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Element performs carbon arc testing on plastics, paints and coatings as well as other accelerated weathering testing methods to qualify new materials and determine their durability.

Carbon Arc Testing Methods

Carbon arc instruments are some of the earliest accelerated weathering test chambers designed to test the light-fastness durability of materials, and remain to this day a valuable test method used to evaluate the resistance of polymeric materials against sunlight and moisture.

Carbon arc devices use an arcing light source to simulate sunlight. Ignited carbon rods emit ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation as an electric current is arced between them. Element’s laboratories are equipped with Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather-Ometers (SWOM), which use an open flame to evaluate the optimum integrity for your products, while ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards.

Carbon Arc Testing Standards

Element is accredited to perform carbon arc testing to the following standards:

• ASTM G152: standard practice for operating open flame carbon arc light apparatus for exposure of nonmetallic materials
• ASTM D1499: standard practice for filtered open flame carbon arc exposures of plastics
• JIS B 7753: light exposure and light and water exposure apparatus (open flame carbon arc type)
• JIS D 0205: test method of weatherability for automotive parts 
• NES M 0135: weatherability and light resistance test methods for synthetic resin parts
• NES M 0141: test method for coating of synthetic resin
• MES MN 201B: test method for plastic materials
• MES MN 350M: window glass adhesives 

The Element Materials Advantage in Carbon Arc Testing

As materials experts, we have experience performing carbon arc testing on a variety of materials, particularly plastics, paints and coatings, synthetic resin, and window glass adhesives. For more information on carbon arc testing, contact an expert today.