As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited (CNAS) independent laboratory, we perform professional xenon lamp aging test services to simulate the destructive effects of full‑spectrum sunlight, temperature, and moisture. Our accelerated weathering data helps manufacturers predict material service life and comply with ISO 4892‑2, ASTM G155, SAE J2527, ICH Q1B, and automotive OEM standards (VW, Ford, Tesla).
Product Samples We Regularly Test
Our xenon lamp aging tests cover a broad range of materials and finished products:
- Plastics (ABS, PC, PP, PA, PMMA, PVC, polycarbonate, polyamide)
- Coatings, paints, and clearcoats (automotive, industrial, powder coatings)
- Textiles (upholstery, outdoor fabric, geotextiles, carpet)
- Rubber and elastomers (seals, gaskets, profiles, tires)
- Automotive interior and exterior parts (dashboards, bumpers, trims, lamp housings)
- Photovoltaic (PV) backsheets and encapsulants (EVA, POE, PET)
- Building materials (roofing membranes, sidings, window profiles)
- Ink, printed labels, and packaging films
- Leather and synthetic leather (automotive seats, shoes, bags)
- Wood coatings and decking materials
For Plastics & Polymers (ISO 4892‑2 / ASTM G155)
- Color change evaluation (ΔE) – Measure before and after xenon exposure using spectrophotometer per ISO 7724‑2 / ASTM D2244. Report CIELAB values and ΔE. Typical acceptance: ΔE ≤ 2.0 for automotive interior plastics (SAE J2412).
- Gloss retention – 60° gloss measurement per ASTM D523 before and after exposure. Gloss loss ≤ 30% of initial is often required for exterior automotive trim.
- Tensile property retention – ISO 527‑2 (plastics) or ASTM D638. After 1000–3000 hours of xenon exposure, we measure tensile strength and elongation at break – critical for structural plastic parts.
- Surface cracking and chalking – Visual inspection under magnification (10× to 50×) per ASTM D660 (cracking) and ASTM D4214 (chalking). Rated from 0 (severe) to 10 (no change).
For Coatings & Paints (ISO 11341 / ASTM D7869 / SAE J2527)
- Resistance to artificial weathering (xenon arc) – Cycles may include light/dark, with or without water spray. Common cycle: 102 min light (0.35 W/m² at 340 nm, 65°C black panel) + 18 min light + water spray. Total duration: 500–4000 hours simulating 1–5 years outdoor Florida exposure.
- Adhesion test after aging – Cross‑cut test per ISO 2409 / ASTM D3359 after xenon exposure. Loss of adhesion indicates embrittlement or interlayer degradation.
- Blistering rating – Per ASTM D714, evaluate size (2–8) and frequency (Dense, Medium, Few). No blistering allowed for automotive clearcoats after 1500 hours.
- Fourier‑transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of chemical change – Compare spectra before and after aging to identify oxidation peaks (carbonyl index increase) or loss of UV stabilizers (hindered amine light stabilizers – HALS).
For Textiles & Upholstery (ISO 105‑B02 / AATCC TM16.3 / SAE J2412)
- Colorfastness to light (blue wool scale) – Per ISO 105‑B02, expose textile samples alongside 8 blue wool reference standards. Rating: 1 (very poor) to 8 (excellent). Minimum 4 required for automotive interior fabrics (SAE J2412).
- Tensile and tear strength retention – After 500 hours xenon exposure, measure breaking force per ISO 13934‑1 (strip method) and trapezoidal tear strength per ISO 4674. Loss ≤ 20% typical requirement.
- Fading of printing and dyeing – Visual evaluation using gray scale for color change (ISO 105‑A02) and gray scale for staining (ISO 105‑A03). Grade 3‑4 acceptable for outdoor textiles.
For Automotive Interior Materials (SAE J2412 / SAE J2527)
- Artificial weathering of automotive interior plastics (SAE J2412) – Xenon arc with window glass filter (simulates sunlight behind glass). Irradiance 0.55 W/m² at 340 nm, black panel 89°C, no water spray. Cycle: 3.8 h light, 1 h dark (with humidity). Total 1248 kJ/m² exposure – equivalent to 3 years Florida interior environment.
- Automotive exterior coatings (SAE J2527) – Use outdoor weathering filter (quartz inner and borosilicate outer). Cycle: 40 min light at 0.55 W/m², 70°C; 20 min light + front spray; 60 min dark with back spray. Test duration: 2500–5000 hours for OEM validation.
- Fogging test combined with xenon aging – After xenon exposure, perform condensation on glass plate (ISO 6452, DIN 75201). Measure gloss reduction and weight of condensate – ensures windshield clarity.
- Odor change after light exposure – For recycled plastics and bio‑based materials, organoleptic evaluation per VDA 270 (3‑person panel) before and after 1000 hours xenon – no increase in “strange” or “burnt” odor.
For Photovoltaic (PV) Backsheets & Encapsulants (IEC 61215‑2 MQT 10)
- UV preconditioning (xenon or UV fluorescent) – Per IEC 61215‑2, 15 kWh/m² total UV exposure (wavelength 280–400 nm) for PV modules. We use xenon chamber with UV enhanced spectrum. Measure yellowness index (ASTM E313) and change in b* value before/after – Δb* ≤ 3 acceptable.
- Thermal + UV aging for encapsulants (EVA, POE) – 1000 hours xenon at 65°C, 50% RH, followed by gel content measurement (ASTM D2765). Crosslinking degree must remain > 70%.
Report Accreditation & Compliance
All xenon lamp aging test methods described above are performed within our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope (CNAS accreditation No. LXXXX). Our xenon aging reports are accepted by global regulators and certification bodies: FDA (for medical device packaging), EPA (for outdoor plastics), ICH (pharmaceutical stability Q1B), UL (for appliance materials), TÜV, Dekra, and major automotive OEMs (Volkswagen PV 1303, Ford FLTM BO 116‑01, Tesla T‑03). Each report includes detailed irradiation dosage, black panel and chamber temperature logs, water spray cycles, reference material (blue wool or polystyrene control), and a clear statement of conformity against specified performance criteria. Exporters, R&D engineers, and procurement managers can directly use our data for material qualification, product certification, and warranty risk assessment.
