Q-SUN Xenon Test Chamber

A More Realistic Xenon

The Q-SUN tester’s xenon arc lamps provide the best match to the full spectrum of sunlight.  Near-horizontal specimen mounting and optional water spray provide the most realistic moisture simulation available in a compact xenon arc tester.  An optional chiller is available for low temperature applications.

Q-SUN - Product Specifications

Easy To Use
The Q-SUN Xe-1 xenon test chamber is easy to install - you can exhaust the Xe-1 directly into the room.  It is easy to use and practically maintenance-free. Specimen mounting and evaluation is fast and easy with the unique slide-out specimen tray.  The Xe-1 tester is completely automated and can operate continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Other features include:

  • Remarkably simple user interface in 17 user-selectable languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
  • Built-in Ethernet connection for data logging
  • Comprehensive self-diagnostic warnings and service reminders
  • Quick and easy calibration with patented AUTOCAL system

Fast Results
A product exposed outdoors to direct sunlight experiences maximum light intensity for only a few hours each day.  The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester can subject test specimens to the equivalent of noon summer sunlight for 24 hours a day, every day.  Consequently, specimen degradation can be highly accelerated.

Affordable
The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s low purchase price, low lamp prices and low operating costs create a breakthrough in the price/performance equation.  Now even the smallest lab can afford xenon arc testing.
 
Configurations (see also Features Tab)

  • Q-SUN Xe-1-BE: full spectrum sunlight, dual touchscreen displays
  • Q-SUN Xe-1-SE: full spectrum sunlight, water spray, dual touchscreen display
  • Q-SUN Xe-1-BCE: full spectrum sunlight, chiller, and dual touchscreen display
  • Q-SUN Xe-1-SCE: full spectrum sunlight, water spray, chiller, and dual touchscreen display
  • Q-SUN Xe-1-WE: full spectrum sunlight, temperature-controlled water immersion, and dual touchscreen display.

Full Spectrum Xenon Lamps
Xenon arc lamps give the best reproduction of full spectrum natural sunlight.  Q-Lab's lamps are air-cooled (not water-cooled), which makes them more economical, highly efficient and very low maintenance.  Standard lamps last for 1500 hours and the Xe-1 uses one lamp per machine. Enhanced lamps last for 3000 hours at normal irradiance and 1000 hours at high irradiance.

Optical Filters
A choice of optical filters is available to simulate a variety of service environments including direct sunlight and sunlight through window glass.  The performance of Q-Lab's filters does not decline with age; therefore, filters do not need to be replaced under normal operation.  The only exception to this is the Window-IR filter, which requires regular replacement.  All Q-SUN Xe-1 models use one optical filter per machine.

Temperature Monitoring & Control
Control of temperature is important because it influences the rate of degradation.  Specimen exposure temperature is precisely controlled in the Q-SUN Xe-1 tester using a black panel temperature sensor.  The temperature can be set at any point between 35ºC and 103ºC, depending upon whether the sensor is insulated or uninsulated, irradiance level, filter type, lamp age and ambient room temperature.  Black panel temperature control is standard on the Xe-1 tester, or you can substitute chamber air temperature control as an option.

Versatile Specimen Mounting
The flat specimen mounting tray in the Xe-1 tester accommodates different shapes and sizes of specimens, including three-dimensional parts.  A variety of specimen holders are available.  The Xe-1 mounting tray is 251mm x 457mm and holds up to 17 specimens @ 51mm x 102mm each.

SOLAR EYE Irradiance Control
The SOLAR EYE irradiance control system constantly monitors and controls lamp output.  This assures precise light exposure and maximizes reproducibility of test results.  Irradiance control is available at 340nm, 420nm or TUV (Total UV).

Optional Water Spray (Models Xe-1-SE and Xe-1-SCE)
Outdoor moisture attack is simulated via an optional pure water spray in the Xe-1 tester.  Two spray nozzles are located in the top of the chamber.  Spray can be programmed to operate during either the dark or light cycle.  Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the Xe-1 with water spray.

Optional Heated Water Immersion (Model Xe-1-WE)
The ponding tray in the Q-SUN Xe-1-W submerges test samples in a temperature-controlled water bath during light or dark cycles. Immersion, draining, and temperature control are performed automatically with an integral water repurification and recirculation system. Immersion weathering testing simulates environments experienced by materials frequently exposed to standing water, like roofing materials and photovoltaic panels.

