Workshop: Weathering Tests and Standards in Shanghai

The topics and speakers at a glance:

The workshop started with a comprehensive introduction to the basics of environmental simulation and outdoor weathering by Hans-Willi Müller, Member of the Managing Board of imat-uve.

The lecture conveyed a basic understanding of aging processes during outdoor weathering and simulation. Carsten Kohn, Senior Manager of imat Shanghai, informed about the application and special features of OEM-related tests. He also covered topics such as the exposure of interior components to extreme temperatures. James Sun, board member of Shanghai Zundar Technology Co. Ltd. presented the selection and application of environmental test equipment. He explained the importance of the key parameters of different test chambers and the requirements for the selection of suitable test chambers. Tim Zhu, Director Testing Validation at imat Shenyang, talked about test set ups in environmental component testing. The test set up is an important foundation for precise testing processes and to achieve accurate results.

In the second session, Dr. Hans-Peter Schlegelmilch, member of the Managing Board of imat-uve spoke on imat’s high precision solar boxes for environmental tests. The technical features and advantages of the test boxes were presented. Subsequently, Linda Cao the Technical Marketing Specialist of Atlas Material Testing Technology Co. Ltd. gave an insight on Hot Light Fastness Testing. The traditional xenon-arc interior methods, which still are widely used, do not accurately portray the conditions in real life. Automotive OEMs have developed new methods to improve the traditional methods and balance out weaknesses. Dr. Artur Schönlein, founder of RAWS Rüsselsheim Advanced Weathering Solutions, reported on weathering and irradiation tests in cars. He explained the scientific basis for weather parameters used in weathering standards as well as current advancements.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Dahn from Munich University of Applied Sciences gave an insight into polypropylene in automotive applications and explained the choice of polypropylene as a probe for aging processes. Before the final discussion, Jason Zhang Corrosion Project Manager of CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. spoke on corrosion resistance testing and component Evaluation.