Xenon Arc Light Exposure Testing for Plastics
ISO 4892-2 outlines testing procedures for evaluating the durability of plastics under simulated sunlight exposure using Xenon-Arc lamps. This internationally-recognized standard is one of the most popular standards worldwide - although intended for plastic materials, it is used in a variety of industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging. The test helps predict the long-term effects of light, heat, and moisture on plastic products, ensuring their reliability and performance in real-world environments both indoors and outdoors.
Test Parameters
ISO 4892-2 includes test cycles for both outdoor (daylight) exposures, as well as behind-glass (window) exposures. The experimental parameters depend on which type of condition is being simulated. There are two primary Methods:
- Method A: Exposures Using Daylight Filters
- Exposure period:
- 102 minutes of light exposure (dry)
- 18 minutes of light exposure + spray
- Irradiance;
- Broadband (300 nm to 400 nm): 60 W/m²
- Narrowband (340 nm): 0.51 W/(m²·nm)
- Allows for insulated black panel (black standard) & uninsulated black panel
- Exposure period:
- Method B: Exposures Using Window Glass Filters
- Exposure period:
- Constant light exposure (dry), no spray
- Irradiance:
- Broadband (300 nm to 400 nm): 50 W/m²
- Narrowband (420 nm): 1.10 W/(m²·nm)
- Two different window exposure cycles:
- One cycle type uses a higher temperature with a lower humidity (cycles 3 & 6)
- One cycle type uses a lower temperature with a higher humidity (cycles 2 & 5)
- Exposure period:
Q-Lab customers can log in to their Q-Portal account for in-depth information regarding ISO 4892-2.
Why Test to ISO 4892-2?
ISO 4892-2 testing is effective for evaluating the weathering resistance of materials, especially plastics, exposed to accelerated outdoor conditions like sunlight, temperature, and humidity. This testing method helps predict material durability, ensuring products maintain their integrity over time in real-world environments. It supports quality control, research and development, regulatory compliance, and cost savings by identifying potential weaknesses early, preventing premature failures, and evaluating long-term performance for outdoor applications.
Pros and Cons of ISO 4892-2
- Fast and reliable results
- ISO 4892-2 can help companies evaluate the material durability over a significantly shortened time period
- Widely internationally-recognized standard
- ISO 4892-2 has been an widely-accepted testing method for decades, providing years of data to back up the accuracy of the testing method
- Helps improve product longevity
- Manufacturers across numerous industries have used ISO 4892-2 to enhance the durability of their products by identifying weaknesses related exposure to UV light, high temperatures, and outdoor moisture
- Limited correlation to real-world conditions
- The light / light+spray conditions do not accurately reproduce outdoor conditions, since most moisture takes place in the dark.
- At Q-Lab, we always encourage our customers to combine laboratory testing with natural outdoor testing for the best results
How Q-Lab Can Help
Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers
Q-Lab's Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers fully comply with ISO 4892-2. Q‑SUN full-spectrum sunlight xenon arc test chambers are simple, reliable, and easy to use. With multiple sizes and models available, they are the world’s most versatile weathering testers.
Test Services
If a new tester is not part of the budget, we offer contract testing at either of our two accelerated testing laboratories – Florida or Germany. Both labs are ISO 17025-accredited to perform ISO 4892-2, using the very same Q-SUN test chambers built at our manufacturing plant. In addition to accelerated weathering testing, our accelerated laboratories are accredited and qualified to perform a suite of different evaluations, including color change, gloss retention, visual evaluations, and much more.
More ISO 4892-2 Resources
Standards Tool
Review setup and performance information on key international and OEM test standards from ASTM, ISO, SAE, JIS, GB, and more.
Document Library
Browse Q-Lab’s extensive library of weathering testing literature and technical content.
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