Polymers are a good class of materials with special qualities that have transformed many industries, from the packaging industry to the automobile industry. Because of their remarkable flexibility, durability, and lightweight, they are widely used. These materials should, however, withstand the test of time and severe weathering. Consequently, it is essential to test polymers through weathering testing to evaluate their resistance to various environmental influences and guarantee peak performance for the duration of their specified lifespan. For this purpose, a popular laboratory testing tool named a UV weathering test chamber is used.

It is one of the best lab testing instruments for UV weathering. It is used to measure the harm that weathering does to polymers. This testing device is frequently used in laboratories to examine the weather-resistant qualities of materials and to imitate various climatic situations. It is a lab testing tool for determining how the products are affected by environmental factors. 

In this blog, We’ll go over the basics of the UV weathering chamber, also we will tell how this lab testing instrument is used to evaluate how weathering conditions affect polymers. We will also go over some simple instructions that you need to follow to start the test with the accelerated weathering tester.

Steps for commencing the test using a UV weathering chamber

In this uv light acceleration chamber, Test samples are subjected to a predetermined level of UV radiation for a predetermined amount of time. Specialized lamps that emit UVA and UVB wavelengths are installed within the chamber. These lamps have filters that block dangerous UVC rays, simulating the atmosphere of Earth.

Manufacturers can readily adhere to the following steps to accurately conduct the test using the Effective Lab’s uv accelerated weathering tester.

• It’s simple to set the HMI screen and set the value after the testing specimen is in the UV test equipment.
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• To determine the amount of time the spray will be applied to the test specimen, adjust the Spray “ON/OFF Time.”
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• Turn on every switch on the screen, including the Rotate, Spray, Light, Heat, and Timer buttons, after all the values have been set on the HMI screen.
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• Shut the instrument’s door.
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• After the predetermined amount of time, press the Start button on the HMI screen, and the machine will shut off on its own.

By following these steps, the test can be started easily and precisely. 

Importance of UV weathering test

When assessing the resistance and performance of materials in outdoor environments, UV weathering testing is an essential part. By simulating the effects of temperature, moisture, and sunlight on materials, this testing technique provides crucial information about a material’s resistance to deterioration over time. UV weathering testing is used in a range of industries such as; automotive, packaging, construction, and aerospace. It covers several issues that affect the longevity of materials in outdoor environments.

UV radiation from the sun is one of the main causes of material deterioration in outdoor contexts. This type of radiation can cause materials like plastics and coatings to fade, yellow, crack, and lose mechanical strength.

Hence, it’s important to conduct the UV weathering test of materials before selling them in the market.