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Ageing, climatic and durability tests

Aging tests

The J.S. Hamilton Poland Testing Laboratory in Siemianowice Śląskie offers a comprehensive range of aging tests, using:

  • Xenon test chamber – using a xenon lamp,
  • UV test chamber– using fluorescent UV lamps,
  • Climatic test chambers and dryers.

These tests are designed to simulate long-term environmental exposure and assess the durability and performance of materials, coatings, plastics, and other industrial products. Our procedures are aligned with international standards, ensuring reliable and reproducible results that support product development, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re in the early design phase or preparing for market release, aging tests can help identify potential weaknesses and improve the longevity of your products.

Request a Quote 

To receive a detailed quotation or if you have any technical or commercial inquiries regarding our testing services, please contact us:

  • Call us:
    +48 58 766 99 00
    +48 32 730 82 00
    +48 32 730 83 16
  • Send an e-mail:
    infotest@jsh.com.pl

 

Our dedicated technical and commercial consultants are here to support you — before, during, and after the testing process. We offer service in Polish, English and German, ensuring smooth and professional communication tailored to your needs.

 

Tests with Xenon and Fluorescent Lamps

Materials exposed to daylight, humidity and rain in real-life conditions may undergo degradation. This can result in, among other things, changes in mechanical properties, colour, gloss, and the appearance of cracks.

Environmental factors effect is established by simulation of the natural atmospheric conditions incorporating the accelerated ageing methods.

In our laboratory, tests are performed in accordance with the following standards:

  • PN-EN IEC 60068-2-5 – Environmental testing – Part 2-5: Tests – Test S: Simulated solar radiation at ground level and guidance for solar radiation testing,
  • PN-EN ISO 4892-1 – Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 1: General guidance,
  • PN-EN ISO 4892-2 – Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps,
  • PN-EN ISO 4892-3 – Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps,
  • PN-EN ISO 16474-1 – Paints and varnishes – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 1: General guidance,
  • PN-EN ISO 16474-2 – Paints and varnishes – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps,
  • PN-EN ISO 16474-3 – Paints and varnishes – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps.

 

Test parameters depend on a standard, method and cycle:

  • Light filter,
  • Irradiance level,
  • Duration of light and dark periods,
  • Moisture exposure (e.g., spraying),
  • Temperature during both light and dark exposure,
  • Relative humidity in the chamber during both phases.
  • While the test scope is set by the client and should include below mentioned:
  • Selected method and cycle.

If you are unable to point them, we may evaluate the needs and product specification and set the test parameters.

  • Number of cycles or a test duration (days or hours).

It might be established by a product standard that is incorporating the conditioning methodology. We may also assist and calculate the test duration based on the desired product’s lifetime.

Testing continues until the intended exposure time or irradiation dose is reached. After the test, samples are visually, dimensionally, and functionally inspected, and photographic documentation is prepared.

Xenon test chamber

Accelerated ageing tests are carried out in xenon chambers for the following industries: automotive, railway, aerospace, defence, construction, and cosmetics. Tested materials include paints, varnishes, structural materials, plastics, textiles, inks, construction materials, roofing, automotive body elements, armoured vehicle components, electronic parts, facade materials, geotextiles, agrotextiles, rubbers, and others exposed to environmental factors.

Tests in xenon chambers serve comparative and screening purposes. Results can be benchmarked against a reference sample or compared across tested samples. Additionally, xenon lamps simulate UV exposure, allowing conversion of a test duration to a natural exposure equivalent.

J.S. Hamilton Poland’s equipment enables testing and evaluation of products according to the following standards:

