You've Got Questions. We've Got Answers.
We often hear from customers who have questions about the tests they want to run. Whether you’re looking for details on a specific cycle or want to understand the benefits of one test compared to another, our team is here to help guide you through your testing journey.
Q: How do I interpret the language used in standards?
A: The language used in standards can often be confusing and difficult to understand. What's mandatory? What's a recommendation? We've put together some helpful guidelines to get a better understanding on how standards are written.
Fully understanding testing standards takes practice, but knowing how to interpret their language can help. Always read the entire standard carefully to avoid misunderstandings. At Q-Lab, we study a wide range of international and OEM testing standards closely to ensure our products meet the right requirements, and we’re here to help our customers navigate them too!
Q: How do accelerated test methods in standards correlate to real-world exposure?
A: Accelerated testing has many benefits, including the obvious: faster results! But one thing is for certain, nothing beats the real thing. Performing natural outdoor exposure testing, alongside accelerated laboratory testing, is crucial to get the most accurate and reliable results.
These two test types are complementary and, when performed together, make up a complete weathering test program. The most common question we get here is some version of "how many hours in [an accelerated test standard] equate to 10 years outdoors," and the answer is always that there is no general acceleration factor between the two, for reasons outlined in this paper.
You have to do the testing to get the right results - Q-Lab can help you determine the best comprehensive test plan for your products and materials.
Q: How are pass/fail requirements determined?
A: Many testing programs lack well-defined criteria or goals from their outset. Having a clear idea of testing objectives, which in many cases involves pass/fail criteria, is an important part of many testing programs, and is highly encouraged by our team.
In some cases, the organization conducting the test will determine what the criteria should be. In others, a certifying organization or a customer may set the requirements. Performing standardized test methods makes testing to these specifications consistent across industries.
There are also some standards that clearly define the pass/fail criteria of a test method. These standards aren't as common, but provide interpretation of results as well as the actual exposure method.
Q: What are the differences between standards organizations?
A: Standards are written by many different groups - international standards bodies, national organizations, trade associations, and even large companies like automakers. Each have different goals and structure, which result in different approaches to standards development and publication.
ASTM International and ISO are the two largest international standards organizations for developing corrosion and weathering standardized testing protocols. A key difference between the organizations is the way each is structured.
ASTM has a general Weathering committee (G03) that writes standards for all weathering or corrosion test methods. These committees write standards for all industries that are conducting tests, and committees for paints, plastics, and textiles can reference those standards.
ISO does not have a central weathering committee, instead relying on sub-committees that write test methods for individual industries. For example, ASTM G90 is an outdoor accelerated weathering test applicable to numerous industries. ISO has its own standard, ISO 877-3, which is practically an identical test, but written only for the plastics industry. The advantage for ISO is that each committee defines testing suitable for its materials; the disadvantage is duplication of work and the need for any change to propagate across multiple documents.
Q-Lab has team members involved in these organizations and many others, including SAE, GB, AATCC, AAMA, and more. helping write and understand new test practices as they are developed. If you have any questions on the organizations, and which test is right for you, connect with our team for more information!
Q: Which standard should I use for my specific material or application?
A: How do I choose the right standard? What test method will give me the most realistic and accurate result? First, it's important to clearly define the goals of the test. What are type of degradation are you testing for? Are there specific pass/fail requirements? What environment will your product be used in? For how long? Will your material or application be used in a market that requires a certain testing protocol?
Once you have clearly defined goals, our team has the resources and tools available to help you choose the right test method for you and your team:
Additionally, Q-Lab customers can login to Q-Portal to find in-depth information regarding the test cycles in each standard.
Q: What equipment does Q-Lab offer that meets these standards?
A: Q-Lab's robust line of accelerated weathering and corrosion testing chambers are designed with standards in mind. Each tester is carefully crafted, configured to meet the cycle requirements listed in popular standards used around the world.
If you aren't sure if one of our test chambers can run specific cycles mentioned in a standard, our team of experts are always here to help.
Q: Do I need to purchase a tester, or can I send my samples to Q-Lab for testing?
A: For companies with a smaller budget, our team provides weathering and corrosion test services at any of our accredited laboratories. Additionally, we have natural outdoor accredited testing sites in Arizona, Florida, and Ohio, each exposing materials to different benchmark climates.
If this seems like the right approach for you, contact our Test Services team to get started.