Aging

Vehicles and their component parts and materials encounter a range of climatic events during their lifetime, many of which can be damaging. We can test how factors such as hot and cold temperatures, hot light aging (UV), humidity, salt spray and exposure to the sun will affect your product by simulating these events in laboratory conditions.

Our tests include:

• Visual assessments
• Color and gloss measuring
• Mechanical characterization
• Product failure
• Damage analysis

Corrosion Testing Services

Corrosion tests simulate an artificial and controlled corrosive environment in order to test the resistance of metallic materials and protective coatings, as well as the robustness of mechanical and electrical organs. The corrosion test can be constant (salt solution spray), cycled (alternating salt spray, temperature and humidity, drying cycles), or corrosive gas (mixed and single gas).

Corrosion tests can be followed with analysis of pitting, brazing and weld beads, filiform corrosion and coating thickness.

Light Aging Tests

Light aging tests simulate accelerated aging due to radiation and climate, with or without rain. They are carried out on interior and exterior parts and materials including plastics, textiles, paintwork and coatings, and help manufacturers choose and produce products that will last.

We have equipment to test all types of weather conditions including sunshine, heat, freezing, UV-A, UV-B and humidity. Test chambers are programmable so we can simulate patterns and cycles (such as morning dew) to ascertain any affect. We test for affects including:

• Changes in color
• Changes in gloss
• The ‘orange peel’ effect
• The ‘sticky’ effect
• Changes in dimension
• Mechanical resistance

Climatic Aging Tests

Climatic tests simulate aging under extreme conditions including humidity, temperature and thermal shock. Our test chambers range in size from a few liters up to walk-in, so we can test small samples as well as complex or large vehicle parts. All are fully programmable, with options for rapid temperature variation, vacuum, ozone ageing and thermal shocks (by air or immersion). We test for:

• Changes in color
• Changes in gloss
• Changes in dimension and clearance using an optical 3D scanner
• Mechanical resistance
• Change in performance

Why choose SGS automotive testing services?

As the world’s leading testing and verification company, we have a global network of laboratories, testers and industry experts. We are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and approved to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, and test against an exhaustive list of international standards. Wherever you are located, SGS can help you test your materials, parts and vehicles to the required standards.