OUTDOOR WEATHERING TESTING FOR RELAIBLE MATERIAL DECISIONS
Real-world exposure testing for materials, surfaces, and components
Sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, heat, humidity, rain, condensation, and changing temperatures can significantly affect materials over time. Outdoor weathering testing provides valuable insight into how products and materials perform under real environmental conditions.
imat helps you develop a weathering strategy that fits your material, component, target market, and performance requirements. From selecting appropriate exposure conditions and test durations to evaluating material changes, we support you throughout the testing process.
Natural outdoor exposure can also be combined with accelerated laboratory testing to create a more complete understanding of long-term material performance.
A2LA-accredited laboratory network
More than 30 years of automotive testing expertise.
AUTOMOTIVE WEATHERING TESTING & BEYOND
Performance evaluation for vehicle, mobility, and industrial applications
Materials used in and around vehicles must maintain their appearance and function over years of service. Exterior components may be continuously exposed to solar radiation, moisture, heat, freezing temperatures, precipitation, and rapid temperature changes.
Interior materials can also experience demanding conditions. Solar radiation entering through vehicle glass can lead to high surface temperatures, fading, gloss changes, embrittlement, and other forms of degradation.
Outdoor weathering testing and automotive weathering testing may be used to evaluate:
- Paints, coatings, and decorative surfaces
- Plastics and polymer composites
- Elastomers and sealing materials
- Textiles, synthetic leather, and films
- Adhesives and bonded assemblies
- Trim parts, covers, and housings
- Interior and exterior components
- Materials for mobility, consumer, and industrial products
The results are valuable not only for the automotive industry. Manufacturers and suppliers in many other sectors can use weathering data to evaluate durability, aging behavior, appearance retention, and material stability.
SELECT THE RIGHT CLIMATE
AND EXPOSURE CONDITIONS
Match the test environment to the intended application
Not every outdoor exposure location produces the same material response. The appropriate climate should therefore be selected based on the product’s intended use, target markets, expected environmental conditions, and likely degradation mechanisms.
A temperate climate, for example, exposes materials to different stress patterns than a hot-humid or hot-dry environment. Products intended for international markets may benefit from exposure at multiple locations or from a comparative program using different reference climates.
In addition to climate, several test setup parameters can influence the result:
- Specimen orientation
- Exposure angle
- Backing and mounting method
- Exposure duration
- Direct or indirect weather exposure
- Frequency of interim evaluations
- Use of reference or control materials
A clearly defined exposure setup is essential for obtaining traceable, comparable, and meaningful results.
FLORIDA WEATHERING TEST
FOR HOT-HUMID CONDITIONS
Evaluate the combined effects of sunlight, heat, moisture, and rainfall
A Florida weathering test is commonly used when materials need to be evaluated under demanding hot-humid outdoor conditions. South Florida’s climate combines strong solar radiation with elevated temperatures, high relative humidity, frequent rainfall, and regular periods of surface moisture. This combination can accelerate changes such as:
- Color fading
- Gloss loss
- Chalking
- Cracking
- Embrittlement
- Coating degradation
- Surface changes
- Adhesion loss or delamination
A Florida outdoor exposure program can be particularly relevant for products intended for warm and humid markets. It can also provide reference data for the evaluation or correlation of accelerated laboratory methods.
Depending on the material and project objective, the exposure may be conducted as a stand-alone program or as part of a combined natural and accelerated weathering strategy.
Regular interim evaluations help document when changes begin and how different materials or formulations perform over time.
TRUSTED BY AUTOMOTIVE LEADING INDUSTRY
Blank text accreditations/certifications/test standards. Automobile manufacturers worldwide such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Tesla & Co. as well as suppliers trust in our expertise and reliability.
- 01 TEST METHODS
- 02 ASTM G155 and ISO 4892-2
- 03 ISO 4892-3
- 04 SAE J2527 and SAE J1960
- 05 SAE J2412
- 06 ASTM D7869
STANDARDS-BASED
AUTOMOTIVE WEATHERING TESTING
Select the appropriate ASTM, SAE, or ISO test method
Weathering requirements vary depending on the material, component, installation location, customer specification, and expected service environment.
