1.Where is the difference between UV testing and solar radiation testing?

Solar radiation consists, in addition to UV radiation, of visible light and thermal radiation. In fact, only 5 % of all radiation is UV radiation. UV radiation is though the most significant factor in fading colours and mechanical weathering. However, other effects of solar radiation are left out from bare UV test. UV testing is generally comparative and samples which can't endure UV radiation are already dropped out in the very beginning. Selecting proper materials cuts expenses which are caused by changing materials during production process and calling back the products from markets.
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NEW 2. Why don't we do just a plain IR exposure to get heating effect?

Solar radiation consists of different wavelengths: Ultra Violet, Visible light and Infra Red radiation. Materials absorb this radiation differently - radiation penetrates the materials differently, thus resulting distinct degradation and heating effect.

For example achieving genuine solar heating effect would require other than exposing it just to 1000 W/m² of plain IR-light. The total solar radiation creates the unwanted heating effect that disrupts the functions of the equipment. UV has negligible contribution to the heating, but in the long term it causes the notable changes in the material surface.
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3.To some of our customers a standard code where the test is based is not enough; they want more specific information of the testing. What are we able to tell them about test results and how?

In addition to confidential technical test report we create Executive Summaries of different kinds for our customers' use. Executive Summary is often an answer to a explicit question of the customer. This kind of Summary can also be used to inform subcontractor or other co-operator about the test results. The grounds and results of the testing are easier to bring to employees' notice in your organization more widely when the Executive Summary contains only the essential knowledge, carefully considered.
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4.Our marketing persons want to tell the customers something concrete about durability of the product. They call it “tools for marketing”. What does this mean in practice?

Our particular task is to bring you new information concerning the weather sustainability of your products. The marketing tools we provide consist of concrete material and electronic services. The electronic service can also be totally autonomous. These tools accelerate marketing processes and affirm the company's image of quality. Scientific testing is the basis of Solar Simulator Finland's values. This means that we give test results and also information and grounds of testing procedures to our customers. If agreed, the results can be published in order to be openly observed.
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5.We have been carrying out UV testing to our products mainly with our own test device. Typically our tests last 1000 hours. But what have we actually done? Is there any equivalence between the test results and real life ageing and material behaviour?

The equivalence between tests and actual ageing is achieved by combining the potentials of test methods and knowledge of the behaviour of products or materials. The first estimation of correlation time is typically accomplished by comparing the radiation quantity of the sample during the test to the quantity of radiation energy achieved in normal use. Testing with UV is always basically comparative, but an estimation of correlation time can also be given on the grounds of test results by using proper reference samples and adequate material know-how. According to a general heuristic 1000 hours correlates with about one year of strain, but this is directional only. One might think: “A year but where? In Finland or on the coasts of the Mediterranean? On the roof or in a shop window?” and so on. We are here to help you interpreting the test results so that your tests are not wasted time. On the contrary, after a proper basic testing your knowledge of materials is quite good.
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6.On our branch of business it would be useful that the products would be decomposed partly biologically, partly by sunlight as soon as possible after their functional age. Have you got experience of this kind of products and are your test equipment and methods suitable for applications of this kind?

Decomposing of the product after use is ecological and reduces environmental pollution. On the other hand, this feature brings competitive advantage. We have experience of this kind of testing too, and our methods suit for decomposing products well. In our testing activities we have been dealing with growth of molds, algae and microbes too. This kind of pioneering arrangement can be utilized in planning of marketing.
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7.Sometimes the test services have to be available at short notice, there is no time to wait months. How quick can you start a test? We use corrosion test for metal products and UV test for plastic products.

When we have agreed with our customer to run a test, the test capacity needed has been booked at that very moment. So the test can be started normally within a few working days since the arrival of the test samples. Our partner in logistics is DHL. We co-operate internationally with large test companies by performing solar radiation and UV tests and optical measurements. They appreciate our special know-how in this field and well functioning and rapid service process, too.