Component Ageing Testing

What Is Component Ageing Testing?

Component ageing testing is a critical process for evaluating how a product or material withstands environmental stressors over time. By simulating the long-term effects of conditions like sunlight, temperature, humidity, and corrosive atmospheres, manufacturers can predict the service life of their components, ensure they meet quality standards, and prevent costly premature failures.

This testing is essential for a wide range of materials, including plastics and polymers, coatings and paints, and components used across the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.

What Does Component Ageing Testing Involve?

Component ageing testing involves subjecting a sample or complete component to controlled environmental conditions that accelerate the ageing process. The primary goal is to assess how a component’s physical, functional, and aesthetic properties change after prolonged exposure to specific elements.

This simulation allows our experts to evaluate its durability and reliability, identifying potential weaknesses before the product reaches the market. By understanding how a component degrades, manufacturers can improve designs, select more robust materials, and ensure their products are fit for purpose throughout their expected lifecycle.

What Component Ageing Tests Do We Perform?

At Applus+ Laboratories, we conduct a comprehensive range of ageing tests tailored to specific materials and industry requirements. Our main testing services include:

• Solar Radiation Testing: To simulate the damaging effects of sunlight, we use specialised chambers equipped with xenon arc, fluorescent UV, or metal halide lamps. These tests are crucial for evaluating the degradation of components intended for outdoor use. Following exposure, we conduct detailed assessments, including measuring changes in colour and gloss, testing the adhesion of coatings, and verifying the component’s continued functionality.
• Corrosion Testing: We evaluate a component's resistance to corrosion by exposing it to a controlled saline atmosphere in a salt spray chamber. Depending on the service environment, we perform tests using different solutions, including Neutral Salt Spray (NSS), Acetic Acid Salt Spray (AASS), and Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray (CASS). Post-test evaluations often include assessing paint adhesion, measuring the advance of corrosion from an incision, and conducting functional checks.
• Climatic and Environmental Testing: Components are often subjected to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Our climatic chambers simulate these conditions, from extreme cold to tropical heat and humidity, to ensure components maintain their integrity and performance in any environment.

What Are The Benefits Of Component Ageing Testing?

Undertaking component ageing testing provides significant advantages for product development and quality assurance:

• Predict Product Lifespan: Gain a reliable estimate of how long a component will perform as expected under real-world conditions.
• Ensure Material Durability: Verify that materials such as aerospace materials and construction products can withstand environmental challenges.
• Meet Quality and Regulatory Standards: Ensure your products comply with stringent international and industry-specific standards.
• Reduce Risk of Failures: Proactively identify and address potential weaknesses, which can be investigated further through Failure Analysis to prevent in-service issues.
• Validate Aesthetic and Functional Performance: Confirm that components retain their appearance and continue to function correctly over time.

Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories For Component Ageing Testing?

Applus+ Laboratories is a trusted partner for testing a vast array of components and materials, from fasteners and foam to complex welded assemblies. Our clients choose us for our:

• Cross-Industry Expertise: We have extensive experience supporting leading manufacturers in demanding sectors, including automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, and construction.
• Comprehensive Capabilities: Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art ageing chambers and analytical equipment to provide a complete, one-stop testing solution.
• Customised Testing Programmes: We work closely with our clients to design and execute test plans that meet their unique objectives, whether based on international standards or custom protocols.
• Actionable Insights: We provide more than just test results. Our experts deliver detailed reports with in-depth analysis of visual inspections, performance data, and material property changes, giving you the insights needed to make informed decisions.