Solar and UV Radiation Testing on Materials
At INFINITIA, we carry out solar and UV radiation testing on materials as part of our specialized characterization and technical validation services. This type of testing simulates exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, accelerating the effects of weathering and analyzing the resistance of materials and components to these external agents.
Our industrial laboratory is equipped with UV aging chambers and state-of-the-art equipment that allow us to reproduce different radiation and temperature profiles to evaluate the behavior of a wide range of materials under realistic or extreme conditions.
At INFINITIA, we help industrial companies predict the durability of their products, prevent service failures, and optimize their design against sun exposure.
What are solar and UV radiation tests?
What is a solar or UV radiation test? This technical service is based on the controlled simulation of solar radiation using climatic chambers capable of reproducing the combined action of ultraviolet light, temperature, humidity, and even condensation.
The materials are exposed to standard or customized conditions for a specified period of time, and then an evaluation of their physical, mechanical, optical, or functional properties is performed.
At INFINITIA, we can apply standards such as ISO 4892-2 and ASTM G154, or develop specific methodologies tailored to each use case. The parameters studied include color loss, photodegradation, yellowing, reduction in hardness, and loss of mechanical strength. The aim is to understand how UV radiation affects materials over time and to make technical decisions based on reliable data.
Advantages of UV and solar radiation testing
One of the key benefits of this service is its usefulness for conducting comparative tests between materials, allowing us to identify which one offers the best performance when exposed to UV radiation. This is especially useful in projects involving material selection, compound replacement, product redesign, or new supplier validation.
At INFINITIA, we have helped companies in sectors such as automotive, construction, energy, and packaging to make informed decisions about which materials to use, how to improve the durability of their products, and how to adapt them to intense radiation conditions. These tests are also key for the approval of materials that must demonstrate resistance to accelerated aging, the definition of product specification requirements to comply with specific regulatory or technical requirements, as well as supplier validation.
UV and solar radiation testing at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, we approach UV and solar radiation resistance testing with a comprehensive and flexible approach. In addition to performing standard tests in accordance with regulations, we offer the possibility of developing customized tests, adjusting the radiation, humidity, and temperature profile to the actual conditions of use of the product.
We have specialists in materials engineering, climatic testing, and failure analysis, who not only perform the test but also analyze the results from a functional and forensic point of view. Our ability to adapt protocols, perform comparative tests, apply complementary techniques (such as microscopy, hardness, traction, or colorimetry), and issue comprehensive technical reports means that high-level industrial companies trust us to evaluate and optimize their materials against sun and UV exposure.
Types of Solar and UV Radiation Tests at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, we develop different solar and UV resistance tests to evaluate the behavior of materials exposed to weathering, photodegradation, and accelerated aging. We simulate real and extreme solar exposure conditions in the laboratory, allowing us to determine the durability and failure mode of materials and final products before their launch or during redesign.
Accelerated aging tests by UV radiation
These tests consist of exposing materials to intensive cycles of UV radiation, temperature, and humidity inside specific climatic chambers (such as UV Box or Xenon Test Chamber). We apply standards such as ISO 4892-2 or ASTM G154, adapting the test cycles to the use case. This type of testing is essential for anticipating degradation such as yellowing, loss of gloss, cracking, or embrittlement.
For example, at INFINITIA, we have validated the stability of films against UV-B radiation, guaranteeing more than 1,000 hours of exposure without functional loss.
Comparative UV resistance tests between materials
Through controlled tests, we compare how different materials respond to the same exposure to UV radiation. We then apply techniques such as colorimetry, hardness, traction, or microscopy to assess the damage. These tests are key in material selection or supplier validation processes.
For example, we compared plastic coatings used in outdoor air conditioning equipment, concluding which one best maintained its properties after 500 hours of UV irradiation.
We reproduce complex weathering conditions that combine solar radiation, humidity, thermal cycles, and condensation. These tests are carried out in climatic chambers with profiles tailored to each sector or region.
We apply accelerated methodologies that allow us to simulate years of exposure in just a few weeks.
In one case, we validated panels subjected to weathering cycles in a Xenon chamber, monitoring color loss and surface cracks.
Customized tests according to end use
Each industrial application may require unique exposure conditions. At INFINITIA, we design specific setups adapted to the real environment of use, adjusting intensity, wavelength, thermal cycles, and exposure time.
For example, we developed an exclusive test to validate plastic components, simulating radiation combined with high ambient temperature and relative humidity in coastal areas.
Applications of Solar and UV Radiation Testing
Solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation resistance testing allows you to anticipate problems arising from prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. At INFINITIA, we help our clients validate the behavior of materials and products against photodegradation, discoloration, loss of mechanical properties, or surface aging.
