Introduction to UV aging testing standards and testing scope

The UV aging test project refers to the process of simulating various factors involved in real-world usage conditions that may cause aging to products, and conducting accelerated experiments under corresponding conditions. It is primarily applicable to aging tests of non-metallic materials under sunlight and artificial light sources. The test simulates the damaging effects of sunlight, moisture, and temperature on materials; material aging includes fading, loss of gloss, reduction in strength, cracking, peeling, chalking, and oxidation, among others. The UV aging test chamber reproduces potential outdoor damage that may occur over several months or years by simulating sunlight, condensation, and natural humidity. Samples are tested in a simulated solar UV environment for tens of hours or even days, allowing an understanding of the aging conditions of products after several years of use.

Common UV Aging Tests:

• UVA-340: Simulates the ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight, mainly used for light aging tests of outdoor products.
• UVA-351: Simulates the UV portion of sunlight passing through window glass, primarily used for light aging tests of indoor products.
• UVB-313EL: Widely used for accelerated testing of durable materials, but it may accelerate material aging and sometimes lead to abnormal results. Client consent is required before use.

UV Aging Test Standards:

• Here's a concise English introduction to the listed standards:

  GB/T 14522-93
  This Chinese standard specifies methods for artificial weathering tests of plastic products exposed to fluorescent UV lamps and condensation, evaluating their resistance to light, heat, and moisture.

  GB/T 16422.3-1997
  Equivalent to ISO 4892-3, this standard outlines procedures for testing plastics under fluorescent UV lamps to assess their weathering resistance, including material degradation from UV exposure and humidity.

  GB/T 16585-96
  Focuses on artificial weathering tests for vulcanized rubber using fluorescent UV lamps, evaluating changes in mechanical properties and appearance after exposure to UV light and moisture.

  ASTM D4329-2005
  An ASTM standard for plastic fluorescence UV lamp exposure tests, providing procedures to simulate sunlight, moisture, and heat effects on materials to predict outdoor durability.

  D5208
  Covers accelerated weathering tests for photodegradable plastics using fluorescent UV lamps, assessing degradation rates and performance under UV exposure.

  G154
  An ASTM practice for operating fluorescent UV lamps to test non-metallic materials, detailing equipment, calibration, and test specimen preparation for lightfastness evaluations.

  ISO 4892-3
  Specifies methods for exposing plastics to fluorescent UV lamps and water to simulate outdoor weathering, evaluating material properties like color fade and mechanical strength loss.

  ISO 11507
  Focuses on artificial weathering tests for paints and coatings using fluorescent UV lamps and water spray, assessing resistance to UV degradation, blistering, and corrosion.

  EN 534
  A European standard for corrugated bitumen sheets, specifying technical requirements, test methods, and conformity assessments for construction materials used in roofing and waterproofing.

  PREN 1062-4
  A draft European standard for coating systems on building materials, detailing test methods for adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors like UV light and moisture.

  BS 2782
  A British standard covering various testing methods for plastics, including mechanical, thermal, and weathering tests, with specific parts addressing fluorescent UV exposure.

  JIS D0205
  A Japanese Industrial Standard for automotive materials, evaluating weathering resistance of interior and exterior components under UV exposure and humidity.

  SAE J2020
  An SAE standard for accelerated exposure of automotive exterior materials using fluorescent UV lamps and condensation, assessing color change, chalking, and cracking.

  ASTM-G154
  An ASTM standard practice for operating fluorescent UV lamps to test non-metallic materials, providing procedures for light exposure, temperature control, and water condensation.

  GB/T 14522-2008
  An updated Chinese standard replacing GB/T 14522-93, with improved methods for artificial weathering tests of plastics under fluorescent UV lamps and moisture.

  D4587
  An ASTM standard for fluorescent UV exposure tests of coatings, evaluating their resistance to degradation from sunlight, heat, and moisture, often used in automotive and architectural applications.

Scope of UV Aging Testing:

Primarily used for automobiles, coatings, paints, printing and packaging, pigments, textiles, roofing materials, rubber, plastics, coatings, etc. For outdoor products exposed to sunlight for extended periods, yellowing resistance and aging resistance tests are crucial. To understand the outdoor service life of products, UV aging simulation tests, also known as UV tests, are necessary. Since the intensity of UV tests conducted in laboratories is higher than outdoor sunlight, UV aging tests can save testing time and provide results on the outdoor service life of products within a short period.

Which Products Require UV Testing?

UV testing is very important and is mainly used for testing plastics, lamps, paints and inks, resins, printing and packaging, aluminum profiles, the automotive and motorcycle industry, cosmetics, etc. Its applications are very broad.