Simulate Long-Term Outdoor Exposure to Validate Material Durability
Sunlight, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations are among the most damaging factors materials face outdoors, causing fading, cracking, chalking, embrittlement, and loss of strength over time.
LIB accelerated weathering solutions compress months or years of outdoor exposure into days or weeks of lab testing, helping manufacturers of automotive coatings, plastics, building materials, textiles, inks, and solar components identify degradation before products reach the market.
With advanced light source technology, customizable exposure cycles, and complete after-sales support, LIB helps manufacturers worldwide improve product durability and meet international weathering standards.
Accelerated Weathering Testing Methods
Different materials require different simulated weathering conditions depending on their application, composition, and end-use environment.
LIB provides environmental simulation solutions for the following weathering-related tests:
Xenon Arc Weathering Test
Xenon arc testing uses a xenon lamp to reproduce the full spectrum of sunlight, including UV, visible, and infrared light, combined with controlled temperature, humidity, and water spray. It is widely regarded as the closest laboratory simulation to natural sunlight.
Common standards:
· ASTM G155
· ISO 4892-2
· SAE J2527
· SAE J1960
UV Weathering Test (Fluorescent UV / QUV)
UV weathering testing uses fluorescent UV lamps to simulate the short-wavelength UV portion of sunlight, combined with condensation cycles to simulate dew and moisture exposure. It is commonly used for materials most sensitive to UV degradation.
Common standards:
· ASTM G154
· ISO 4892-3
Carbon Arc Weathering Test
Carbon arc testing is an earlier weathering simulation method that uses a carbon arc light source to reproduce sunlight exposure, still referenced in some legacy industry standards.
Common standards:
· ASTM G152
· ASTM G153
Light Fastness / Color Fastness Test
Light fastness testing evaluates the resistance of dyed or printed materials, such as textiles and inks, to fading or color change when exposed to light sources.
Common standards:
· ISO 105-B02
· AATCC 16
Solar Simulation Test
Solar simulation testing reproduces concentrated sunlight conditions to evaluate thermal and optical performance, commonly used for solar panels, automotive components, and outdoor electronics.
Common standards:
· IEC 60068-2-5
· ISO 4892 series
Combined Weathering and Corrosion Test
Many outdoor products face both UV exposure and corrosive environments simultaneously, such as coastal or industrial regions.
Applicable standards:
· ASTM G155
· ISO 4892 series
· Combined salt spray and UV cyclic standards
Natural / Outdoor Weathering Test
Outdoor weathering testing exposes samples directly to real climatic conditions over extended periods, used to validate or correlate accelerated laboratory results.
Common standards:
· ASTM G7
· ASTM D1435
Accelerated Weathering Testing Equipment Selection Guide
Choosing the correct weathering test chamber depends on: Required light source type, spectral range needed, temperature and humidity requirements, water spray/condensation function, sample size, test standard, industry application, and test duration.
LIB provides different weathering simulation chambers to meet various testing requirements.
Key Technical Specifications
| Recommended Product | Key Features | |
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Xenon Arc Test Chamber |
• Light source: Air-cooled or water-cooled xenon lamp • Irradiance: adjustable, typically 0.35–1.10 W/m² @340nm • Temperature range: 35℃~85℃ (black panel temperature) • Humidity range: 50%–98% RH • Programmable light/dark and spray cycles |
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UV Aging Test Chamber (QUV) |
• Light source: UVA-340 or UVB-313 fluorescent lamps • Irradiance: adjustable up to 1.55 W/m² @340nm • Chamber temperature: up to +90℃ • Condensation and spray cycle functions • Programmable exposure cycles |
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Carbon Arc Weathering Chamber |
• Light source: Enclosed or open-flame carbon arc • Water spray cycle function • Compliant with legacy ASTM G152/G153 methods |
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UV Preconditioning Test Chamber |
• Light source: UVA-340 fluorescent lamps • Irradiance and cycle time programmable per OEM specification • Temperature and humidity control included • Designed for short-duration UV pre-aging cycles • Typically used ahead of cyclic corrosion or adhesion test chambers |
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Walk-In Weathering Test Room |
• Customized chamber volume from several cubic meters to large-scale rooms • Multiple light source arrays for uniform exposure • Supports customized monitoring and control systems |
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UVA 340 Fluorescent Lamp (for UV Aging Chamber) | • Best simulation of sunlight in the critical short-wave UV range (295–365nm) • Peak wavelength: 340nm • Closely matches natural sunlight UV spectrum below 365nm • Replaceable lamp for UV Aging Test Chamber (QUV) • Recommended for outdoor durability and material screening applications |
Product Video: Xenon Arc Test Chamber
See the LIB Xenon Arc Test Chamber in action — full-spectrum sunlight simulation, integrated water spray and humidity control, and precise irradiance management for reliable weathering results.
Need an Accelerated Weathering Testing Solution?
Whether you need xenon arc testing, UV weathering testing, light fastness testing, or a customized weathering simulation chamber, LIB can provide the right solution.
Our engineers can recommend the most suitable test equipment based on your product requirements, industry standards, and testing objectives.
Contact LIB today to discuss your weathering testing requirements.
· 3-year warranty
· Lifetime maintenance support
· Technical assistance
· Engineering consultation