AATCCTM16 AATCCTM169 ASTM C1257 ASTM C1442
ASTM C1519 ASTM C732 ASTM C734 ASTM C793
ASTM D1148 ASTM D1670 ASTM D2565 ASTM D3424
ASTM D3451 ASTM D4101 ASTM D4303 ASTM D4355
ASTM D4434 ASTM D4459 ASTM D4637 ASTM D4798
ASTM D4811 ASTM D5019 ASTM D5071 ASTM D5383
ASTM D5398 ASTM D5819 ASTM D6083 ASTM D6551
ASTM D6577 ASTM D6662 ASTM D6695 ASTM D6878
ASTM D7356 ASTM D750 ASTM D7869 ASTM D882
ASTM D904 ASTM D925 ASTM F1164 ASTM F1515
ASTM F2366 ASTM G151 ASTM G155 GB 6806
GB/T 16259 GB/T 16422.1 GB/T 16422.2 GB/T 16991
GB/T 1710 GB/T 18244 GB/T 1865 GB/T 22771
GB/T 2423.24 GB/T 29365 GB/T 32088 GB/T 8427
GM 9125P IEC 61345 ISO 105-B02 (EN) (DIN) ISO 105-B04 (EN) (DIN)
ISO 105-B06 (EN) (DIN) ISO 105-B07 (EN) (DIN) ISO 105-B10 (EN) (DIN) ISO 12040
ISO 16474-2 ISO 29664 QB/T 2727 QB/T 4873
SAE J2412 SAE J2527 T/CSAE 104 VW PV 1306
VW PV 3929 VW PV 3930 YC/T 374 YY/T 0631
AAMA 624 AATCC TM186 ASTM C1257 ASTM C1442
ASTM C1501 ASTM C1519 ASTM C732 ASTM C734
ASTM C793 ASTM D1148 ASTM D1670 ASTM D3424
ASTM D3451 ASTM D4101 ASTM D4329 ASTM D4434
ASTM D4587 ASTM D4674 ASTM D4799 ASTM D4811
ASTM D5208 ASTM D5894 ASTM D6577 ASTM D750
ASTM D882 ASTM D904 ASTM D925 ASTM E3006
ASTM F1164 ASTM F1945 ASTM G151 ASTM G154
EN 13523-10 (DIN) GB/T 16422.1 GB/T 16422.3 GB/T 19394
GB/T 23983 GB/T 23987 GB/T 30669 GB/T 31881
GB/T 31899 GM 9125P IEC 61215 IEC 61345
ISO 11507 (EN) (DIN) ISO 29664 SAE J2020 CETP 00.00-L-467

 

Climatic Test Chamber

J.S. Hamilton Poland in Siemianowice Śląskie is equipped with climatic chambers of various capacities – from 0.125 m³ to 1–1.5 m³, as well as large-scale testing chambers for oversized samples and products.

Testing is conducted using both accredited and non-accredited methods, in accordance with customer requirements. Tests based on the wide range of EN 60068 and the relevant industry or product-specific standards are mostly performed. For example:

  • PN-EN 60068-2-1 – Test A: Cold
    Designed for products both generating and not generating heat. This test evaluates the suitability of components and devices for use, transport, or storage at low temperatures. Products might be operational during the exposure period.
  • PN-EN 60068-2-2 – Test B: Dry heat
    Assesses product durability at elevated temperatures, with variations for heat-generating and non-heat-generating items. Includes gradual temperature change variants:
  • Test Bb (non-heat-generating items),
  • Test Bd (heat-generating items without power),
  • Test Be (items powered during exposure).
  • PN-EN 60068-2-78 – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
    Evaluates the product resistance to the prolonged high humidity (without condensation) at the constant temperature. Applies to both small and large devices, heat-generating or not.
  • PN-EN 60068-2-14 – Test N: Change of temperature
    Measures the effect of a single or multiple temperature transitions, often including humidity. Frequency and temperature range transitions can significantly affect product performance.
  • PN-EN 60068-2-30 – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12h + 12h)
    Simulates humid conditions with temperature cycles causing surface condensation. Used in the automotive, railway, energy, and electronics industries.
  • PN-EN 60068-2-38 – Test Z/AD: Composite cyclic temperature/humidity test
    Accelerated test simulating combined effects of heat, humidity, and cold. Electrical power may be applied during fixed phases. Not suitable for the continuously powered samples.
  • PN-EN 60068-2-67 – Test Cy: Damp heat, steady-state, accelerated
    Specifically for non-hermetically sealed components. Focuses on moisture resistance of small electrotechnical items. Not designed to assess corrosion or deformation.

To receive a detailed quotation or if you have any technical or commercial inquiries regarding our testing services, please contact us:

  • Call us:
    +48 58 766 99 00
    +48 32 730 82 00
    +48 32 730 83 16
  • Send an e-mail:
    infotest@jsh.com.pl

J.S. Hamilton Poland – Automotive Testing Capabilities

We perform full-scale product testing for the automotive industry. A key example is:

ISO 16750-4 – Conformity testing of road vehicles for electronic and electrical equipment – climatic loads

ISO 16750 evaluates the integrity of electronic and electrical equipment fitted to road vehicles. It assesses the potential climatic loads and specifies the tests and requirements recommended for a specific mounting location on a road vehicle. The range of acceptable operating temperatures is selected and stated in the specification of the equipment.

