CTH-Glas Trac™ Testing

The CTH-Glas Trac (Controlled Temperature and Humidity, Under Glass, Sun Tracking) was designed primarily for determining the durability of automotive interior materials.

This test method incorporates temperature and humidity control in an outdoor weathering chamber glazed with automotive side window glass. This cover is interchangeable with various windshield types to provide flexibility in product development. An automatic two-axis tracking system maintains the chamber at normal incidence to the sun for maximum solar irradiance.

This under glass exposure cabinet maintains a 70°C (158°F) air temperature during daylight hours and a 38°C (100°F) air temperature/75% relative humidity during night time hours (other test conditions are also available). The method simulates the conditions associated with automotive interiors and tracks the sun for acceleration, combining them to produce the fading of sensitive materials in relatively short test times.

CTH-Glas Trac test data compares favorably with existing indoor test methods in terms of weathering uniformity and acceleration. Exposures can be timed in MJ/m2 of total UV.

The CTH-Glas Trac meets the performance and approval requirements of the following standards: AATCC Method 181, SAE J2230, Ford ESB-M4D483-A1 and A2 and Ford WSB-M4D740-A2, WSB-M98D22-B, WSB-M62J33-A2, and WSB-M98D18-B1.

STANDARD SAMPLE SIZE: 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 in)

Applications

CTH-Glas TracTM combines solar radiation with 24 hour temperature and night time humidity control to simulate the extreme sunlight, heat, and humidity conditions of automotive interiors. This accelerated test method exposes a variety of specimens under glass to accurately predict their performance. Automotive trim materials tested include those used for:

• Air bag covers


• B-Pillar materials


• Carpet/hat trays


• Consoles


• Door panels


• Fabrics


• Glove boxes


• Headliners


• Headrests


• Instrument panels


• Seat belts


• Seat cushions


• Steering wheels

• Dual-axis (elevation and azimuth) tracking maximizes solar irradiance to accelerate testing.


• Faster, more uniform tests throughout the test cabinet compared to fixed-angle, glass-covered exposure racks.


• Repeatable results for tests starting at different times of the year.


• 24-hour air temperature and night time humidity control, unique to the weathering industry.


• Up to six glass variations with different optical properties can be partitioned on the cover for evaluating their effects on replicate interior components simultaneously.


• Color measurements can be performed at specified intervals.


• Customized temperature and humidity settings available.


• Achieves material fading results in relatively short test periods.


• Testing available in Arizona and Florida.

• Recirculating fan assembly and thermostatically controlled heaters force air across test samples, maintaining a uniform temperature across the cabinet.


• Thermocouple air sensor and wetbulb temperature sensor connect to external temperature controllers.


• Temperature controller activates heaters in the upper air ducts when the sensed temperature drops below the preset level.

• Wetbulb temperature sensor connects to an external controller to monitor and control humidity levels.


• Temperature controller activates a heater mounted to a trough of water when the wetbulb temperature drops below the preset level.


• Heated water releases moisture into the test chamber.

• Standard glass cover is PPG Herculite K tempered safety glass (PPG Industries, Inc.).


• Client-supplied glass can be installed, providing a valuable research tool for evaluating the effect of different window glass on automotive interior components.


• Up to six glass variations can be evaluated in the same device for replicate material/glass studies.

• Length: 49.0 in.


• Width: 77.5 in.


• Height: 5.0 in.


• Total Exposure Area: 30 in. x 47 in.

• AATCC Method 181


• Ford ESB - M4D483-A1 & A2


• Ford WSB - M4D740-A2


• Ford WSB - M98D22-B


• Ford WSB - M62J33-A2


• Ford WSB - M98D18-B1


• SAE J2230