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![]() Engineering & Testing Graphics for Reliable Performance
By Kenneth M. White, Lead Senior Research Specialist
Blistering sun, scorching heat, torrential rains - the environment's destructive forces can wreak havoc on graphic materials - altering colors, dimensions and overall structural integrity.
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Weathering Tests & Standards Standards organizations such as ASTM provide a set of test methods by which suppliers agree to test their products. Most often, tests are conducted for a specific exposure period and results must fall within levels of acceptable change set forth by the specifications. These tests, however, are not always indicative of outdoor performance and a single test may not be applicable to all materials. Some suppliers rely on independent testing organizations to perform tests on products to meet ASTM or other standards. Keep in mind that these test houses don't usually interpret test results or have "materials experts" on hand. Manufacturers and suppliers may operate their own testing facilities and rely on a combination of standard (specification) tests, proprietary laboratory tests and outdoor exposure tests to determine product durability and estimate product lifetimes.
Pitting Products Head-to-Head with the Environment At one of the world's largest accelerated testing facilities, the 3M Weathering Resource Center (WRC), in-house researchers study material failures that result from exposure to light, heat and moisture using data collected at outdoor testing sites and through accelerated lab studies. With a major emphasis on exterior solar effects on polymeric materials, the WRC has the ability to coordinate controlled outdoor weathering in 15 strategic climate areas, globally. Testing at multiple sites under multiple climatic conditions provides valuable benchmarks and a better understanding of how products will actually perform. With outdoor testing, products are exposed to the environment for years to see how well they withstand sunlight, heat, pollution, moisture, freeze/thaw cycles or even blowing sand. But testing under natural conditions takes time. For this reason, WRC also tests products in an accelerated weathering facility. Accelerated weathering tests are used to help predict the life of products. For example, imagine that you had to wait years to find out if a new film is more durable. Using accelerated weathering devices, a supplier can test the new and old products side-by-side in a weathering machine for six months and tell you whether or not the new product performed better. The WRC can choose from as many as 20 accelerated weathering tests, including a series of proprietary test methods recognized internationally as improved predictors of real-world weathering results. These proprietary tests accelerate the stresses - light, temperature or moisture - and can be used to help predict graphic suitability, reliability and durability, whether for short-term or long-term use.
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These tests are performed using devices capable of running a range of standard (specification) tests, proprietary tests as well as service life prediction protocol. The devices can weather some products up to 20 times faster than nature alone. Faster tests can be achieved through the use of patented light sources, which yield higher levels of realistic solar radiation. With these unique resources, years can be turned into weeks and weeks into days.
The Sum of the Parts Does the supplier evaluate films, inks, clear coats, overlaminates and finished graphics? Are graphics put through durability assessments to examine the effects on adhesion, film and color integrity? To ensure optimal performance, products should be tested for intended applications while keeping factors such as temperature, solar concentration, lighting or water exposure in mind.
Choosing Products & Suppliers When choosing materials and suppliers, consider taking the following actions:
The peace of mind you seek when protecting your customers' brands (and your reputation) can only come from the level of confidence you have in your suppliers and the materials they provide. This article appeared in the SGIA Journal, 4th Quarter 2010 Issue and is reprinted with permission. Copyright 2010 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (www.sgia.org). All Rights Reserved.
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