Lightfastness testing for indoor and protected outdoor locations is typically performed with laboratory xenon arc instruments, with or without controlled humidity. This may be to either full spectrum or window glass filtered daylight, or, in some instances, to artificial store light. These can be met with most
SUNTEST,
Ci-Series or
Xenotest instruments. The benchtop
SUNTEST CPS+ and
XLS+ models, and larger
XXL+ model, are particularly well suited for graphic arts product testing for lightfastness, with the
XXL+ also performing outdoor weathering tests. The larger
Xenotest and
Ci-Series fading and weathering testing instruments are typically used for larger volume testing, especially for durable graphic products such as outdoor identification and safety labels, exterior informational and advertising signage, traffic control signs, etc. Weathering testing additionally exposes test specimens to heat and moisture along with solar radiation. Water sprays are also typically included in the exposure. Testing printed goods such as brochures, photographic prints and packaging to our indoor Store Light artificial lighting simulation is another option.
Lightfastness testing can also be performed in outdoor exposures performed with the test specimens exposed to sunlight filtered through window glass, known as indirect weathering. Test specimens can also be directly exposed to sunlight and the other outdoor weather factors.
Atlas can also provide laboratory and outdoor exposure testing and evaluation services such as visual or instrumental color change.