For automotive, transportation, and industrial applications, relevant methods may include:
-
ASTM G155
-
SAE J2527
-
ASTM D7869
-
ISO 4892-2
-
ISO 4892-3
-
SAE J2412
-
SAE J1960
The right method should be selected based on the specific project objective rather than the standard name alone.
ASTM G155 and ISO 4892-2
Xenon arc exposure for nonmetallic materials and plastics
ASTM G155 addresses xenon arc exposure of nonmetallic materials. Xenon arc equipment is used to reproduce important aspects of natural sunlight while also allowing defined temperature, moisture, and water-spray conditions.
The method may be used to investigate changes such as fading, color shift, gloss loss, cracking, and other forms of surface degradation.
ISO 4892-2 covers the exposure of plastics to xenon arc radiation. It can be used for comparative evaluations of plastic materials, coatings, and polymer-based products under controlled laboratory conditions.
Both methods may form part of a broader weatherability program that includes natural outdoor exposure.
FLUORESCENT UV EXPOSURE FOR PLASTICS
ISO 4892-3 addresses the exposure of plastics using fluorescent UV lamps.
This type of testing focuses on defined combinations of ultraviolet radiation, condensation, moisture, and temperature.
It is often used to compare materials or identify sensitivity to specific UV-related degradation mechanisms.
Fluorescent UV testing and xenon arc testing do not create identical exposure conditions.
The appropriate method depends on the material, end-use environment, and type of change being investigated.
ACCELERATED EXPOSURE TESTING
FOR AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR MATERIALS
SAE J2527 and SAE J1960 are associated with accelerated weathering evaluations of materials intended for automotive exterior applications.
These methods may be relevant for:
- Exterior plastics
- Painted components
- Coated surfaces
- Decorative trim
- Polymer materials
- Vehicle exterior assemblies
The applicable standard and test cycle should be determined by the customer specification, OEM requirement, material type, and project objective.
When appropriate, accelerated results can be compared with outdoor exposure data to improve the interpretation of long-term performance.
ACCELERATED SOLAR EXPOSURE
FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR MATERIALS
SAE J2412 is commonly associated with the accelerated exposure of automotive interior trim materials and components.
Vehicle interiors can reach high temperatures when exposed to sunlight through window glass. Over time, this may affect color, gloss, flexibility, surface texture, and mechanical properties.
Materials that may be evaluated include:
- Instrument panel materials
- Interior plastics
- Decorative films
- Textiles
- Synthetic leather
- Coated surfaces
- Interior trim components
Testing under SAE J2412 can help identify differences between material variants and support interior material validation.
XENON ARC EXPOSURE
FOR TRANSPORTATION COATINGS
ASTM D7869 may be relevant to accelerated xenon arc testing of coatings used in transportation applications.
The method incorporates defined light and water exposure conditions and can support comparative evaluations of paint systems and coated surfaces.
It may be particularly useful when investigating coating performance under conditions intended to represent demanding outdoor environments.
Depending on the project, ASTM D7869 results may be considered together with data from a Florida weathering test or another natural outdoor exposure program.
FROM TEST OBJECTIVE TO THE RIGHT WEATHERING PROGRAM
A project-specific approach instead of a one-size-fits-all test
A meaningful weathering program begins with a clearly defined technical question.
- Are you qualifying a new material?
- Comparing formulations?
- Evaluating a supplier change?
- Investigating a known failure mode?
- Validating an accelerated test against natural outdoor exposure?
imat helps translate these questions into a structured test strategy.
1. Define the Application and Performance Requirements
The first step is to define the product application, target markets, expected service environment, and relevant performance criteria. Existing customer specifications, OEM requirements, industry standards, reference materials, and known degradation mechanisms should also be considered.
