Sunlight tests
Validate the resistance of your equipment and materials to solar radiation
Why carry out sunlight tests?
- Assess the thermal effects of solar radiation on materials (whitening, chalking, cracking, loss of gloss, deformation).
- Simulate heating due to prolonged exposure and its impact on equipment performance.
- Guarantee the durability of products by predetermining their life cycle in real-life conditions.
- Comply with international standards such as MIL-STD-810, STANAG 4370, AECTP 300 and NF EN 60068-2-5.
Types of climatic tests
Our laboratories are equipped to carry out a range of environmental tests:
- Thermal tests: Exposure to temperatures from -90°C to +650°C.
- Humidity testing: Simulation of humidity levels between 10% and 100% RH.
- Thermal shock: Rapid transition between two temperatures to test material resistance.
- UV ageing: Analysis of degradation under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Corrosion and salt spray: Testing resistance to marine environments and corrosive atmospheres.
- Combined tests: Combination of climatic tests with vibration and mechanical stress.
What sectors are involved in these trials?
Aerospace
Automotive
Consumer electronics
Shipbuilding
Industry and consumer electronics
Type of sunlight test
Simulation of solar radiation
- Test temperature from -20°C to 100°C with irradiation
- Controlled humidity from 10 to 80% RH with irradiation
- Enclosures with combined sunlight and humidity cycles
Talk to our sunlight testing experts
Sun resistance tests under controlled conditions
- Test benches reaching a power of 1400 W/m².
- Cyclic test benches for thermal effects with an exposure area of 700 x 700 mm.
- Constant test bench for actinic effects with an exposure area of 800 x 1800 mm.
- Possibility of combining solar exposure with climatic tests.
Standards applicable to sunlight tests
Our tests comply with the main international regulations:
- MIL-STD-810 (Method 505): Solar radiation exposure tests for military equipment.
- STANAG 4370 AECTP 300: NATO standards on climatic testing.
- NF EN 60068-2-5: Solar radiation simulation tests.
- ASTM G154 / G155: Artificial solar radiation exposure tests.
- DIN 75220 (Z OUT): Automotive standards specific to UV effects.
Our testing capabilities and technical resources
We have an advanced infrastructure to guarantee accurate and reproducible tests:
Specialised equipment
- Test benches capable of exposing bulky equipment to intense radiation.
- Test benches capable of generating light intensity coupled with temperature
Analysis and monitoring of damage
- Measurement of colour and gloss changes.
- Observation of cracks, crazing and chalking.
- Post-exposure mechanical performance checks.
Failure modes identified during testing
Sunlight tests enable us to anticipate and analyse several types of phenomena:- Chalking of plastics and loss of gloss of coatings.
- Thermal deformation and loss of mechanical properties.
- Cracking, fissuring and oxidation of surfaces.
Incorporate sunlight testing into your product development
Solar radiation simulation tests enable us to anticipate material weaknesses and improve their durability. Our experts can help you with :
- Analysing normative requirements and specific needs.
- Implementing tests under conditions tailored to your products.
- Interpretation of results and optimisation of materials and coatings.
Needs
Discover a selection of additional resources that explore topics related to this page including regulatory contexts, technical articles, and specific areas of expertise. These materials provide further insight to help you better understand the key challenges and available solutions.
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Do you need to ensure that your materials and equipment are resistant to the sun's rays? Contact our experts for a tailored solution.
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