Accelerated Automotive Interior Materials Testing with SAE J2412
SAE J2412 (2024) is an accelerated testing method for automotive interior trim components. This internationally recognized standard delivers testing precision, exposing specimens using a xenon-arc apparatus to simulate intense sunlight, heat, and humidity. The conditions are selected to mimic and enhance conditions experienced in actual automotive use applications.
Test Parameters
SAE J2412 includes both dark and light steps, designed to simulate the environmental conditions automotive interior materials experience in service. Below are the key test parameters for each step:
Dark step:
- Black panel / chamber air temperature: 38 °C
- Relative humidity: 95%
- Duration: 1:00
Light step:
- Irradiance: 0.55 W/m²/nm at 340 nm
- Extended UV-Q/B optical filter
- 2024 revision notes that a Window filter can be used if agreed by all parties, and better represents actual light spectrum
- Black panel temperature: 89 °C
- Chamber air temperature: 62 °C
- Relative humidity: 50%
- Duration: 3:48
You can find in-depth information on how to program the SAE J2412 test cycle into your Q-SUN xenon-arc weathering chamber by logging into your Q-Portal account.
Why test to SAE J2412
SAE J2412 is an industry-leading standard using advanced xenon-arc technology to simulate harsh sunlight, heat, and humidity, evaluating material resistance to fading and wear. Testing to this protocol can help assess long-term performance and meet OEM requirements for durability.
Pros and Cons of SAE J2412
- Temperature cycling
- SAE J2412 calls for a high temperature setpoint, simulating actual end-use conditions, as well as lower-temperature dark steps to relax materials periodically
- Wide industry use
- SAE J2412 is a performance-based standard with broad international use that is referenced and copied in many other protocols
- Use of window glass filter
- The test method was revised in 2024 to allow the use of window glass filters, providing a more realistic UV spectrum
- Optical filter requirements
- The standard optical filter referenced in the standard is an extended UV filter, which contains much more very-shortwave UV than automotive interior materials actually experience.
- Temperature specification
- SAE J2412, while featuring a high-temperature setpoint, is short of the >100 °C conditions experienced by some automotive interior materials
How Q-Lab Can Help
Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers
Q‑Lab's Q-SUN xenon arc test chambers - Xe-2, Xe-3, and Xe-8, fully comply with SAE J2412. Q‑SUN full-spectrum sunlight xenon arc test chambers are simple, reliable, and easy to use. With multiple sizes and models available, they are the world’s most versatile weathering testers.
Testing Services
If a new tester is not part of the budget, we offer contract testing at either of our two accelerated testing laboratories – Florida or Germany. Both labs are ISO 17025 accredited to perform SAE J2412, using the very same Q‑SUN test chambers built at our manufacturing plant. In addition to accredited testing, our accelerated laboratories are accredited and qualified to perform a suite of different evaluations, including color change, gloss retention, tensile hardness, and much more.
Q-PANEL Standard Test Substrates
Q‑PANEL paint test substrates are the world’s most recognizable and widely-used standard test panels. Q‑Lab manufactures millions of panels each year for a variety of industries, most available immediately from stock.
More SAE J2412 Resources
Standards Tool
Review setup and performance information on key international and OEM test standards from ASTM, ISO, SAE, JIS, GB, and more.
Document Library
Browse Q-Lab’s extensive library of weathering testing literature and technical content.
Contact Q-Lab
Ready to get your testing journey started? Our team is here and ready to help.