Optional Chiller for Low Temperature Applications (Models Xe-1-BCE and Xe-1-SCE)
For some interior products such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, exposure at room temperature is necessary to prevent unnatural degradation.  An optional chiller is available for the Xe-1 tester to lower temperatures when testing such heat sensitive materials. With a chiller, a Q-SUN Xe-1 tester can operate at 19-103ºC, depending upon sensor type, irradiance level, filter type, lamp age, and ambient room temperature.  The Xe-1 with chiller is configured so that the chiller acts as a permanent stand for the compact tester.

Controls & Optional Software
The Dual Touchscreen Display (Xe-1-BE, Xe-1-SE, Xe-1-SCE, Xe-1-WE) is designed to be both functional and easy-to-use, the Q-SUN main controller features dual, full-color touchscreen displays and can be programmed in eight user-selectable languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese). This system includes complete self-diagnostic error checking, constantly monitoring the status and performance of all systems. It also displays tester error messages and routine service reminders as needed. The multicolor LED status indicator light updates users on the tester’s operational state at a glance.

An external USB port on every Q-SUN Xe-1 tester allows users to perform software upgrades quickly to address key performance issues. For quality systems that require documented proof of test conditions, this USB port can also be used to download tester performance history. Data from the USB export can be emailed directly to Q-Lab's technical support desk for expert troubleshooting and diagnostics.

AATCC TM16

Colorfastness to Light

This test method provides the general principles and procedures which are currently in use for determining the colorfastness to light of textile materials.

 

AATCC TM169

Weather Resistance of Textiles: Xenon Lamp Exposure

This test method provides the procedure for the exposure of textile materials of all kinds, including coated fabrics and products made thereof, in an artificial weathering apparatus using controlled conditions of test.

 

ASTM C1257

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solvent-Release-Type Sealants

This test method includes two laboratory accelerated exposure procedures for predicting the effects of ultraviolet or ultraviolet/visible radiation, heat, and moisture on color, chalking, cracking, and adhesion of solvent-release sealants.

 

ASTM C1442

Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This practice covers three types of laboratory weathering exposure procedures for evaluating the effect of actinic radiation, heat, and moisture on sealants.

 

ASTM C1519

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Durability of Building Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures

This test method covers the method for the determination of the durability of a sealant based on its ability to function in cyclic movement maintaining adhesion and cohesion after repeated exposure to laboratory accelerated weathering procedures.

 

ASTM C732

Standard Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of aging effects of artificial weathering on latex sealants.

 

ASTM C734

Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex Sealants After Artificial Weathering

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of low-temperature flexibility of latex sealants after 500 h artificial weathering.

 

ASTM C793

Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants

This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the effects of accelerated weathering on cured-in-place elastomeric joint sealants (single- and multi-component) for use in building construction.

 

ASTM D1148

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Discoloration from Ultraviolet (UV) and Heat Exposure of Light-Colored Surfaces

This test method covers techniques to evaluate the surface discoloration of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber that may occur when subjected to UV or UV/visible exposure from specified sources under controlled conditions of relative humidity, or moisture, and temperature.

 

ASTM D1670

Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials

This test method covers the use of a spark generating apparatus for determination of failure due to cracking of bituminous materials undergoing accelerated or outdoor weathering on electrically conductive backings.

 

ASTM D2565

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon-arc exposure of plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

ASTM D3424

Standard Practice for Evaluating the Relative Lightfastness and Weatherability of Printed Matter

This standard describes procedures for the determination of the relative lightfastness and weatherability of printed matter under the following conditions, which involve exposure to natural daylight or accelerated procedures in the laboratory.

 

ASTM D3451

Standard Guide for Testing Coating Powders and Powder Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of procedures for testing coating powders and powder coatings. The test methods included are listed in Table 1. Where more than one test method is listed for the same characteristic, no attempt is made to indicate superiority of one method over another. Selection of the methods to be followed must be governed by experience and the requirements in each individual case, together with agreement between the purchaser and the seller.

 

ASTM D4101

Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials

This specification covers polypropylene materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Polymers consist of homopolymer, copolymers, and elastomer compounded with or without the addition of impact modifiers (ethylene-propylene rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and butyl rubber), colorants, stabilizers, lubricants, or reinforcements.

