WE TEST EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN ®

For over 75 years, the Miami region of southern Florida has been a benchmark for outdoor testing of materials' durability. High levels of ultraviolet radiation, humidity and temperature combine to provide a subtropical environment widely specified for outdoor exposure testing

Atlas' South Florida Test Service (SFTS), continues to pioneer static (real-time) exposure testing providing clients with more than 75 years of experience in weathering. SFTS is located 56 km (35 miles) southwest of Miami International Airport. Its pristine environment ensures the site offers high annual total sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, as well as high humidity levels, characteristic of this subtropical region. With 20-acres of testing capacity, SFTS is utilized by companies worldwide for exposure testing of paints, coatings, textiles, plastics and various other products. 22-acre site is utilized by companies worldwide for exposure testing of paints, coatings, textiles, plastics and various other products as well as testing special projects such as full car enclosures, test houses, photovoltaic arrays and automotive component evaluation.

SFTS utilizes the latest technology in weather reporting instrumentation, such as total solar (Ultraviolet, Visible and Infrared), total UV and narrow-band UV radiometers and pyrheliometers. Both sites also employ instruments for monitoring ambient temperature and humidity, rainfall, total wet-time and wind speed. All instruments are directly traceable to national and international standards, including the World Radiometric Reference (WRR) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Florida's subtropical environment provides static (real-time) weathering tests of high annual total sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. High humidity combined with an annual average of over 201 cm (79 inches) annual rainfall results in extended times of wetness that ideally typify Florida Direct Weathering Inland (DWI). These conditions are particularly suited to the exposure of paints, coatings, and textiles for automotive and construction industries.

Miami, Florida

*Radiant Exposure measured at latitude tilt angle (26° South)

Average Monthly UV and Total Radiant Exposure for Southern Florida (MJ/m2) (26° SOUTH)

The static (real-time) weathering testing capabilities of AWSG include direct exposure, using fixed or variable angle as well as backed or unbacked racks, indirect (under glass) exposure for interior materials, and black box exposures for paints and coatings

EXPOSURE CONDITION - Direct -- Fixed or Variable Angle - Backed or Unbacked

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

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
• AATCC   Method 111 D
• ASTM     G 24 Method A
• FLTM     BI 160-01
• GM         4349M
• ISO         105 B01
• ISO         877

EXPOSURE CONDITION - BLACK BOX Under Glass

APPLICABLE STANDARDS

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

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.

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