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Arizona Benchmark Testing Site

WE TEST EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN ®

  • Overview +


    Along with southern Florida, Arizona has long been considered a benchmark for outdoor exposure testing. Both sites, possess high levels of solar radiation and elevated temperatures, two crucial factors in weathering processes. Unlike southern Florida, however, Arizona has low relative humidity (approximately 30%) which can have a distinct effect on materials durability.

     

    Along with southern Florida, Arizona has long been considered a benchmark for outdoor exposure testing. Both sites, possess high levels of solar radiation and elevated temperatures, two crucial factors in weathering processes. Unlike southern Florida, however, Arizona has low relative humidity (approximately 30%) which can have a distinct effect on materials durability.

    Along with southern Florida, Arizona has long been considered a benchmark for outdoor exposure testing. Both sites, possess high levels of solar radiation and elevated temperatures, two crucial factors in weathering processes. Unlike southern Florida, however, Arizona has low relative humidity (approximately 30%) which can have a distinct effect on materials durability.

  • Desert Climate +


    Arizona's wide diurnal temperature range, low moisture content, and high levels of solar radiation are ideal for testing materials used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction and consumer products.

    Phoenix, Arizona

    Latitude:

    33° 54' North

    Longitude:

    112° 08' West

    Elevation

    610 meters (2000 ft)

    Temperature:

    Summer

    Winter

    Average High

    39°C / 102°F

    20°C / 68°F

    Average Low

    24°C / 75°F

    8°C / 46°F

    Relative Humidity:

    		  

    Annual Mean

    37%

    Annual Precipitation:

    		  

    Rain

    255 mm / 10 inches

    Solar Radiant Exposure:*

    		  

    Total

    8004 MJ/m2

    UV

    334 MJ/m2

    *Radiant Exposure measured at latitude tilt angle (34o South)

    Average Monthly UV and Total Radiant Exposure for Central Arizona (MJ/m2) (34o SOUTH)

    MONTH

    UV

    TOTAL

    January

    20.1

    490

    February

    19.8

    546

    March

    24.7

    633

    April

    33.3

    755

    May

    38.6

    786

    June

    36.8

    786

    July

    35.1

    745

    August

    32.5

    756

    September

    29.3

    711

    October

    25.8

    705

    November

    19.2

    582

    December

    18.3

    525

    YEARLY TOTAL

    333.5

    8004

  • Accelerated Outdoor Weathering Testing +


    Atlas has pioneered outdoor accelerated testing since their development of the Trac Rac® in the early 1900s. Atlas, primarily at its site in Phoenix, offers the variety of outdoor accelerated services that are listed below. For more information on these and other services, please e-mail us by clicking on the appropriate link below or call +1-800-255-3738.

    Ultra-Accelerated Exposure Testing

    This outdoor testing device can provide approximately 63 years of South Florida UV radiation exposure in a single year.

    Ultra-Accelerated EMMA / EMMAQUA

    The UA-EMMA employs twenty focusing mirrors arranged as parabolic facets, to variably concentrate UV energy on a target area.

    Low Temperature EMMA / EMMAQUA

    The new LT-EMMA/EMMAQUA device performs accelerated testing while providing higher acceleration at significantly lower temperatures.

    EMMAQUA®

    A fresnel-reflecting solar concentration device. Sunlight is concentrated onto specimens with 10 mirrors for 8-sun intensity.

    Temperature Controlled EMMAQUA®

    Atlas now offers a solution to control temperature for the EMMAQUA.

    IP/DP Box®

    An under glass testing device for complete automotive assemblies such as door panels and steering wheels.

  • Static Weathering Testing +


    Static (real-time) weathering testing capabilities include direct exposure using fixed or variable angle, backed or unbacked racks; indirect (under glass) exposure for interior materials; and black box exposure for paints and coating materials

    EXPOSURE CONDITION  -  Direct -- Fixed or Variable Angle

    APPLICABLE STANDARDS

    • AATCC     Method 111 B
    • ASTM     D 1006
    • ASTM     D 1435
    • ASTM     D 3679
    • ASTM     D 1014
    • ASTM     G 7
    • FLTM     BI 160-01
    • GM         9163 P
    • GM         3619 M
    • GM         9327 P
    • GM         9758
    • ISO         105 B03
    • ISO         877
    • ISO         2810
    • ISO         4665 Part 2
    • SAE        J576
    • SAE        J1976

    (1) Standard Sample Size 15 cm x 30 cm (6" x 12")

    EXPOSURE CONDITION  -  Black Box

    APPLICABLE STANDARDS              

    • ASTM     D 4141 A&B
    • ASTM     G 7
    • GM         9163 P
    • SAE        J1976

    EXPOSURE CONDITION  -  Indirect -- Under Glass

    APPLICABLE STANDARDS              

    • AATCC   Method 16 C
    • ASTM     G 24 Method A
    • FLTM     BI 160-01
    • GM         4349M
    • ISO         105 B01


    EXPOSURE CONDITION      -  BLACK BOX Under Glass

    APPLICABLE STANDARDS              

    • ASTM     G 24 Method B
    • FLTM     BI 160-01

  • Other Weathering Services and Special Projects +


    In addition to weathering, lightfastness and environmental durability testing and evaluations, Atlas Weathering Services Group (AWSG) offers a wide range of standard and customized test programs. Our engineers will work with you to design the most appropriate and economic test methods and processes to support you to achieve your goals.

    Learn more:  Other Weathering Services

  • Evaluations +


    Atlas offers a wide range of evaluation and measurement services for our client's specimens during and after the weathering process.

    Learn more: Evaluation Services