2. Select the Exposure Method and Climate
Based on the project objective, an appropriate natural exposure location, accelerated test method, or combined program can be selected. The test plan may define:
- Outdoor exposure climate
- Test standard and cycle
- Exposure duration
- Specimen orientation
- Mounting method
- Evaluation intervals
- Reference materials
- Acceptance criteria
3. Conduct Interim Evaluations
For longer exposure programs, periodic evaluations can provide more useful information than a final inspection alone. Interim measurements make it possible to determine:
- When the first changes become measurable
- Whether degradation progresses linearly or accelerates
- How different material variants compare over time
- Whether a defined failure threshold has been reached
4. Evaluate and Document the Results
Results can be compared with baseline measurements, control specimens, reference materials, customer limits, or internal performance criteria. The final evaluation provides a documented basis for:
- Material approval
- Formulation optimization
- Supplier comparison
- Design decisions
- Quality assurance
- Product validation
- Additional testing recommendations
MEASURE VISIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL MATERIAL CHANGES
Go beyond a simple before-and-after comparison
Weathering can affect both the appearance and performance of a material. The relevant evaluation methods should therefore be selected based on the expected degradation mechanism and the intended product function.
Depending on the material and test objective, the evaluation may include:
- Color change and color difference
- Gloss and gloss retention
- Chalking
- Fading
- Cracking
- Blistering
- Peeling or delamination
- Embrittlement
- Warpage or deformation
- Surface texture changes
- Coating adhesion
- Changes in mechanical properties
- Changes in bonded or laminated assemblies
Combining visual assessments with instrumental measurements makes it possible to detect subtle changes and document them objectively.
Exposure tests give us the opportunity to make the future measurable. Because sustainable quality begins where products not only impress today, but also stand the test of time tomorrow.
APPLICATION-FOCUSED WEATHERING EXPERTISE
imat connects material knowledge with structured test planning
A weathering test is only meaningful when the material, exposure method, evaluation criteria, and intended application are considered together.
imat supports you in developing an appropriate test concept that may combine natural outdoor weathering, accelerated laboratory exposure, and material analysis.
Our approach focuses on:
- Clearly defined project objectives
- Appropriate exposure conditions
- Relevant test and evaluation methods
- Traceable documentation
- Application-specific interpretation
- Actionable recommendations
The result is more than a collection of measurements. You receive a technical basis for material selection, product development, validation, and quality decisions.
READY TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE?
Artificial exposure is more than just a laboratory test.
It is a controlled look into the future of your vehicles and components long before they hit the road. With our "superpower" of time acceleration, we help you make better decisions and develop long-lasting quality.
Talk to us about customized exposure and aging tests for your needs.
NORM CONFORM. CLEAR. RELIABLE.
TESTS ACCORDING TO GLOBAL STANDARDS.
Our validation follows the standards that stand for safety, quality and reliability worldwide.
DIN, ISO, VDA and OEM specifications determine our testing processes - transparently documented and consistently compliant with standards.
Because the highest standards are the basis for lasting results.
- 01 EMISSION CHAMBER
- 02 FORMALDEHYD
- 03 ODOR
- 04 FOGGING
- 05 MICRO CHAMBER
- 06 THERMODESORPTION
- 07 BAG CHECK
INVISIBLE EMISSIONS,
MEASURABLE RESPONSIBILITY
With our EMISSION CHAMBERS, we test materials, components and assemblies under realistic conditions - precisely, reproducibly and in accordance with OEM standards.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- Vehicle manufacturers demand clear limit values for VOCs, SVOCs and formaldehyde in the interior
- Strict OEM specifications ensure air quality, brand image and customer satisfaction
- Early testing prevents risks, complaints and delays in series production and comfort as a selling point
WHAT SETS US APART
- Automotive standards: tests according to VDA 276, VW PV 3942, ISO 12219-4, BMW GS 97014-3, DBL 1000 (ISO 12219-4), PN 780 (ISO 12219-4)
- Accreditation: DIN EN ISO 17025, certified according to ISO 9001 and TISAX®.
