SONACME Technology offers xenon aging test chambers suitable for ASTM D7869 Xenon Arc Lamp Exposure Testing for Enhanced Light and Water Exposure Testing of Traffic Coatings. The standard was first published in 2013 to replace and improve upon SAE J2527, a performance standard for accelerated exposure of automotive exterior materials using devices such as xenon arcs with controlled irradiance.

ASTM D7869 is based on ASTM G155 and is the result of a decade of research by leaders in the automotive, aerospace, coatings, and weathering testing industries. This approach is gaining momentum as it is considered a better simulation method than older test methods and practices.

ASTM D7869 is offered in three weight classes:

• A filter system with tighter tolerances, especially for short wavelength UV, which has a profound effect on polymer degradation;

• Very close reproduction of subtropical humidity variations;

• Very close reproduction of subtropical temperature changes, including rapid thermal cycling;

ASTM D7869 allows reproduction of many critical mechanical failures in the laboratory, including colour change, gloss loss, photooxidation and delamination.

SONACME Technology's accelerated UV ageing technology for xenon test chamber includes operating procedures using controlled irradiance xenon arc lamps and water equipment. The combination of lamps and filters produces UV and visible irradiance similar to that of sunlight, while also simulating the water absorption and stress cycling of automotive exterior coatings under natural conditions. This accelerated aging is also applicable to the conditions to which vehicles such as aircraft, trucks and rail vehicles are subjected.

ASTM D7869 is used to simulate the physical and environmental stresses to which coatings for exterior transport applications, such as automobiles, are subjected in the subtropical climate of south Florida. This climate results in particularly severe deterioration of such coatings, as prolonged water exposure and dry/wet cycling are particularly important for such deterioration, see Coating Tests, as well as high doses of solar radiation as measured by UV testing.

Advantages and features of the ASTM D7869 test:

1. based on xenon lamp exposure technology: ASTM D7869 uses a xenon lamp as the light source to simulate sunlight, ensuring that the test is realistic and reproducible.

2. Evaluating the weathering resistance of materials: The test evaluates the weathering resistance of a material by calculating the exposure time to estimate the life of the material in an outdoor environment.

3. Multiple test conditions: ASTM D7869 can be set up with different xenon radiation intensity, temperature and humidity conditions to simulate climatic environments in different regions and seasons.

4. Evaluate surface properties: In addition to weathering resistance, ASTM D7869 can evaluate the material's performance in terms of colour, surface cracking, and maintainability.

5. Provide quantitative data: The test results are presented in the form of quantitative data on physical or chemical properties, providing a scientific basis for material development and product design.

ASTM D7869 Xenon Lamp Exposure Test for Automotive Exterior Materials is an important tool for evaluating the performance of automotive exterior materials. By simulating the exposure process under different climatic conditions with the xenon test chamber developed and produced by SONACME Technology, this test standard helps manufacturers and designers to ensure the quality and durability of automotive exterior materials.