Durability testing for long term use

    Durability testing for long term use - RENOLIT uses rigorous test programmes to confirm the durability of its high-performance films.

    Worms, October 2021 – Durability, weather resistance and colour fastness are the performance characteristics of a lamination film for exterior applications if they are to prove their stability for at least two generations. RENOLIT has been working on these challenges for four decades and has continuously improved the base technology, the protective layers and the test methods for its films.

    PVC profiles and films heat up significantly when exposed to high levels of sunlight. The company overcomes this fundamental problem in all variants of the RENOLIT EXOFOL family with its Solar Shield Technology (SST). SST works with IR-reflecting pigments, thereby reducing heat build-up and also the temperature differences between the outer and inner profile surfaces. The base film reflects the IR radiation so that the film, adhesive and profile are protected - regardless of whether it is made of white or dark plastic. This process delays the physical and mechanical ageing process of the installed components and helps its service life.

    Artificial weathering testing

    Behind every technical development is an extensive exposure and research programme. Over many thousands of hours, RENOLIT subjects samples of all décors and colours to artificial weathering, the intensity of which is comparable to years of exposure to strong sunshine under changing weather conditions.

    One of the decisive tests is an extended exposure under xenon light, which provides accelerated information about the weathering resistance of a film. Simulated bright daylight is generated in an arc, the composition of which corresponds to natural sunlight. Regular sprinkling of water simulates intensive downpours.

    In addition to these laboratory conditions, RENOLIT tests its films for years in the open air at several locations in Europe and worldwide. The climatic spectrum consequently ranges from the temperate Central European climate to intense sunshine and humidity as well as tropical, subtropical and desert conditions. RENOLIT EXOFOL FX films in particular set the standard here: Its PVDF top layer is particularly UV-resistant, the film absorbs very little water and can withstand even the subtropical climate of Florida almost completely unaffected.

    Certified results

    External testing institutes such as the SKZ-Testing in Würzburg, Germany have confirmed these results. All RENOLIT EXOFOL films meet the quality requirements of RAL-GZ 716. According to the test specification of the Gütegemeinschaft Kunststoff-Fensterprofilsysteme (GKFP), the films must be able to withstand around 15,000 hours of xenon light without damage, which means an energy absorption of 30 gigajoules per square metre. On a voluntary basis, RENOLIT let the RENOLIT EXOFOL FX films weather for almost four years - exactly 25,550 hours - with a total energy of 50 GJ/m². This corresponds to around 30 years of natural weathering under Central European conditions. The test object survived without any visible changes.

    Due to this exceptional performance, the Worms, Germany based film specialist offers a worldwide warranty of up to 20 years on the premium product RENOLIT EXOFOL FX. So even in the most demanding climatic zones, customers can be confident in the performance.