- Globally consistent: Identical methods and test environments at all imat locations worldwide.
- Holistic analytics: Combination of emission chamber, thermal desorption, odor and fogging analytics.
- 35 years of experience: Trust based on competence, responsibility and quality.
SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO
- Emission chamber tests according to VDA 276, ISO 12219-4, BMW GS 97014-3
- VOC, SVOC and formaldehyde analysis of materials, components and assemblies
- Climatic simulation and sample evaluation under realistic conditions
- Advice on results and support with material optimization
LET'S TALK ABOUT CLEAN AIR IN EVERY VEHICLE
Whether development testing or series release - we provide you with clear results, reliable decisions and tested quality in accordance with global automotive standards.
INVISIBLE, BUT CRUCIAL:
FORMALDEHYDE IN INDOOR AIR
FORMALDEHYD is one of the best-known volatile aldehydes - and is a key parameter for air quality and driving comfort in the automotive industry. Even low concentrations can cause odor, irritation or health effects.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- Indoor air quality is increasingly becoming a distinguishing feature of modern vehicles.
- Legal limits and OEM specifications are constantly being tightened.
- Early emission tests prevent complaints, damage to image and additional costs.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Experience & trust: Over 35 years of expertise in emissions and air quality testing.
- Global standards: Tests according to 7-G2090, AA 0061, CVTC 54002, D40 3004, D40 5535, FLTM BZ 156-01, GMW 15635, PV 3925, SMTC 5 400 011, TS-INT-001, VCS 1027,2713, VCS 1027,2739, VDA 275
- Accreditation: DIN EN ISO 17025, OEM-approved, ISO 9001 and TISAX® certified.
- Innovative strength: Combination of thermal desorption, emission and odor evaluation for a holistic picture.
- Global presence: Laboratories in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa for fast, consistent results.
SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO
- Formaldehyde emission test according to 7-G2090, AA 0061, CVTC 54002, D40 3004, D40 5535, FLTM BZ 156-01, GMW 15635, PV 3925, SMTC 5 400 011, TS-INT-001, VCS 1027,2713, VCS 1027,2739, VDA 275
- Tests on materials, components and systems
- Precise sample preparation as well as HPLC/UV detection and MS detection
- Advice on material optimization and emission reduction
OUR STRENGTH: RESPONSIBILITY DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL
Whether development testing or series release - we provide you with clear results, reliable decisions and tested quality in accordance with global automotive standards.
WHEN SMELL
BECOMES A MESSAGE
Smell is more than just a sensory impression - it determines trust, well-being and brand loyalty. In car interiors, it becomes a silent brand ambassador: it can arouse enthusiasm or trigger rejection.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- Increasing customer expectations for comfort and quality
- Strict OEM specifications
- Focus on sustainability and new materials (e.g. recycled materials, biomaterials)
- Faster development cycles and time-to-market pressure
A clear, neutral vehicle interior is no coincidence - it is the result of controlled material selection and careful testing.
with imat you ensure
- brand confidence: Pleasant odor perception strengthens your perception of quality.
- Compliance & approval: Testing according to BAS 455, CS-A0228, CVTC 54003, D10 5517, D49 3001, D49 3046, FLTM BO 131-03, GMW 17914-C, GMW 3205, GS 97014-4, LP-463KC-09-01, MS 300-34, NES M0160, PV 3900, Q/CC JT001, Q/JLY J7110538B, RNES-B-00096, RNES-B-00161, SES N 2405, SJ-NW-81, SMTC 5 400 012, STD 1027,2712, STD 429-0001, TPJLR 52.458, TSM 0505 G, VCS 1027,2729, VDA 270 and others for OEM approvals.
- Root cause analysis: Chemical and sensory evaluation for targeted improvements.
- Efficiency : Fast test cycles and reliable advice - ideal for tight development times.
- Sustainability: Support with new materials, e.g. bio-based or recycled materials.
