Atlas Wins Prestigious R&D Award
Atlas Wins Prestigious R&D Award
August 6, 2009, (Chicago, IL) - Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Institute of Laser Technology (ILOT), received the R & D 100 award for its work in developing the Ultra-Accelerated Weathering System (UAWS).
Advancing beyond Atlas' moderately accelerated EMMA® technology, the UAWS tracks the sun while concentrating reflected sunlight on test specimens mounted in a target area. However, the new patented mirror system has very high reflectance in the UV and near-visible wavelength ranges, while attenuating reflectance in the longer wavelength-visible and IR portions of the solar spectrum.
This technology allows for very high concentrations of UV energy without excessive heating of test samples. Used in various applications such as building, solar, and automotive materials, the UAWS achieves results in a fraction of the time needed by other accelerated devices.
The R & D 100 awards showcase innovations from around the world and have been referred to as the Oscars of invention. "Atlas' partnership with NREL and ILOT has allowed us to evolve the science of weathering to new levels, not only with this application, but also a host of related ideas conceived during this project," notes Henry K. Hardcastle, lead Atlas researcher on this project. "These achievements would not have been possible without bringing together the theoretical expertise, manufacturing excellence and application skills represented by the partnership with NREL and ILOT."
The UAWS was selected by an independent panel of judges and editors of R & D Magazine. The winners will be honored at a Gala Awards Banquet, Nov. 12, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.
About Atlas Material Testing Technology
Atlas® is a recognized leader in material testing, offering a complete line of instruments and services for accelerated and natural weathering. The Atlas Consulting Group helps clients develop the best weathering processes for their products, as well as offers education and training courses worldwide. For accelerated laboratory and outdoor testing, Atlas Weathering Services Group has five laboratories and over 20 outdoor exposure sites around the world in a variety of climates, including desert, subtropical, high-altitude and corrosive. Atlas Material Testing Technology is ISO 17025 and ISO 9001:2008 registered. Atlas products are designed and manufactured to conform to international, national and industry standard test methods including ISO, ASTM, DIN, JIS and numerous others.
