BQCIS

Laboratory Simulation of Sunlight, Heat, and Moisture

BQCIS conducts accelerated weathering using xenon-arc and UV fluorescent devices (ISO 4892, ASTM G155/G154). Test profiles replicate solar UV, visible light, temperature cycling, and condensation/spray to evaluate gloss retention, color shift, cracking, chalking, and mechanical degradation.

Typical applications include coatings, polymers, packaging, building materials, automotive exterior parts, photovoltaics, and consumer goods. Results help engineering teams compare formulations, set specs, and substantiate durability claims.

Key Activities in Accelerated Weathering

Method Selection

Profile design to ISO 4892 / ASTM G154 (UV-A/UV-B) / ASTM G155 (xenon) per product use-case.

Specimen Conditioning

Sample prep, masking, and conditioning to standard lab climate prior to exposure.

Irradiance & Temp Control

Closed-loop control of irradiance (W/m²/nm) and black panel temp for repeatable stress.

Moisture Cycling

Condensation, water spray, and humidity phases to replicate dew and rainfall.

Color & Gloss Metrics

ΔE*, gloss loss, haze, and visual ratings at defined exposure intervals.

Mechanical Checks

Adhesion, tensile/elongation, impact, and microcrack inspection post-exposure.

Correlation Studies

Link lab hours to field-equivalent exposure using reference materials and past data.

Compliance Reporting

Traceable logs, calibration records, photos, and pass/fail verdicts against specs.

Failure Analysis

Providing root cause analysis for any observed degradation and recommending material or design improvements.

Key Benefits of Weathering & UV Testing

Faster Time-to-Insight

Faster Time-to-Insight

Predict long-term durability in weeks, not years, to speed formulation decisions.

Design Confidence

Design Confidence

Qualify materials and coatings against OEM, construction, and consumer standards.

Warranty Support

Warranty Support

Defensible data to support durability claims and resolve field disputes.

Cost Optimization

Cost Optimization

Compare alternatives to reduce over-engineering while protecting performance.

Success Story

UV Durability Qualification for Building Façade Coating

The Challenge:

An architectural coatings supplier needed proof that a new low-VOC topcoat would retain gloss and color over 10 years in high-UV regions.

Our Solution:

BQCIS executed xenon-arc exposures (ISO 4892-2) with periodic ΔE* and gloss measurements, plus adhesion and microcrack checks.

The Result:

The topcoat met performance targets with <2.0 ΔE* and <10% gloss loss vs. control. Customer used results to win a national façade program.

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