Lightfastness

Exposure testing in the automotive industry

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Your first choice partner for professional weathering tests within the automotive industry.

We are specialized in comprehensive weathering, UV resistance, and other essential testing services.

In the automotive sector, weathering testing stands as a crucial method for assessing the long-term resilience of materials like plastics, textiles, and composite materials against environmental factors. These tests encompass both natural, outdoor weathering, and controlled laboratory settings for artificial weathering. Key weathering influencers include UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and humidity.

Our weathering and UV resistance test methodologies offer precise simulations of diverse environmental conditions, including UV radiation, humidity, precipitation, and temperature, all conducted under standardized laboratory settings. These approaches streamline the evaluation of material durability, ensuring swift and accurate assessments while maintaining consistency in test results.

With a team of highly skilled specialists and cutting-edge testing equipment, we execute accredited and certified weathering tests promptly and efficiently, adhering strictly to relevant norms and standards. Trust us to deliver top-notch service and reliable results for all your weathering testing needs.

imat - First choice in automotive validation & consulting.

Typical test methods

DIN EN ISO 105-B06

VW PV 1303

SAE J2412

VW PV 3929 "Kalahari"

VW PV 3930 "Florida"

VW PV 1306

MBN 10506 "Kalahari"

MBN 10505 "Florida"

VDA 75202-A

XENON ARC LIGHTS imat offers an advanced range of devices with xenon arc lamps, known as xenotest devices, which reproduce the full spectrum of sunlight - from short-wave UV to long-wave IR rays - with excellent precision. These state-of-the-art devices enable precise control and regulation of a wide range of test parameters, including air temperature, black standard temperature, humidity and irrigation time, to ensure a comprehensive and accurate simulation of environmental conditions. In addition, imat specializes in performing color fastness tests to evaluate the durability and quality of materials under various conditions.

Relevant standards for test methods:

DIN EN ISO 105-B02
DIN EN ISO 105-B06
DIN EN ISO 4892-2
DIN EN 513
ISO 16474-2

By complying with these internationally recognized standards, imat guarantees the highest standards in the performance of weathering tests and color fastness tests to meet industry requirements and optimize product life.

Weathering tests with UV lamps

imat is equipped with a range of rapid weathering devices that use UV fluorescent lamps as a light source. These devices focus on exposing the samples exclusively to the high-energy UV spectrum of natural solar radiation. Therefore, these tests are primarily used for materials whose spectral sensitivity is primarily in the wavelength range of 300 to 400 nm.

Further test methods

ASTM D7869
BMW AA-0235 / DIN EN ISO 16474-2 (DIN EN ISO 4892-2)
BMW AA-0235 / SAE J2527
BMW AA-0236 / DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (Procedure A - BST 65 °C)
DBL 5578, Tab. 2, 4.12.4 / LV 28 (Florida-Modus)
DBL 5578, Tab. 2, 4.12.4 / LV 28 (Kalahari-Modus)
DIN EN ISO 105-B06 (Exp. no. 3) according to, BST 90°C
DIN EN ISO 105-B06 (Exposure condition no. 5)
DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (Method A - BST 65°C)
DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (method A)
DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (Method B - BST 100°C)
Fiat 50451/01 - Method A (carbon arc)
Fiat 50451/01 - Method B (xenon arc)
Fiat 50471/01
Fiat Chrysler FCA 50451/01/ LP.7M005 - Method B (xenon arc)
Fiat Chrysler FCA 50451/01/ LP.7M005 - Methode A (Kohlebogen)
Ford FLTM BO 116-01
GMW 14162-B
GMW 14162-C / DIN EN ISO 105-B06, expsoure condition no. 1
GMW 14162-D
Honda HES D 6601-99A / JIS B 7754
Hyundai/KIA MS 210-05 § 4.5
Hyundai/KIA MS 300-32 § 4.14.1
MBN 10494-6 § 5.9.1
MBN 51000-5 § 5.3 HLA (DIN EN ISO 105-B06, Exposure condition no. 3)
MBN 55555-5 § 5.4 (Florida mode)
MBN 55555-5 § 5.4 (Kalahari mode)
Nissan NES M0135, Method 1-II-2 (WOM / Xenon / Interiorn)
Porsche PPV 4014-A / VW 96378 (SST 90 °C)
Porsche PPV 4014-B / VW 96378 (SST 65 °C)
PSA D27 1389
PSA D47 1431
Renault D47 1431
SAE J1885
SAE J2527
Suzuki SES N 3293/3292 (WAL-1)
Suzuki SES N 3293/3292 (WAL-2)
Toyota TSL 0601 G (Xenon arc)
Toyota TSL 0601 G § 5.5 (Xenon arc)
Toyota TSM 0501 G § 9.20 (WOM / Xenon)
VDA 621-430-1997 (CAM 180)
VDA 75202 (based on, BST 90 °C)
Volvo STD 423-0061
Volvo VCS 1026,82429
Volvo VCS 1027,3379 / DIN EN ISO 4892-2 (Procedure A - BST 65 °C)
Volvo VCS 1027,359 (DIN EN ISO 4892-2)
VW PV 1502
VW TL 52065 § 5.8 / VW PV 3930 (24 h)

Test specification acc. to "Kalahari" For the test, a xenon test device is used to simulate a hot, dry climate that is modeled on the climatic conditions of the Kalahari or Arizona. This test is typically used for the release of initial samples. After the weathering phase, visual inspections as well as color and gloss measurements are usually carried out; in special cases, mechanical tests may also follow.

Relevant standards:

VW PV 3929
Mercedes-Benz MBN 10506
Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-5 § 5.4
Mercedes-Benz MBN 55555-5 § 5.4
DBL 5578
BMW PR 231
BMW GS 93052-3 § 4.3.1

Test specification acc. to "Florida" The test is carried out using a xenon test device to simulate a warm and humid climate, which is typical of the climate zones in Florida or the south of France. This special test is primarily used for the release of initial samples. Once the weathering tests have been completed, visual inspections and color and gloss measurements are usually carried out. In certain cases, mechanical tests may also be required.

Relevant standards:

VW PV 3930
Mercedes-Benz MBN 10505
Mercedes-Benz MBN 55555-5 § 5.4
DBL 5578
BMW PR 231
BMW GS 93052-3 § 4.3.2

Exposure tests for vehicle interiors This test focuses exclusively on exposure to light, without the use of sprinklers, and is primarily used for vehicle interior components. These include textile fabrics as well as small plastic or elastomer parts, which can be exposed to extremely high temperatures, especially in the summer months - depending on their position in the vehicle, these can reach up to 100 °C or more. After the exposure phase, visual inspections and color and gloss measurements are usually carried out.

Relevant standard: