When years turn into weeks
Plastic products are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions over many years. UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture can alter materials and impair their performance. To reliably assess durability and shorten development times, manufacturers are increasingly turning to artificial weathering tests in the laboratory. At the SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg, more than 30 testing devices are available for this purpose, enabling aging processes to be simulated realistically and at an accelerated rate.
The SKZ in Würzburg has more than 30 testing machines available that can be used to simulate the aging processes of plastics in a realistic and accelerated manner. (Photo: Marcus Heindl, SKZ)
Artificial weathering at the SKZ to simulate aging processes in durable plastics
Under controlled conditions, key environmental factors such as light, heat, and humidity are applied to materials or components. Typical aging mechanisms—such as color changes, embrittlement, or changes in mechanical properties—can be specifically investigated. The results provide a reliable basis for product development, quality assurance, and material selection.
Shorter testing times
A key advantage of laboratory weathering is the significantly shorter testing duration. While outdoor weathering tests often take several years, comparable aging effects can be replicated in the laboratory within a few weeks or months.
Ulli Eisenhut, Group Leader for Special Services and Expert Reports at SKZ, explains: “Artificial weathering makes it possible to capture aging processes under reproducible conditions much faster than outdoors. This allows material weaknesses to be identified early on and development times to be specifically shortened.”
For manufacturers, this translates to a clear time savings: weaknesses are identified early on, and materials and formulations can be optimized before market launch. At the same time, the controlled laboratory environment ensures reproducible test conditions and reliable comparability of materials and batches.
Tests According to Automotive Standards
The SKZ has specifically expanded its testing capabilities in recent years. This includes, among other things, conducting weathering tests according to the automotive standard SAE J2527, which is used internationally to evaluate weather resistance.
The standard includes, among other things, a special spraying phase in which test specimens are partially exposed to water on both sides—a requirement that many standard devices do not meet. With the appropriate testing technology, the SKZ offers these tests as an accredited service, particularly for applications in the automotive industry.
Larger components and complex geometries can also be tested, such as molded parts up to dimensions of approximately 400 × 700 mm. This enables not only material testing but also realistic component testing.
Focus on Recyclates
As the circular economy gains importance, the aging behavior of recyclates is also coming into sharper focus. Due to their material history, recycled plastics often react more sensitively to environmental influences than virgin material.
Dr. Marcus Heindl, Head of the Testing Laboratory at SKZ, says: “Laboratory weathering provides reliable data for service life estimation, particularly for recycled materials and complex components. This supports manufacturers in developing durable and sustainable products.”
Artificial weathering tests thus enable rapid and reproducible assessments of the aging behavior of plastics and help to shorten development times and ensure product quality at an early stage.
Further information on weathering tests