Quite often, weathering and light stability testing yields huge returns on investment. Here’s our list of the top 10 returns you can gain from a relatively modest outlay on testing.
Weathering & Light Stability Testing
Avoid Catastrophes and Reduce Warranty Claims
A new product or a reformulated product could fail very quickly when exposed to sunlight and weather. The best protection against this is to test it before launch. Even well-established products can fail if a production batch is made incorrectly or with a faulty shipment of a component material. What is the cost of recalling a new product or a batch that fails catastrophically in the field? How much could a warranty claim cost you?
Big Savings on Material Costs
Perhaps your product could be just as durable with more economical materials – for instance, a lower-cost pigment, or the same pigment from a cheaper supplier. Maybe you could maintain performance with less of an expensive additive. Or a completely new polymer could reduce your costs without compromising durability. The only way to know is to test. How valuable would a 1% saving on material costs be? What about 5%, or even 10%?
Enter New Markets
To break into a new market, you need to meet customer expectations for durability. You can hope your product meets the mark – or you can test to be sure. If your product’s durability needs improvement, you can use testing to guide that development. You can redesign and re-test until your product meets the standard required to enter the market. What is the dollar value of tapping into a new market?
Expand Existing Products
Even relatively small changes to a product, like a new colour, can significantly impact light stability. To capitalise on those minor enhancements that can make a big difference, you need to evaluate durability through testing. What is it worth to extend your product range without sacrificing durability?
Improve Product Durability
Often, small material changes can lead to big durability improvements. Many clients have significantly boosted durability without increasing costs. The only way to identify those changes is through testing different materials and combinations. What is it worth to offer a more durable product?
Verify Suppliers’ Claims
Each of your suppliers likely believes they offer the best balance of cost and durability. And they’re probably right, for some situations. But how do you know if what your supplier considers 'good enough' meets your needs? To find out which supplier best suits your specific requirements, you need to test them head-to-head, either in your own lab or through an independent third party like Q-Lab.
Stay Ahead of Government Regulation
Environmental and safety regulations are making many proven raw materials increasingly costly to use. And each year, more materials are restricted. Redesigning with environmentally friendly materials is now essential. Some of these new materials won’t affect durability, but others might. The only way to be certain is to test. How much can you save by choosing materials that sidestep costly regulations? How much could it cost if a new regulation forces you to adopt a high-cost or low-durability alternative?
Expand Market Share and Outpace the Competition
The pace of materials innovation is accelerating. Better and cheaper materials are appearing constantly. If you don’t take advantage, someone else will. The only way to evaluate them is through testing. A more durable product can help expand your market share at your competitors’ expense. What is the value of gaining a competitive edge? What is the cost of falling behind?
Enhance Your Reputation
The products you sell today will influence your reputation for years. A premature field failure can haunt your business. Conversely, products with consistent durability serve as ongoing advertisements for your quality. Investing in durability testing can protect and enhance your reputation like few other measures. What is your good name worth?
Ensure Compliance With Durability Standards
Some customers require light stability test data as a prerequisite for purchase. In those cases, you can’t sell at all until you provide valid test results, either from your own lab or an independent testing facility.
