Xenon Arc Testing

Xenon arc testing promotes property changes of materials, including the effects of sunlight, moisture and heat, by simulating ultraviolet and visible solar radiations by means of a weatherometer. Element is at the cutting-edge of weathering testing, providing xenon arc testing to clients in many industries, including automotive, polymer additive, textiles, and paint.  

Accelerated exposure testing has become increasingly important to qualify new designs and materials, and to determine material durability in a fraction of the time, in real-world environments. Our experts offer xenon arc testing on a variety of materials, comprising paints, coatings, and other polymer-based materials, as a valuable tool to accelerate material degradation and condense years of outdoor exposure. 

Outfitted with advanced xenon arc weatherometers, Element’s weathering laboratories simulate the damaging effects of long-term exposure of materials, either directly or through window glass, closely mimicking natural sunlight. The results of xenon arc testing provide accurate UV degradation information of a material over time, which is particularly useful to prevent premature product failure.  

Understanding Xenon Arc Testing

Unlike the electrically burning carbon arcs, xenon arc is a precision gas discharge lamp in a sealed quartz tube used to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight and moisture in actual use. 

Long arc lamps, where the arc length is greater than the arc diameter, simulate full spectrum solar radiation more closely than any other artificial light source, and, for this reason, they are widely used in accelerated exposure testing to simulate the weathering process of indoor and outdoor sun exposure on materials. 

During xenon arc testing, specimens are exposed to filtered xenon arc light under controlled environmental conditions. Different types of xenon arc light sources and different filter combinations are used to better simulate natural sunlight and the appropriate field service conditions. A humidifier provides moisture, and heaters control temperature.

For more information on Xenon Arc Testing, or to request a quote, contact us today.