SONACME Technology offers xenon aging test chambers that meet the tests of AATCC 16.3 as part of its UV testing.AATCC 16.3 - Colourfastness to Light: Xenon Arc Lamps - provides procedures based on the practices of ASTM G155 or ISO 4892-2 (their ISO counterparts). 

The sunlight fastness of textile materials can be assessed by accelerated ageing in xenon arc test devices. These devices use xenon in precision gas discharge lamps in sealed quartz tubes as the source of irradiation. The radiation emitted ranges from UV below 270 nm to the visible spectrum and infrared. For automotive interiors, we recommend reference to SAE J2412.

Considerations for use and colour fastness to light.

AATCC 16.3, AATCC 169, Accelerated Aging, ASTM D2565, Weatherometer Test, ISO 4892 By exposing specimens of textile materials to a xenon arc light source under specific conditions, the colour fastness to light can be assessed using comparative standards that have a known change in lightfastness after a specific exposure. In fact, not all materials are uniformly affected when exposed to a specific light source or to various environmental factors. Such standards are known as "AATCC Blue Wool" and are available from the AATCC.

Each standard has a known fading rate and is used to verify the accuracy of xenon arc cabinets.

Typical experimental parameters for AATCC 16.3 testing.

Number of specimens/products: Minimum of three duplicate specimens.

Size: Fabric colour samples must be at least 70mm X 120mm (2.75" X 4.7") and yarn length must be approximately 150mm (6").

Different test options are available for various textile materials. The following table provides the test conditions for each option.

Table I: Typical Conditions for Testing to AATCC 16.3 Standard

If you have any questions about SONACME Technology's xenon aging tester AATCC 16.3 test method for colour fastness to light on textile materials, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you with your custom testing requirements.