A Guide to ASTM B117 for Salt Spray (Fog) Testing

ASTM B117 is the internationally recognized standard for conducting salt-spray (fog) tests to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metals, coatings, and surface-treated components. Under this standard, specimens are cleaned, mounted at a slight angle, then placed in a sealed chamber where a neutral sodium-chloride mist (typically 5 % by weight) is continuously sprayed under controlled conditions (about 35 °C, pH 6.5–7.2, high humidity). Over a specified exposure period — from a few hours to thousands — the samples are inspected for rust, pitting, blistering or coating failure. The results provide a comparative measure of durability and help validate protective coatings or surface treatments before real-world deployment.

https://www.prestoenviro.com/b....logs/guide-to-astm-b

What is the Weathering Test in the Laboratory? Everything You Need to Know

Laboratory weathering testing recreates the combined effects of sunlight (UV radiation), heat, moisture, and other climatic stressors to assess how materials — plastics, coatings, textiles, or composites — will perform over time. Using specialized weathering chambers, samples are exposed to cycles of UV light (simulating sunshine), alternating with moisture (dew, rain or condensation), temperature fluctuations, and humidity. These conditions accelerate deterioration mechanisms such as fading, chalking, cracking, brittleness, loss of gloss or mechanical strength, and chemical breakdown. By measuring changes after testing, manufacturers can predict lifespan, improve material formulations, and ensure long-term durability — especially for products intended for outdoor use.

https://www.prestoenviro.com/b....logs/what-is-the-wea

What is Salt Spray Testing Procedure for Corrosion Testing

Salt spray testing is an accelerated corrosion method widely used for evaluating the durability of metals and protective coatings under harsh, salt-laden conditions. The process begins with preparing a 5% sodium chloride solution and placing clean test samples into a sealed salt spray chamber at an angle (usually 15–30° from vertical). The chamber maintains a constant temperature — typically around 35 °C — while atomizing the saline solution into a fine mist that envelops the samples continuously. Exposure durations vary from a few hours up to several hundred or more, depending on the standard or customer requirement. After testing, specimens are examined for rust, blistering, pitting, or coating breakdown to determine their corrosion resistance and suitability for coastal, marine, or industrial applications.

https://www.prestoenviro.com/b....logs/what-is-salt-sp

PV Module Testing for Solar Panels: Testing Methods and Standards

PV module testing evaluates the reliability, durability, and efficiency of solar panels under various environmental and mechanical conditions. Key tests include electrical performance measurement, I–V curve analysis, insulation resistance, thermal cycling from extreme cold to high heat, damp-heat exposure, UV aging, and mechanical load tests simulating wind, snow, and hail. These rigorous assessments ensure each panel meets international safety and quality standards, performs consistently in diverse climates, and maintains high energy output over time. By conducting comprehensive PV module testing, manufacturers and project developers can deliver safer, more dependable solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

https://www.prestoenviro.com/b....logs/pv-module-testi