OUR APPROACH: PEOPLE WHO LIVE PRECISION
Behind every test report is a team that feels responsibility. Our experts combine over 35 years of experience with state-of-the-art testing technology and a global laboratory infrastructure - accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and specializing in the automotive industry.
WHEN TRANSPARENCY
BECOMES A QUESTION OF TRUST
FOGGING is more than just an optical phenomenon - it is a decisive quality factor for vehicle interiors, air quality and customer satisfaction. At imat, we test materials and components for volatile components that can be deposited on cooler glass surfaces in hot weather. This ensures that invisible emissions do not become visible complaints.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- OEM specifications require low-emission materials.
- Panes with fogging scatter incident light so that the view outside becomes blurred. Critical in the dark and in incident light. Fogging not only affects the appearance, but also health, odor and well-being in the vehicle interior.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Global standards: Tests according to CVTC 54004, D45 1727, DIN 75201, GMW 3235, ISO 6452, PV 3015, Q/CC JT146, Q/JLY J7110341B, RNES-B-00070, SAE J 1756, SMTC 5 400 010, TSM 0503 G, VCS 1027,2719
- Accreditation & trust: DIN EN ISO 17025-compliant, OEM and supplier-approved.
- Worldwide laboratories: In Europe, Asia, North America and Africa - with identical test procedures.
- Innovative testing strategies: Combination of fogging, emission and odor analysis for holistic material evaluation.
SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO
- Reflectometric method according to DIN 75201-A "Glass plate test" and gravimetric method according to DIN 75201 B with aluminum foils
- Gravimetric and optical evaluation
- Optional: thermal desorption and GC/MS analysis (VOC, SVOC)
- Consultative evaluation and material optimization
OUR STRENGTH: PEOPLE WHO LIVE PRECISION
Our specialists know that even the smallest amounts of substances can have a big impact.In our accredited laboratories, they analyze materials, components and systems for emissions and fogging effects - using state-of-the-art measurement technology and the experience gained from over 35 years of testing expertise.
WHEN THE SMALL
MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
MICROCHAMBER TESTING is the perfect tool for evaluating emissions from individual materials or components during the development process - fast, standardized and meaningful. At imat, we use microchambers to determine VOC, SVOC and aldehyde emissions under controlled conditions. This allows us to ensure material purity, compliance and brand quality before a vehicle is even built.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- OEMs demand early approval for low-emission materials.
- Shorter development times demand fast, reproducible results.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Accredited procedures: Tests according to CS-13398, FLTM BZ 151-01, GMW 17082, TP-0000912, TPJLR 52.104
- Global consistency: Standardized methods and calibration at all imat locations.
- State-of-the-art analytics: Coupling with thermal desorption and GC/MS for highest sensitivity.
- Holistic approach: Combination of microchamber, bag, odor and fogging analyses.
- Experience & responsibility: Over 35 years of automotive know-how and ISO 17025-accredited laboratories.
OUR SCOPE OF TESTING (EXCERPT)
- Microchamber testing according to VDA 278, ISO 12219-3, PV 3942
- Analysis of VOC, SVOC and aldehydes
- Thermodesorption-GC/MS coupling
- Temperature and climate simulation
- Interpretation of results & advice on material optimization
YOUR ADVANTAGE:
Fast, precise results - measurable, traceable, accredited.
THE INVISIBLE DIMENSION
IN VEHICLE QUALITY
With THERMODESORPTION ANALYSIS, imat precisely identifies volatile substances and evaluates their concentration in accordance with international standards and OEM specifications. In this way, we make the invisible visible - and ensure that your materials are convincing even where they cannot be seen.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- VOC emissions are key quality and health criteria in the automotive industry.
- Manufacturers are subject to strict standards and regulations on indoor air and material emissions.
- Early material validation prevents complaints, rework and loss of time.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Accredited methods: Thermal desorption GC/MS analyses according to D10 5495, D42 3109, GMW 15634, PPV 8042, VDA 278
- Global standards: Identical test methods at all imat locations for consistent results.
