ACE Laboratories expands weathering testing capacity

Ravenna, OH – ACE Laboratories, an independent ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for testing and development services for rubber, silicone and polymers, has significantly expanded its accelerated weathering testing capacity to address industry-wide backlogs.

Weathering testing evaluates how materials respond to prolonged exposure to natural elements, and understanding these effects is critical for manufacturers to develop products that can withstand real-world conditions. To increase its testing capacity, ACE has added two more QUV chambers and four more Xenon arc chambers, complementing its existing chambers and ozone exposure testing services. QUV testing replicates the effects of UV radiation, moisture and temperature cycling, while Xenon arc testing recreates full-spectrum sunlight, heat and humidity – simulating months or years of environmental impact in just days or weeks.

This latest equipment investment ensures that manufacturers across many industries – including automotive, aerospace, construction, textiles, and consumer goods – can obtain accurate data on how their materials and products withstand the elements over time, insights that support material optimization, long-term performance, and compliance with industry standards.

“Understanding how materials perform under prolonged exposure to environmental factors is essential for product reliability and longevity,” said Erick Sharp, Founder and CEO of ACE Laboratories. “UV exposure, moisture, heat and humidity can cause material degradation, leading to surface cracking, discoloration, and changes in mechanical properties. By expanding our testing capacity, we’re providing faster access to critical evaluations, enabling our customers to make informed decisions and prevent failures before their products reach the market.”