Jan 01, 2008

Automotive companies and interior suppliers will be the primary users of a proposed new ASTM International standard that will aid in testing of automotive interior materials and parts, draperies or other applications in which durability behind glass is desired. The proposed standard, WK16895, Practice for Conducting Exposures in Outdoor Glass-Covered Exposure Apparatus with Air Recirculation, is being developed by Subcommittee G03.02 on Natural and Environmental Exposure Tests, part of ASTM International Committee G03 on Weathering and Durability.

According to Joe Robbins, CEO, Arizona Desert Testing, LLC, and chair of Subcommittee G03.02, WK16895 will be a continuation of a series of exposure tests developed by Committee G03, including G 7, Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials, and G 24, Practice for Conducting Exposures to Daylight Filtered Through Glass. The proposed new standard differs from those in that it introduces a black panel that thermostatically controls a recirculation fan that allows materials to be tested under a broad range of temperatures without exceeding end-use temperatures. In addition, WK16895 allows tracking of the sun to accelerate the weathering versus a fixed angle test rack.

Robbins notes that the subcommittee welcomes participation from all interested parties in its standards developing activities. “We would like more participation from automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as window treatment manufacturers,” says Robbins.

For further technical information, contact Joe Robbins, Arizona Desert Testing, LLC, Wittmann, Ariz. (phone: 623/388-9500, ext. 10; joe@aztest.com).  For membership or meeting information, contact Jeffrey Adkins, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9738; jadkins@astm.org).

Release #7878