Accelerated aging tests

The salt spray test is one of the most widely used methods for evaluating the corrosion resistance of materials and coatings. The tests are performed in a specially designed climate chamber, where a saline solution aerosol is sprayed in a controlled manner to simulate aggressive environmental conditions. This method accelerates corrosion processes compared to natural exposure, providing fast and reliable results. In our laboratory, salt spray corrosion tests can be customized by adjusting parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pH, in accordance with international standards. We can perform neutral salt spray (NSS) tests, suitable for verifying the protection offered by metal and organic coatings; acetic acid salt spray (AASS) tests, useful for testing anodized and galvanized coatings; and copper-salt-acetic acid (CASS) tests, which are particularly aggressive and used to verify the resistance of materials intended for severe applications.

Ozone resistance tests reproduce the conditions of prolonged exposure to controlled concentrations of this gas, which is responsible for the premature degradation of rubber and elastomers. The test is essential for sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries, and is recommended for pipes, gaskets, bellows, fuel hoses, tires, and silicone joints. In our laboratory, we recreate an environment with ozone concentrations between 0 and 500 pphm, temperatures between +5 and +70°C, and relative humidity between 40 and 90%.

Mixed Flowing Gases (MFG) environmental tests, also known as Noxious Gas tests or Harmful Gas tests, simulate prolonged exposure of materials to particularly aggressive atmospheric conditions in the laboratory, characterized by the presence of corrosive gases such as chlorine (Cl2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) at controlled concentrations. MFG tests are carried out in a climatic chamber and are essential for assessing the durability of electrical and electronic components intended for a wide range of sectors, such as electronic boards, electric motors, electrical connectors, contacts, bare metals, and complete products.

The thermal shock test simulates sudden temperature changes, replicating extreme operating conditions and assessing the ability of materials to maintain their physical, mechanical, and functional characteristics. During the thermal shock, a sample or component is quickly transferred from a very low temperature environment (down to -80°C) to a very high temperature environment (up to +200°C), checking whether these sudden temperature changes cause cracks, deformations, or other defects. Thermal shock testing is essential for products intended for sectors such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, and precision mechanics, where materials must withstand intense and sudden thermal stresses. The shock test allows critical issues to be identified before the product is placed on the market, enabling design improvements to be made and more reliable solutions to be selected. In addition, multiple thermal cycles can be performed, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the component's long-term performance.

Climate chambers allow thermal cycles to be simulated on materials and components, precisely regulating temperature and humidity to reproduce extreme or real environmental conditions. Thanks to climate chamber testing, we evaluate the durability, stability, and resistance of products and components throughout their entire life cycle, identifying any critical issues before they occur in the field. Some climatic chambers are designed with explosion-proof features, allowing them to operate safely with flammable liquids or potentially explosive substances. This feature is essential for climatic chamber testing on paints, coatings, and polymeric materials.

The accelerated aging tests Xenotest and UV test faithfully replicate the effects of exposure to solar rays and weather on materials. Thanks to the precise control of irradiation, temperature and humidity in the chamber, we can also simulate the condensation effect on the components (UV cond) and, if necessary, the rain effect. This allows us to recreate the most varied environmental conditions, simulating the real conditions of use. Xenon test UV test are essential tools, particularly suitable for plastics, paints, leather and fabrics. Its use guarantees the quality and durability of the products over time, verifying in particular their chromatic stability and resistance to solar aging.