Smithers Rapra Adds Xenon Arc Test Capabilities To Akron Laboratory

AKRON, Ohio - March 31, 2016 - PRLog -- Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics and composites testing expertise, announced today the expansion of its weathering exposure testing capabilities with the addition of a new xenon arc test chamber at its Akron laboratory. Xenon arc weathering characteristics and test protocols can be developed for many industrial and consumer products and materials to meet a variety of ASTM and ISO industry standards.

Xenon arc weathering exposure enhances Smithers Rapra's environmental testing capabilities to meet the needs of many manufacturers and suppliers across various industries. The equipment simulates harsh outdoor conditions by exposing materials to full-spectrum sunlight and rain to test for material durability and final product performance.

"Our extensive testing expertise, paired with xenon arc weathering and associated post-weathering test methods, provides our clients with the harsh weathering performance data they need to bring products such as paints, films, building materials and rubber components to market with confidence," said James Popio, Vice President, North America, Smithers Rapra.  "The xenon arc test chamber is the latest addition to our testing capabilities as we continue to strive to provide our clients with a broad set of solutions to meet their material testing requirements."

This new capability will allow for the evaluation of 3D specimens with varying types of light exposure and several post-weathering evaluations, including tensile, elongation, photography documentation and physical property changes or retention. Smithers Rapra also offers a variety of other environmental testing services such as humidity, fluid and chemical resistance, ozone, oxygen exposure and high/low temperature variations.

Common materials that are good candidates for xenon arc weathering testing (http://www.smithersrapra.com/testing-services/by-test-cap...) are:

• Films
• Interior/exterior polymeric parts for automotive applications
• Paints and coatings
• Roofing materials
• Fascia (plastic/coated materials)
• Textiles
• Rubber and plastic laminates

Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe and China, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from raw material development, evaluation and material chemistry to final product performance and product durability testing. Expertise within Smithers spans many key industry sectors including automotive, tire, rubber and polymer products, aerospace, medical device and pharmaceuticals. For more information about Smithers Rapra visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About Smithers Rapra:

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products.  By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products. Please visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About The Smithers Group:

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Apex, Smithers Avanza, Smithers Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, Smithers Rapra, and Smithers Visicient.  Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market.  As a group, the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long-term growth.  By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information, and compliance services.  All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.

You can reach the Smithers Rapra North America office at:

425 West Market Street

Akron, Ohio 44303

Telephone: 330-762-7441

www.smithersrapra.com