites, are usually not suitable, as they can easily overheat and be thermally decomposed. Coatings on substrates with good thermal conductivity, such as metals, can, however, be effectively cooled from the rear with air and are therefore usually very suitable.

A more recent development in accelerated outdoor weathering is the use of so-called “cool mirrors” (CM), which mainly reflect UV and short-wave visible, but not infrared radiation. This results in much lower specimen temperatures compared to traditional mirrors. This enables temperature-sensitive materials to be tested.

Component and Full Product Testing (IEC 60068-2-5/DIN 75220/MIL-STD-810H)

Accelerated solar environmental stress tests are applied to test the durability of components and complete products. While their related test standards share characteristics with xenon weathering tests, there are important differences to be aware of. There are big differences in the scope of testing, the exposure techniques, and the analytical perspective. This online seminar covers the most common accelerated solar environmental test methods for electronics (IEC 60068-2-5), automotive interior parts (DIN 75220), and defense products (MIL-STD-810H). We discuss the test conditions for each standard and provide guidance on how best to perform each test.

Accelerated solar environmental stress tests are applied to test the durability of components and complete products. While their related test standards share characteristics with xenon weathering tests, there are important differences to be aware of. There are big differences in the scope of testing, the exposure techniques, and the analytical perspective. This online seminar covers the most common accelerated solar environmental test methods for electronics (IEC 60068-2-5), automotive interior parts (DIN 75220), and defense products (MIL-STD-810H). We discuss the test conditions for each standard and provide guidance on how best to perform each test.

Applications and Limitations of Different Types of Xenon-arc Instruments

Focus of this online seminar is the comparison of rotating-rack type and flat-bed type xenon-arc instruments. Both instrument types have their advantages and their limitations, regarding uniformity of irradiance and temperature, specimen geometry and sample handling. Those topics are discussed. Guidance is given on which instrument types might be favorable for specific applications.

Focus of this online seminar is the comparison of rotating-rack type and flat-bed type xenon-arc instruments. Both instrument types have their advantages and their limitations, regarding uniformity of irradiance and temperature, specimen geometry and sample handling. Those topics are discussed. Guidance is given on which instrument types might be favorable for specific applications.

Weathering Testing - From Ranking to Service Life Prediction

Accelerated weathering testing is meant to reproduce the aging and the failure modes of materials and products in their targeted end use environment. Depending on test method, the test can be realistic in reproducing the effects of natural weathering. However, often accelerated tests are only used to rank materials and to select the best option. The higher goal is still to have real service live prediction based on accelerated testing. Approaches of service live prediction include modeling of material degradation based on climatic data to design test methods to reproduce natural failure modes. Detailed knowledge of product degradation mechanism in the end-use environment is important. There is a long way from simple accelerated weathering testing to real service life prediction. This webinar gives guidance to make the most out of accelerated testing.

Accelerated weathering testing is meant to reproduce the aging and the failure modes of materials and products in their targeted end use environment. Depending on test method, the test can be realistic in reproducing the effects of natural weathering. However, often accelerated tests are only used to rank materials and to select the best option. The higher goal is still to have real service live prediction based on accelerated testing. Approaches of service live prediction include modeling of material degradation based on climatic data to design test methods to reproduce natural failure modes. Detailed knowledge of product degradation mechanism in the end-use environment is important. There is a long way from simple accelerated weathering testing to real service life prediction. This webinar gives guidance to make the most out of accelerated testing.

Test Method Development

Solar radiation, heat, and water are acting synergistically on materials and components, causing ageing processes and ultimately product failure. Accelerated weathering instruments simulate and control these primary weather factors. This seminar explains how to develop a realistic, precise, and correlating accelerated weathering test method. The starting point is always the end-use environment, from which worst case conditions are derived, which are then translated into test parameters. ASTM D7869 is a recent example of such test method development. Often, multiple laboratory and outdoor weathering tests are combined into a “test program” that includes materials, components, and the final product. Examples form the automotive and PV industries will be discussed.

Solar radiation, heat, and water are acting synergistically on materials and components, causing ageing processes and ultimately product failure. Accelerated weathering instruments simulate and control these primary weather factors. This seminar explains how to develop a realistic, precise, and correlating accelerated weathering test method. The starting point is always the end-use environment, from which worst case conditions are derived, which are then translated into test parameters. ASTM D7869 is a recent example of such test method development. Often, multiple laboratory and outdoor weathering tests are combined into a “test program” that includes materials, components, and the final product. Examples form the automotive and PV industries will be discussed.