- Innovative measurement technology: Systems for detecting even the lowest VOC concentrations.
- 35 years of experience: Expertise that creates trust - in laboratories on four continents.
- Partnership approach: We don't think in terms of test numbers, but in terms of development goals.
TEST SCOPE & PORTFOLIO
- Thermal desorption (TD-GC/MS) according to VDA 278, ISO 16000-6, EPA TO-17
- Identification and quantification of VOC and SVOC
- Material, component and vehicle component testing
- Supplementary odor and fogging analysis
- Advice on material optimization and reduction of emissions
OUR STRENGTH: PRECISION DOWN TO THE INVISIBLE
Our thermal desorption specialists see themselves as the silent heroes of analysis. They combine experience, meticulousness and state-of-the-art technology to reliably evaluate every sample - from raw materials to complex components.
BAG TESTING: OUR PROTECTIVE SHIELD
AGAINST INVISIBLE EMISSIONS
BAG TESTING is a key procedure for analysing volatile substances (VOC, SVOC, formaldehyde, odorous substances) before they can affect the air quality in the vehicle. At imat, we test materials, components or complete parts in specially conditioned test bags. This enables us to identify emissions at an early stage.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
- Strict OEM specifications regulate the interior air quality of modern vehicles.
- New materials and recyclates pose new challenges because they also have to meet the existing requirements with the existing tests
WHAT SETS US APART
- We test a range of standards: For example BAS 483, CS-A0229, CVTC 54072, D10 0003, DWG 0094Z, ES X83252E, FLTM BZ 108-01, GMW 17914-A, MS 300-55, NES M0402-01, NES M0402-02, Q/CC SY248, Q/CC SY349, Q/JLY J7110274B, RTS 1745, SES N 2403 and many more
- Global consistency: Identical test environments at all imat laboratory locations worldwide.
- Holistic analytics: Combination of bag, thermal desorption, fogging and odor evaluation.
- Experience: Over 35 years of automotive expertise and partnership with leading OEMs.
- Responsibility: We think beyond test numbers - in solutions, safety and trust.
OUR SCOPE OF TESTING (EXCERPT)
- VOC, SVOC and aldehyde analyses
- Emission assessment of materials, components and assemblies
- Coupling with odor and fogging tests
- Evaluation of results & advice on material optimization
YOUR ADVANTAGE: MEASURABLE SAFETY IN EVERY DEVELOPMENT PHASE
BIG GOALS.
STRONG PARTNERS.
FULL SPEED AHEAD TO THE OVERALL PORTFOLIO.
The silent force behind safe mobility
At imat, we don't just test - we protect, strengthen and ensure the quality of your components.
With state-of-the-art testing technology, international accreditation and in-depth expertise,
we are the invisible force behind reliable performance.
TESTED QUALITY - YOUR ADVANTAGE THROUGH TRUST:
- Safety - reliable materials and systems
- Compliance - fulfillment of standards, laws & OEM specifications
- Competitiveness - quality, durability and comfort as selling points
Our promise to you
We support companies along the supply chain in making materials, components and vehicles safe, sustainable and ready for series production for the mobility of the future. To this end, we offer independent testing and expert advice - backed by over 35 years of experience and a deep understanding of our customers' challenges. With a global presence, we support projects in all relevant markets, combine international standards with regional requirements and thus create real added value locally. imat services combine maximum reliability, efficient processes and market-driven prices with technical excellence.
Together, we create trust in innovative mobility solutions and make a measurable contribution to economic efficiency and ecological responsibility.
BIG GOALS.
STRONG PARTNERS.
FULL THROTTLE TO THE COMPLETE PORTFOLIO.
The silent force behind safe mobility
At imat, we don't just test - we protect, strengthen and ensure the quality of your components. With state-of-the-art testing technology, international accreditation and in-depth expertise, we are the invisible force behind reliable performance.