Scope of ISO 16750-4 testing includes:

  • Fixed-temperature tests
  • Low-temperature: This type of test simulates exposure of equipment to low temperatures without electrical action. An example of this would be the unit subjected to low temperatures during transportation. This test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-1. Method A, 24 hours testing at –40C.
  • High-temperature: High temperature influence on non powered units leading to the plastic housing deformations. Method B, 48h hours testing at +85C.
  • Temperature variation test
    The temperature test according to ISO 16750-4 checks whether there are any faults in the device that may occur within a small range of operating temperatures. First, the sample is installed in a temperature chamber. The temperature is lowered in steps of 5 ˚C from 20 ˚C to Tmin (minimum operating temperature). The temperature is then increased in 5 ˚C steps from Tmin to Tmax (maximum operating temperature).
  • Temperature cycle tests
    Temperature cycles stimulate varying temperatures by means of electrical action. The test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-14. In this procedure, the temperature of the chamber is raised from Tmin (minimum operating temperature) to Tmax (maximum operating temperature) within 10-30 seconds. The soaking time is determined. The unit is maintained during this soak time once thermal stability has been achieved. This time can range from 20 to 90 minutes. If the system/component is exposed to hot-soak temperatures, an additional short temperature peak is added during the high temperature phase of the profile. This will ensure proper operation during the short temperature peaks. During the lowering temperature phases, the electrical supply is switched off to avoid dissipation of electrical heat.
  • Ice-water shock test
    The ISO 16750-4 ice-shock test simulates a thermal shock caused by water. The test applies to products in the splash areas of the vehicle. Water splashing on a hot system/component occurs when driving on wet roads in winter. Failure is defined as mechanical cracking of materials. Failure can also occur when a gasket fails due to different coefficients of thermal expansion.
  • Water splash test – In this test, the unit being tested is heated for a specified period of time. The unit is then splashed with ice-cold water for 3 seconds, from one or from different directions.
  • Immersion test – Firstly the unit is connected to the test equipment and operates in a hot air oven.Then, while still operating, the unit is 5mm immersed in an ice-cold water.
  • Salt spray test
    This test checks the resistance of materials and surface coatings to salt spray and salt water. Salt mist and salt water can occur on streets in winter. The test provides corrosion similar to that which occurs during the life cycle of the equipment. The salt spray test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-52. No alterations are permitted that may affect the normal operation of the unit. If this happens, the unit is deemed to have failed the salt spray test.
  • Cyclic damp heat test
    It is common for the equipment to be subjected to a cyclic high ambient humidity, which may cause the electrical faults. E.g. leakage current caused by a circuit board that is saturated with humidity.
  • Damp Cycle Heat Test – This procedure is performed in accordance with IEC 60068-2-30. The test is carried out at an upper temperature of 55°C. Six cycles are carried out.
  • Compound Temperature/Damp Cycle Test – This test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-38. A functional test is then carried out when the maximum cycle temperature is reached.
  • Dew test
    This cyclic test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-30. The unit is exposed to a maximum temperature of 80 ˚C. Five cycles are carried out.
  • Damp heat, steady-state test
    This type of ISO 16750-4 test simulates the use of equipment at a constant high ambient humidity. This type of ISO 16750-4 test simulates the use of equipment at a constant high ambient humidity which may lead to the electrical failures. The device is constantly monitored while the test is carried out in accordance with IEC 60068-2-78 and lasts for 21 days. Its intensity is 40°C and the humidity is 85%.
  • Dust test – The dust test simulates the effect of pumping dust. This effect is caused by temperature changes inside the housing of the device under test, due to an intermittent electrical operation. The 20-cycles dust test is carried out in accordance with ISO 20653 on the device in a vehicle-mounted position.

To receive a detailed quotation or if you have any technical or commercial inquiries regarding our testing services, please contact us:

  • Call us:
    +48 58 766 99 00
    +48 32 730 82 00
    +48 32 730 83 16
  • Send an e-mail:
    infotest@jsh.com.pl

Cooperate with J.S. Hamilton Poland and gain the trusted ally in a quality assurance and a product certification. We are ready to evaluate the needs and assist you in meeting the industry standards. Enhance customer confidence in your products by performing the tests in the trusted laboratory.

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