Weathering Testing - Common Test Setups

Standard test setups and cycles are the one side of the story, performing weathering tests in laboratory equipment are the other side. This online seminar should give guidance on how to translate standard test cycles into meaningful weathering experiments for common applications, such as automotive interior and exterior materials, plastics, textiles, composites, and other applications.

Standard test setups and cycles are the one side of the story, performing weathering tests in laboratory equipment are the other side. This online seminar should give guidance on how to translate standard test cycles into meaningful weathering experiments for common applications, such as automotive interior and exterior materials, plastics, textiles, composites, and other applications.

Comparison of Xenon-arc and Fluorescent-UV Technology and Applications

A common weathering question is “Which method shows better correlation; Fluorescent UV or Xenon-arc weathering”. Very often the answer is simplified to: Xenon-arc should be used if color change is an issue, Fluorescent UV should be used if matrix degradation is an issue. However, the answer is typically much more complex. This online seminar should help you to identify which testing technology is most suitable for your application. “When can Fluorescent UV be an economical testing option? When there is no alternative to Xenon-arc? What can be done for both methods to get the most meaningful results?”

A common weathering question is “Which method shows better correlation; Fluorescent UV or Xenon-arc weathering”. Very often the answer is simplified to: Xenon-arc should be used if color change is an issue, Fluorescent UV should be used if matrix degradation is an issue. However, the answer is typically much more complex. This online seminar should help you to identify which testing technology is most suitable for your application. “When can Fluorescent UV be an economical testing option? When there is no alternative to Xenon-arc? What can be done for both methods to get the most meaningful results?”

Weathering Testing - Visual and Instrumental Evaluation

This seminar addresses evaluation techniques commonly used in accelerated weathering testing, including the assessment of color, gloss, chalking, cracking, blistering and other. Instrumental and visual technologies are described. References to evaluation standards and rating scales are given.

This seminar addresses evaluation techniques commonly used in accelerated weathering testing, including the assessment of color, gloss, chalking, cracking, blistering and other. Instrumental and visual technologies are described. References to evaluation standards and rating scales are given.

Introduction to Weathering

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

This online seminar provides an introduction into technology, methods, and basic concepts of weathering testing. The seminar starts with explaining how weather factors cause ageing of organic materials. After that, the difference between weather and climate is discussed. The seminar reviews various outdoor testing technologies like static exposure, sun-tracking and the use of concentrating Fresnel mirrors and presents how testing is performed in key benchmark climate locations. Discussion of laboratory accelerated weathering testing is structured by light source and instrument geometry. Finally, the concepts of correlation and acceleration are briefly explained.

Weathering Testing of Automotive Exterior Materials

Automotive weathering testing is quite a wide field, where it is easy to lose track. There are test methods which are suitable for different materials (plastics, coatings on metals, coatings on plastics, textiles, leather, safety equipment, etc. Last but not least, different OEMs use different test setups and even different test technologies for specific applications. This online seminar should give you an overview on the most important weathering test methods such as SAE J2527 and AST D7869 in the automotive industry.

Automotive weathering testing is quite a wide field, where it is easy to lose track. There are test methods which are suitable for different materials (plastics, coatings on metals, coatings on plastics, textiles, leather, safety equipment, etc. Last but not least, different OEMs use different test setups and even different test technologies for specific applications. This online seminar should give you an overview on the most important weathering test methods such as SAE J2527 and AST D7869 in the automotive industry.

Weathering, UV Test, Solar Simulation, Photostability - Different Worlds or Different Words for the Same?

Accelerated Weathering, Lightfastness, UV, Photostability, Photodegradation, Shelf Life, Solar Simulation, Solar-Climatic, Accelerated Ageing, Environmental Durability Test, … Are these just different words for the same test? Or do these tests actually indicate different combinations of different stress factors? The key to understanding the differences and similarities is the applications. Different industries, e.g. the pharmaceutical, paint, PV, or textile industries and consequently different standards committees, have developed different testing philosophies adapted to their needs, their applications and their product life times. In addition, specific designations have been derived from different historical roots, e.g. from photography, electronics, chemistry, pharma, or material engineering. Finally, misleading terms such as "climate chamber" are widespread. This seminar dives deeper into the world of weathering and environmental ageing testing, discussing  different and similar concepts, defining and comparing the terminology used, explaining the historical background and correcting common misconceptions.

