Carbon Arc Test Chamber

50±5% Humidity Range Carbon Arc Lamp Weathering Test Chamber with Electric Control Gate Temperature Control Method

The Carbon Arc Test Chamber is used to perform accelerated weathering tests by exposing materials to intense light from carbon arc lamps, along with controlled temperature, humidity, and periodic water spray. This combination simulates the damaging effects of outdoor sunlight, heat, and rain on materials over time.

The chamber is particularly suitable for evaluating the resistance of plastics, rubber, paints, textiles, and other materials to fading, cracking, embrittlement, and loss of mechanical strength. It provides a repeatable and accelerated method to predict long-term outdoor durability in a laboratory environment, following the ASTM G23 test procedure.

Technical Parameters

Testing Principle

The Carbon Arc Test Chamber accelerates material aging by exposing specimens to intense ultraviolet and visible light generated by carbon arc lamps, combined with elevated temperature and periodic moisture. The carbon arc light source produces a spectrum that includes significant ultraviolet radiation, which causes photochemical degradation in many polymers and coatings.

During the test, materials are subjected to continuous light exposure along with controlled heat and humidity cycles, sometimes including water spray to simulate rainfall. This process induces aging effects such as fading, yellowing, cracking, loss of tensile strength, and surface chalking in a much shorter time than natural outdoor exposure.

Common Error Mitigation

To obtain accurate and repeatable weathering test results, the following practices are recommended:

• Use fresh carbon rods and replace them according to the specified cycle to maintain consistent light output.
• Regularly clean the inner chamber, specimen rack, and spray nozzles to prevent contamination.
• Ensure the black panel thermometer is correctly positioned and calibrated.
• Maintain proper water quality (pH 6.0–8.0) and pressure for the spray system.
• Avoid overloading the specimen rack to ensure uniform exposure to light and spray.

Applications and Use Cases

The Carbon Arc Test Chamber is widely used for accelerated weathering testing to evaluate the long-term durability of non-metallic materials under simulated outdoor conditions of light, heat, and moisture.

Typical applications include:

• Weathering resistance testing of plastics and engineering polymers to assess color change, cracking, and mechanical degradation.
• Aging evaluation of rubber and elastomeric materials such as seals and gaskets under prolonged light and humidity exposure.
• Durability testing of coatings, paints, and surface finishes to evaluate fading, chalking, and adhesion loss.
• Light fastness testing of textiles and fabrics to determine color stability and physical performance.
• Quality control and pre-compliance testing for automotive interior and exterior components according to ASTM G23.
• Research and development of new weather-resistant materials in plastics, coatings, and rubber industries.

Key Advantages

The Carbon Arc Test Chamber provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for accelerated weathering testing using sunshine carbon arc lamps. Its robust SUS304 stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability in laboratory environments.

The PLC touchscreen with closed-loop control enables precise and stable regulation of temperature, humidity, and spray cycles, delivering consistent and repeatable test results. Compared with xenon arc systems, this equipment features a simpler structure and lower operating costs, making it well-suited for routine quality control and material screening.

With flexible programmable spray modes and easy operation, the Carbon Arc Test Chamber offers an efficient and practical option for evaluating the weather resistance of plastics, rubber, coatings, and other non-metallic materials.