Florida & Arizona Natural Outdoor Testing

Q-Lab offers outdoor exposure testing programs at our internationally-recognized benchmark locations in Florida and Arizona. Weathering exposures at these sites are not only realistic; they are also accelerated and are the best way to verify laboratory test results. Q-Lab also provides all users with climate data to enhance interpretation of materials durability test results. See our Outdoor Testing brochure for more information on these sites and our Testing Services brochure to learn about our full range of weathering testing services.

Why Test In Florida?

Florida has high-intensity sunlight, high year-round temperatures, high annual rainfall, and high humidity. When combined, these factors create the harsh climate that makes Florida the ideal location for testing exterior durability. Q‑Lab Florida, located south of Miami, is located in the only true subtropical region in the continental United States, and has more specimens on test than any other outdoor weathering facility in the world. We offer natural outdoor exposure testing, accelerated laboratory testing, and specimen evaluation services at Q‑Lab Florida.

Florida Is the Subtropical Benchmark

Florida is the internationally-recognized benchmark location for outdoor exposure testing. One year of Florida sunshine can equate to several years of weathering elsewhere. The synergistic effect of UV, moisture, and heat makes South Florida the ideal location for testing durability of materials in outdoor environments. This climate has been proven especially useful for a variety of materials durability testing, including:

Color change, fading, and gloss loss
Cracking, peeling, chalking, and blistering
Mechanical strength loss and physical deterioration
Moisture sensitivity of products like coatings, building materials, and some plastics
Biodegradation, including mold, mildew, fungus, and algae
Accelerated corrosion testing

Why Florida?

Florida Weathering Exposure Techniques

Direct Exposure

Direct exposures are used to test many exterior-use materials, such as industrial coatings. Specimens are securely mounted with their front surface facing the sun. Different exposure angles and mounting methods are used for different applications.

Direct Exposures

Under Glass

These exposures are used to test interior-use materials, such as textiles and printing inks. Specimens are behind 3 mm clear window glass, which will filter out short-wave UV. Exposures are typically at 45°.

Under Glass Exposures

Black Box

These tests reproduce conditions found on the horizontal surfaces of a vehicle, including higher temperatures and longer wet times. Under glass black box exposures are used to test interior automotive materials.

Black Box Exposures

AIM Box (Automotive Interior Materials)

These under glass exposures simulate the environment inside an automobile and are suitable for mounting larger components like dashboards. Some AIM boxes in Florida feature solar tracking. Read our AIM Box specifications for more information.

AIM Box Page

Mildew Tests

In this Florida exposure, panels are typically positioned at 90° and facing north to reduce sunlight, decrease surface temperatures, and increase moisture. In addition, specimens may be placed near or under vegetation to promote growth.

Mildew Exposures

Why Test in Arizona?

Arizona has a hot, dry, high-UV radiation environment, well-suited to weathering of materials susceptible to harsh desert conditions. Q-Lab Arizona Desert Testing ranks among the largest desert exposure facilities in the world. Located 35 miles northwest of Phoenix in Wittmann, our facility is far from automotive, industrial, or agricultural pollution. We offer natural outdoor exposure testing, Q-TRAC natural sunlight concentrator testing, AIM box testing, and specimen evaluation services at Q-Lab Arizona Desert Testing.

Arizona Is the Desert Benchmark

Arizona is an internationally-recognized benchmark location for outdoor weathering exposures. Compared with Florida, the Arizona test site offers about 20% more sunlight, higher annual temperatures, and lower humidity. During the summer, the air temperature may reach 115 °F (46 °C). A black-colored specimen may reach over 160 °F (71 °C).

This combination of high levels of UV and extremely high temperatures makes Arizona the ideal location for testing highly-durable materials that may not fail elsewhere. This extreme climate has been proven especially useful for certain types of testing and materials, including:

Mechanical strength loss and physical deterioration of plastics
Thermal expansion effects and CTE mismatches
Maximum service temperature studies
Color change, fading, and gloss loss
Cracking, warping, and heat aging of automotive components and signage

Arizona Outdoor Testing