ASTM and ISO xenon weathering test with the NIP-XEN6800

The Professional automatic xenon test chamber NIP-XEN6800 It was developed for controlled, accelerated light and weathering tests on plastics, coatings, pigments, and other materials. With a powerful 1.8 kW xenon light source, With selectable optical filters, adjustable irradiance, controlled temperature and programmable test phases, the device enables the investigation of material behavior under prolonged exposure to simulated daylight and other defined light conditions.

Xenon light tests are used to investigate material changes resulting from light exposure and accelerated weathering. Depending on the material and the test method used, various parameters can be determined. Color fading, discoloration, loss of gloss, chalking, cracking, embrittlement, and changes in mechanical or surface properties. belong.

Xenon headlight testing according to ASTM G155

ASTM G155-25 This standard describes general procedures for the operation of xenon testing equipment for laboratory weathering and exposure of materials. It addresses the fundamental principles of controlled exposure to filtered xenon radiation, temperature, and – if required by the chosen procedure – humidity.

ASTM G155 is not intended as a universal pass/fail specification or a uniform test cycle for all materials. Appropriate exposure conditions must be selected according to the material-specific standard, product specification, or test objective.

For plastics intended for outdoor applications, it contains ASTM D2565-23 Material-specific requirements for xenon light exposure. For plastics in indoor applications where daylight filtered through window glass is relevant, ASTM D4459 to be used.

ISO 4892-2 – Xenon testing of plastics

ISO 4892-2:2013 This describes a laboratory procedure for the xenon exposure of plastics. Samples are exposed to filtered xenon radiation and controlled environmental conditions to investigate selected effects of daylight or daylight passing through window glass.

The NIP-XEN6800 supports controlled regulation of irradiance and temperature, as well as various optical filter configurations. This allows laboratories to create reproducible xenon light exposure programs within the device's technical capabilities.

The filters, irradiances, temperatures, exposure times and other test conditions to be used must always be determined in accordance with the respective ISO procedure and the relevant product specification.

ISO 16474-2 for coating materials and coatings

For Coating materials and coatings is ISO 16474-2:2013 The relevant ISO standard for xenon exposure tests. It deals with the exposure of coating samples to xenon light radiation under controlled environmental conditions to investigate selected effects of natural daylight or daylight behind window glass.

The earlier ISO 11341 standard has been withdrawn and replaced by the ISO 16474 series of standards.

Controlled xenon exposure with the NIP-XEN6800

The NIP-XEN6800 offers engineers, research and quality control laboratories important functions for controlled accelerated light and weathering tests, including:

• Adjustable xenon irradiance in the range of 300–400 nm;

• Irradiance control at 340 nm and 420 nm;

• Daylight, UV and window glass filters;

• adjustable temperature control;

• Automatic compensation of irradiance;

• Calibration of irradiance and temperature;

• programmable multi-stage test programs;

• automatic storage of test data;

• USB data export;

• Intuitive touchscreen operation.

The optical filter is of particular importance because it determines the spectral properties of the radiation incident on the sample. The filter selection must therefore correspond to the intended exposure environment and the test procedure to be applied.

Stable irradiance is also crucial for reproducible tests, as the radiant output of a xenon lamp can change during its service life. Automatic irradiance compensation helps maintain the programmed exposure level during testing.

Important information for standards-based testing

The The technical performance of the testing device and the conformity of a specific test to standards must be clearly distinguished from one another..

A standards-based xenon test requires that the laboratory complies with the applicable requirements regarding sample preparation, optical filtration, irradiance, temperature, environmental conditions, exposure duration, evaluation and documentation.

The NIP-XEN6800 features not via an automatic water spraying system. Test procedures that explicitly require water spraying or other environmental features not present in this model should therefore be carried out with a suitably equipped xenon test chamber, for example with a suitable NIP configuration for these test conditions.

Furthermore, accelerated xenon exposure should not be interpreted as a simple conversion of laboratory test hours into years of natural outdoor weathering. Real-world weathering conditions depend on factors such as geographical location, climate, orientation, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and material-specific properties.

Xenon light tests are particularly valuable for controlled material comparisons, the development and optimization of formulations, quality control, and the investigation of aging and degradation mechanisms.

Professional xenon testing for laboratory and quality control

With programmable operation, controlled xenon irradiation, selectable optical filters, temperature control and automatic data storage, the Professional automatic xenon test chamber NIP-XEN6800 a versatile laboratory platform for accelerated light and weathering tests as well as for compatible ASTM and ISO test procedures.

Detailed information about ASTM G155, ASTM D2565, ASTM D4459, ISO 4892-2 and ISO 16474-2, including test principle, sample preparation, filter selection, irradiance control, exposure programming and interpretation of test results, can be found in our Complete technical article on ASTM and ISO xenon light weathering test methods using the NIP-XEN6800.

Note regarding the aforementioned standards: This information is for general technical guidance only and is neither a reproduction nor a substitute for the official ASTM or ISO standards. For normative test parameters and requirements, always refer to the current official edition of the applicable standard and, where applicable, the corresponding product specification.