Carbon Arc Testing

Validate your materials’ durability with precision carbon arc testing. Element's advanced Weather-Ometers simulate real-world exposure to sunlight and moisture, delivering fast, reliable results. With expertise across plastics, coatings, and automotive materials, we help you meet international standards while optimizing material performance.

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What is Carbon Arc Testing at Element?

Carbon arc testing is an accelerated weathering method that evaluates material durability using arcing light sources to simulate sunlight exposure. At Element, we use Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather-Ometers (SWOM) with open-flame technology to replicate real-world environmental conditions, testing materials' resistance to UV, visible, and infrared radiation.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Carbon Arc Testing?

Key tests offered

We provide carbon arc testing using Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather-Ometers (SWOM) to evaluate material integrity against sunlight and moisture exposure. Our testing simulates environmental conditions through controlled exposure to ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. We specialize in both filtered and unfiltered carbon arc exposures for comprehensive material evaluation.

Open flame carbon arc light testing

Filtered carbon arc exposures for plastics

Light and water exposure evaluation

Weatherability testing for automotive parts

Synthetic resin coating analysis

Materials we test

Our testing capabilities cover plastics, paints, coatings, synthetic resins, and window glass adhesives. We specialize in evaluating light-fastness durability and weathering resistance for polymeric materials used in automotive and industrial applications. Our expertise extends to testing non-metallic materials and synthetic resin parts for various industry sectors.

Methods and solutions offered

Our testing methods utilize open flame carbon arc light apparatus for material evaluation. We conduct filtered and unfiltered carbon arc exposures, analyzing material degradation and performance under accelerated weathering conditions. Our solutions are designed to meet international standards while providing detailed insights into material performance and durability.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Our laboratories are equipped with Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather-Ometers (SWOM), utilizing open flame technology to deliver accurate and repeatable testing results that meet industry standards. These advanced instruments provide precise control over testing parameters, ensuring reliable simulation of environmental conditions.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Element is accredited to perform carbon arc testing to the following standards:

ASTM G152: standard practice for operating open flame carbon arc light apparatus for exposure of nonmetallic materials
ASTM D1499: standard practice for filtered open flame carbon arc exposures of plastics
JIS B 7753: light exposure and light and water exposure apparatus (open flame carbon arc type)
JIS D 0205: test method of weatherability for automotive parts
NES M 0135: weatherability and light resistance test methods for synthetic resin parts
NES M 0141: test method for coating of synthetic resin
MES MN 201B: test method for plastic materials
MES MN 350M: window glass adhesives

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Need to Make Quicker Decisions

Our Weather-Ometers simulate extended environmental exposure in compressed timeframes, helping you validate material durability efficiently. Our advanced testing protocols provide accelerated insights into material performance, supporting faster product development cycles while maintaining accuracy.

Staying Compliant Globally

Our accredited testing services cover ASTM, JIS, NES, and MES standards, supported by experienced materials experts. We maintain comprehensive accreditation across international testing standards, ensuring your materials meet regulatory requirements across global markets.

Selecting Better Materials

Carbon arc testing provides detailed data on light-fastness and moisture resistance, enabling informed material selection decisions. Our testing methods deliver comprehensive performance insights, helping you understand how materials will perform under real-world environmental conditions.

Meeting Development Schedules

Our established testing protocols and equipment deliver reliable evaluation of your materials while maintaining development schedules. We streamline your testing process through advanced technology and expert support, ensuring actionable results.