New AAMA Tests for Superior and High Performance Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles Now Reference Temperature-Controlled EMMAQUA®
August 7, 2008, Chicago, IL - Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC is pleased to announce an exciting new test option referencing Temperature-Controlled EMMAQUA. Manufacturers of fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for architectural windows, doors, and related building products seeking the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) certification now have some new performance requirements at their disposal.
AAMA 624-07, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles, and AAMA 625-07, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles, now specify using concentrated, natural sunlight via Atlas' EMMAQUA testing device. The standards also require control of the black panel temperature. Atlas offers black panel temperature control for EMMA and EMMAQUA using a patented temperature control system called Temperature-Controlled EMMAQUA.
EMMA and EMMAQUA exposures enable manufacturers to expose their thermosets in outdoor accelerated weathering devices with comparable radiant dosages to materials exposed to natural outdoor conditions, but in a fraction of the time. AAMA 624-07 specifies 1450 MJ/m2 TUVR exposures, both for natural South Florida exposures and EMMAQUA. This radiant dosage is achieved in approximately 5 years outdoors. However, using the solar concentrating exposure option, this same dosage is achievable in approximately 1 year and 3 months. Similarly, AAMA 625-07 requires an exposure of 2900 MJ/m2, which correlates to approximately 10 years outdoors, but only two and half years in an EMMAQUA.
Some temperature sensitive materials require rigorous temperature control to minimize specimen temperature during exposures to avoid unrealistic degradation not observed in natural exposures. Using the Atlas' Temperature-Controlled EMMAQUA or EMMA, the specimen temperature is essentially held constant despite variations in ambient daytime temperature and solar radiation intensity. By calling out the temperature control feature, with the specified light and spray cycles, AAMA is able to offer an accelerated test method that effectively simulates natural exposures, allowing manufacturers to test their materials in significantly less time.
For more information on the new AAMA standards or for information on Temperature Controlled EMMAQUA, please contact your Client Services Representative at +1-800-255-3738 or at info@atlas-mts.com.
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 9001:200 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.