Accelerated Weathering, Lightfastness, UV, Photostability, Photodegradation, Shelf Life, Solar Simulation, Solar-Climatic, Accelerated Ageing, Environmental Durability Test, … Are these just different words for the same test? Or do these tests actually indicate different combinations of different stress factors? The key to understanding the differences and similarities is the applications. Different industries, e.g. the pharmaceutical, paint, PV, or textile industries and consequently different standards committees, have developed different testing philosophies adapted to their needs, their applications and their product life times. In addition, specific designations have been derived from different historical roots, e.g. from photography, electronics, chemistry, pharma, or material engineering. Finally, misleading terms such as "climate chamber" are widespread. This seminar dives deeper into the world of weathering and environmental ageing testing, discussing  different and similar concepts, defining and comparing the terminology used, explaining the historical background and correcting common misconceptions.

Temperature Effects in Artificial and Natural Weathering

The surface temperature of a material exposed to natural sunlight or to artificial Xenon-arc radiation is critical for its degradation behavior. In this webinar we present how surface temperatures can be measured in weathering setups and which test parameters will influence the surface temperature. We will show models and examples how the surface temperature influences the degradation process.

The surface temperature of a material exposed to natural sunlight or to artificial Xenon-arc radiation is critical for its degradation behavior. In this webinar we present how surface temperatures can be measured in weathering setups and which test parameters will influence the surface temperature. We will show models and examples how the surface temperature influences the degradation process.

From weathering of wind turbines to stability testing of infusion bags - Applications of the Atlas Xenotest®

Coming with over 60 years of experience, Xenotest instruments are designed for the most reliable weathering and lightfastness testing. The Xenotest series provides proven solutions for various R&D applications, especially in the field of durability testing of polymers, coatings, and dyestuffs. As the applications of the Xenotest series have steadily grown, the aim of this online seminar is to cover the most commonly used test methods as well as some specialized areas such as IV-bag photostability. Each application will be explained in detail, including standard reference, practical advice for the test settings and how long they will typically run.

Coming with over 60 years of experience, Xenotest instruments are designed for the most reliable weathering and lightfastness testing. The Xenotest series provides proven solutions for various R&D applications, especially in the field of durability testing of polymers, coatings, and dyestuffs. As the applications of the Xenotest series have steadily grown, the aim of this online seminar is to cover the most commonly used test methods as well as some specialized areas such as IV-bag photostability. Each application will be explained in detail, including standard reference, practical advice for the test settings and how long they will typically run.

Weathering Testing of Automotive Exterior Materials

Automotive weathering testing is quite a wide field, where it is easy to lose track. There are test methods which are suitable for different materials (plastics, coatings on metals, coatings on plastics, textiles, leather, safety equipment, etc. Last but not least, different OEMs use different test setups and even different test technologies for specific applications. This online seminar should give you an overview on the most important weathering test methods such as SAE J2527 and AST D7869 in the automotive industry.

Automotive weathering testing is quite a wide field, where it is easy to lose track. There are test methods which are suitable for different materials (plastics, coatings on metals, coatings on plastics, textiles, leather, safety equipment, etc. Last but not least, different OEMs use different test setups and even different test technologies for specific applications. This online seminar should give you an overview on the most important weathering test methods such as SAE J2527 and AST D7869 in the automotive industry.

Weathering Testing - From Ranking to Service Life Prediction

Accelerated weathering testing is meant to reproduce the aging and the failure modes of materials and products in their targeted end use environment. Depending on test method, the test can be realistic in reproducing the effects of natural weathering. However, often accelerated tests are only used to rank materials and to select the best option. The higher goal is still to have real service live prediction based on accelerated testing. Approaches of service live prediction include modeling of material degradation based on climatic data to design test methods to reproduce natural failure modes. Detailed knowledge of product degradation mechanism in the end-use environment is important. There is a long way from simple accelerated weathering testing to real service life prediction. This webinar gives guidance to make the most out of accelerated testing.

Accelerated weathering testing is meant to reproduce the aging and the failure modes of materials and products in their targeted end use environment. Depending on test method, the test can be realistic in reproducing the effects of natural weathering. However, often accelerated tests are only used to rank materials and to select the best option. The higher goal is still to have real service live prediction based on accelerated testing. Approaches of service live prediction include modeling of material degradation based on climatic data to design test methods to reproduce natural failure modes. Detailed knowledge of product degradation mechanism in the end-use environment is important. There is a long way from simple accelerated weathering testing to real service life prediction. This webinar gives guidance to make the most out of accelerated testing.

Weathering Testing - Visual and Instrumental Evaluation

This seminar addresses evaluation techniques commonly used in accelerated weathering testing, including the assessment of color, gloss, chalking, cracking, blistering and other. Instrumental and visual technologies are described. References to evaluation standards and rating scales are given.

