Material Durability in Fast Forward – Weathering Tests Under Extreme Conditions
UV radiation, moisture, heat, cold — materials are exposed daily to harsh conditions outdoors that are barely visible to the naked eye but cause damage over time. Yet anyone planning technology for outdoor use must know exactly how long materials and coatings will perform reliably. The solution: artificial weathering. It simulates the effects of sun, water, and temperature over months or years in fast-forward—a critical factor for product development and approval.
At AUCOTEAM’s accredited testing laboratory in Berlin, we test the resistance of your materials, components, and products against such environmental influences—using UV radiation, solar simulation, humidity cycles, and temperature fluctuations. Whether enclosures, films, coatings, control elements, or materials: Our tests provide insights into aging, embrittlement, color change, surface behavior, and long-term stability—objectively, in accordance with standards, and reliably.
Testing Methods and Technologies
Our artificial weathering processes realistically simulate the diverse effects of the environment. We use a variety of technologies that can be applied individually or in combination:
Solar Radiation Simulation
- Generation of artificial global radiation using metal halide lamps, which resembles sunlight
- Test method according to DIN 75220
- Wavelength range: 280 nm to 3000 nm (UV, VIS, and IR radiation)
- Irradiance for indoor (880 W/m²) and outdoor (1,000 W/m²)
- Used, among other things, for the aging of automotive components
Artificial Weathering
- Simulation of UVA radiation using fluorescent lamps or xenon arc lamps
- Test methods according to DIN EN ISO 4892-2 and 4892-3
- Wavelength range: 290 nm to 400 nm (UVA radiation)
- Irradiance in the narrowband range: 0.83 W/m² at 340 nm and in the broadband range: 45 W/m²
- With cyclic spraying
Comparative evaluation using a gray scale
- Visual assessment of color change in accordance with DIN EN ISO 105-A02
- Classification using the gray scale, e.g. for plastic parts, paints, or films
Standards and Quality Assurance
Our weathering tests are conducted in accordance with international standards—ensuring reliable results and insightful test reports:
- DIN EN ISO 4892-2 / 4892-3 – Plastics: Weathering with xenon or fluorescent light
- DIN EN ISO 16474-3 – Artificial weathering with UV fluorescent lamps
- DIN 75220 – Aging of automotive components in solar simulation systems
- VW 80000, BMW GS 95024-3-1, MBN 10306, MBNv 50306, MBN 60306 (K-17)
- BMW PR 306.4 - Solar Radiation Test
- MIL-STD-810G – Method 505.5 Procedure II
- ISO 105-A02 – Gray scale for determining color change
Each test includes:
- Documentation of the light source and all test parameters
- Visual or microscopic evaluation of the test specimens
- Comparison with reference samples
- Findings regarding color change, surface texture, adhesion, gloss level, and cracking
- Test report (globally recognized)
Our test reports are suitable for development, quality assurance, CE approvals, internal material approvals, or product certifications.
Industries and Fields of Application
Corrosion resistance requirements vary by industry. We test for:
Automotive & E-Mobility
e.g. inspections in accordance with VDA specifications
Railway Technology
Display panels, door modules, enclosures
Energy Technology
Control cabinets, PV inverters
Smart Buildings / Smart Cities
Street lighting, weather sensors
Medical Technology & Equipment Manufacturing
Changes in color and material due to UV exposure
Our artificial weathering test methods are used in numerous industrial sectors — wherever products are exposed to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Typical products:
- Films, stickers, plastic covers
- Powder-coated or painted metal parts
- Sensors, displays, touchscreens
- Lighting and control units for outdoor use
- PV components, smart building technology, automotive electronics
Customer benefits at AUCOTEAM
- Simulation of UV radiation, humidity, temperature and dust in combination
- Testing for discoloration, cracking, loss of adhesion and embrittlement
- Evaluation using a gray scale, objective and visually verifiable
- Can be combined with IP testing, leak testing, environmental testing or mechanical testing
- Precise documentation, informative test reports
- Customized test bench configuration through our test automation
- Quick availability, experienced test engineers, industry-specific consulting
Request a weathering test now!
Would you like to know how your products perform under prolonged exposure to sunlight, humidity or dust? Will the materials retain their color and performance in the long run? Or do you need certification for outdoor applications?
We will provide personalized advice, develop the right test setup and deliver results you can rely on.