This type of analysis is essential in sectors where products operate outdoors or are exposed to high-intensity artificial light sources. Some of the main industrial applications are presented below.
Automotive
In the automotive sector, many plastic components, elastomers, metal coatings, and technical textiles are directly exposed to solar radiation for long periods of time. This can cause color changes, embrittlement, cracking, or loss of impact resistance, affecting not only aesthetics but also safety.
- At INFINITIA, we carry out accelerated aging tests on various components to validate their stability under UV-A and UV-B cycles.
- We evaluate lacquers and paints for yellowing or loss of gloss using the ISO 4892-2 test in a Xenon chamber.
- We also analyze seals and rubber exposed to the elements, observing loss of elasticity or microcracks after prolonged exposure to solar radiation combined with humidity.
Energy and photovoltaics
Solar generation equipment (photovoltaic panels, inverters, charging stations) operates in outdoor environments with high solar incidence. The durability of insulators, casings, encapsulants, and connectors is key to preventing breakdowns or loss of performance.
- At INFINITIA, we have carried out comparative tests on EVA and TPU encapsulants used in solar modules, subjected to 1000 hours of UV-B radiation and subsequent monitoring by microscopy and traction.
- We validate plastic housings against combined thermal cycles with UV to simulate desert or Mediterranean climates.
- We evaluate the UV resistance of technical labels exposed in the field (cable marking, modules, sensors), applying ASTM G154 and monitoring with a colorimeter.
Packaging and containers
In sectors such as food, cosmetics, and cleaning, packaging may be exposed to sources of UV radiation (on shelves, during transport, or in storage), which can cause visual alterations or unwanted migration in materials.
- We test plastic films with pigments and inks to verify their resistance to yellowing, opacity, and loss of flexibility after UV exposure.
- We validate radiation-resistant labels by comparing adhesive materials and varnishes for peel-off or loss of information.
- We also analyze the stability of multilayer packaging to ensure that it maintains its properties after UV cycles.
Construction and architecture
Materials used in facades, roofs, exterior carpentry, and street furniture must guarantee high aesthetic and structural durability when exposed to prolonged weathering, including solar radiation.
- At INFINITIA, we carry out accelerated aging tests on paint coatings, measuring their resistance to adhesion, color loss, and gloss.
- We evaluate joint sealants, rubbers, and profiles using combined UV + humidity + temperature tests, determining the loss of elasticity or the appearance of cracks.
- We also analyze panels under customized conditions to simulate maritime or tropical environments.
Technical textiles and street furniture
Technical textiles used in awnings, industrial tarpaulins, PPE, or outdoor furniture are subject to demanding conditions of UV radiation, humidity, wind, and abrasion, so it is essential to ensure their functionality and aesthetics over time.
- We carry out colour fastness to light tests (ISO 105-B02) on dyed, printed or coated fabrics, observing any discoloration or loss of properties.
- We evaluate technical fibers with antimicrobial and UV-resistant coatings, analyzing their degradation with microscopy and chemical analysis after prolonged exposure.
- We validate treated wood, resins, and varnishes for street furniture exposed to UV + water + temperature cycles, simulating years of use in just a few weeks.
Ensure the durability of your materials with solar radiation testing
Solar and UV resistance tests have become an indispensable tool for companies that design, manufacture, or integrate materials and products exposed to the outdoors. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause chemical degradation, aesthetic loss, structural fragility, or functional failures, so anticipating these effects through controlled testing is key to ensuring the reliability and durability of the final product.
In this regard, INFINITIA offers a comprehensive, adaptable, and rigorous technical service ranging from accelerated testing in UV chambers, in accordance with standards such as ISO 4892-2 or ASTM G154, to customized comparative studies between materials or product configurations. In addition, we combine these tests with complementary analyses of hardness, color, mechanical properties, and microscopic visualization, providing a comprehensive diagnosis of the behavior of materials when exposed to radiation.
Thanks to our multidisciplinary approach, our ability to customize protocols, and our experience in forensic engineering, advanced characterization, and product validation, INFINITIA is positioned as a strategic partner for industries seeking data-driven technical solutions. Sectors such as automotive, energy, construction, electronics, packaging, and technical textiles benefit directly from these studies to develop safer, more resistant, and more competitive products.
In an industrial context that is increasingly demanding in terms of regulations, sustainability, and reliability, having INFINITIA as a partner for evaluating materials against solar and UV radiation can make all the difference. Our laboratory is ready to help you prevent failures, reduce non-quality costs, optimize materials, and accelerate technical innovation with scientific backing.