This seminar addresses evaluation techniques commonly used in accelerated weathering testing, including the assessment of color, gloss, chalking, cracking, blistering and other. Instrumental and visual technologies are described. References to evaluation standards and rating scales are given.

Comparison of Xenon-arc and Fluorescent-UV Technology and Applications

A common weathering question is “Which method shows better correlation; Fluorescent UV or Xenon-arc weathering”. Very often the answer is simplified to: Xenon-arc should be used if color change is an issue, Fluorescent UV should be used if matrix degradation is an issue. However, the answer is typically much more complex. This online seminar should help you to identify which testing technology is most suitable for your application. “When can Fluorescent UV be an economical testing option? When there is no alternative to Xenon-arc? What can be done for both methods to get the most meaningful results?”

A common weathering question is “Which method shows better correlation; Fluorescent UV or Xenon-arc weathering”. Very often the answer is simplified to: Xenon-arc should be used if color change is an issue, Fluorescent UV should be used if matrix degradation is an issue. However, the answer is typically much more complex. This online seminar should help you to identify which testing technology is most suitable for your application. “When can Fluorescent UV be an economical testing option? When there is no alternative to Xenon-arc? What can be done for both methods to get the most meaningful results?”

Weathering, UV Test, Solar Simulation, Photostability - Different Worlds or Different Words for the Same?

Accelerated Weathering, Lightfastness, UV, Photostability, Photodegradation, Shelf Life, Solar Simulation, Solar-Climatic, Accelerated Ageing, Environmental Durability Test, … Are these just different words for the same test? Or do these tests actually indicate different combinations of different stress factors? The key to understanding the differences and similarities is the applications. Different industries, e.g. the pharmaceutical, paint, PV, or textile industries and consequently different standards committees, have developed different testing philosophies adapted to their needs, their applications and their product life times. In addition, specific designations have been derived from different historical roots, e.g. from photography, electronics, chemistry, pharma, or material engineering. Finally, misleading terms such as "climate chamber" are widespread. This seminar dives deeper into the world of weathering and environmental ageing testing, discussing  different and similar concepts, defining and comparing the terminology used, explaining the historical background and correcting common misconceptions.

Accelerated Weathering, Lightfastness, UV, Photostability, Photodegradation, Shelf Life, Solar Simulation, Solar-Climatic, Accelerated Ageing, Environmental Durability Test, … Are these just different words for the same test? Or do these tests actually indicate different combinations of different stress factors? The key to understanding the differences and similarities is the applications. Different industries, e.g. the pharmaceutical, paint, PV, or textile industries and consequently different standards committees, have developed different testing philosophies adapted to their needs, their applications and their product life times. In addition, specific designations have been derived from different historical roots, e.g. from photography, electronics, chemistry, pharma, or material engineering. Finally, misleading terms such as "climate chamber" are widespread. This seminar dives deeper into the world of weathering and environmental ageing testing, discussing  different and similar concepts, defining and comparing the terminology used, explaining the historical background and correcting common misconceptions.

Temperature Effects in Artificial and Natural Weathering

The surface temperature of a material exposed to natural sunlight or to artificial Xenon-arc radiation is critical for its degradation behavior. In this webinar we present how surface temperatures can be measured in weathering setups and which test parameters will influence the surface temperature. We will show models and examples how the surface temperature influences the degradation process.

The surface temperature of a material exposed to natural sunlight or to artificial Xenon-arc radiation is critical for its degradation behavior. In this webinar we present how surface temperatures can be measured in weathering setups and which test parameters will influence the surface temperature. We will show models and examples how the surface temperature influences the degradation process.

From weathering of wind turbines to stability testing of infusion bags - Applications of the Atlas Xenotest®

Coming with over 60 years of experience, Xenotest instruments are designed for the most reliable weathering and lightfastness testing. The Xenotest series provides proven solutions for various R&D applications, especially in the field of durability testing of polymers, coatings, and dyestuffs. As the applications of the Xenotest series have steadily grown, the aim of this online seminar is to cover the most commonly used test methods as well as some specialized areas such as IV-bag photostability. Each application will be explained in detail, including standard reference, practical advice for the test settings and how long they will typically run.

Coming with over 60 years of experience, Xenotest instruments are designed for the most reliable weathering and lightfastness testing. The Xenotest series provides proven solutions for various R&D applications, especially in the field of durability testing of polymers, coatings, and dyestuffs. As the applications of the Xenotest series have steadily grown, the aim of this online seminar is to cover the most commonly used test methods as well as some specialized areas such as IV-bag photostability. Each application will be explained in detail, including standard reference, practical advice for the test settings and how long they will typically run.