 

ASTM D4303

Standard Test Methods for Lightfastness of Colorants Used in Artists' Materials

Four test methods to accelerate the effects of long term indoor illumination on artists' materials are described.

 

ASTM D4355

Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles by Exposure to Light, Moisture and Heat in a Xenon Arc Type Apparatus

This test method covers the determination of the deterioration in tensile strength of geotextiles by exposure to xenon arc radiation, moisture, and heat.

 

ASTM D4434

Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Sheet Roofing

This specification covers flexible sheet made from poly(vinyl chloride) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D4459

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Indoor Applications

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for exposure of plastics in window glass-filtered xenon-arc devices in accordance with Practices G151 and G155 for evaluating the stability of plastics intended for use in indoor applications.

 

ASTM D4637

Standard Specification for EPDM Sheet Used In Single-Ply Roof Membrane

This specification covers flexible sheet made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D4798

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon-Arc Method)

This practice covers test conditions and procedures for xenon-arc exposures according to Practices G151 and G155 for bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials.

 

ASTM D4811

Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing

This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D5019

Standard Specification for Reinforced CSM (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) Sheet Used in Single-Ply Roof Membrane

This specification covers reinforced non-vulcanized polymeric sheet made from chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) intended for use as a single-ply roof membrane exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D5071

Standard Practice for Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics in a Xenon Arc Apparatus

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon arc exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

ASTM D5383

Standard Practice for Visual Determination of the Lightfastness of Art Materials by Art Technologists

This practice covers a method for exposing specimens of colored art materials indoors to sunlight coming through a closed window.

 

ASTM D5398

Standard Practice for Visual Evaluation of the Lightfastness of Art Materials by the User

This practice covers a method for exposing specimens of colored art materials indoors to sunlight coming through a closed window.

 

ASTM D5819

Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Experimental Evaluation of Geosynthetic Durability

This guide covers a designer/specifier through a systematic determination of those factors of the appropriate application environment that may affect the post-construction service life of a geosynthetic.

 

ASTM D6083

Standard Specification for Liquid Applied Acrylic Coating Used in Roofing

This specification covers liquid-applied water-dispersed acrylic latex elastomeric protective roof coatings.

 

ASTM D6551

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes by Xenon-Arc Exposure Apparatus

This practice describes one environment for the exposure of pressure-sensitive tape, used primarily for packaging, to a laboratory accelerated weathering environment.

 

ASTM D6577

Standard Guide for Testing Industrial Protective Coatings

This guide covers the selection and use of test methods and procedures for testing industrial protective coatings.

 

ASTM D6662

Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards

This specification covers polyolefin-based plastic lumber products for use as exterior residential decking boards.

 

ASTM D6695

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings

This practice covers the selection of test conditions for accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in xenon arc devices conducted according to Practices G151 and G155.

 

ASTM D6878

Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Based Sheet Roofing

This specification covers flexible sheet made from thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the principal polymer, intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.

 

ASTM D7356

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Acid Etch Weathering of Automotive Clearcoats Using a Xenon-Arc Exposure Device

This test method covers an accelerated exposure test intended to simulate defects in automotive clearcoats caused by acid rain that occurs at the Jacksonville, Florida exposure site.

 

ASTM D750

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

This test method covers specific variations in the test conditions and procedures that shall be applicable when Practice G151 plus either Practice G152, G153, G154, or G155 are employed for exposure of vulcanized rubber compounds.

 

ASTM D7869

Standard Practice for Xenon Arc Exposure Test with Enhanced Light and Water Exposure for Transportation Coatings

This test procedure is used to simulate the physical and environmental stresses that a coating for exterior transportation applications (for example, automotive) is exposed to in a subtropical climate, such as southern Florida.

 

ASTM D882

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

This test method covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness).

 

ASTM D904

Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Artificial Light

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for ultraviolet (UV) light aging (with or without water) of adhesive bonded joints having at least one glass or transparent adhered, using fluorescent UV (see Method A) or xenon-arc light sources (see Method B).

 

ASTM D925

Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property—Staining of Surfaces (Contact, Migration, and Diffusion)

These test methods cover techniques to evaluate three types of staining that rubber may cause when in contact with, or in proximity to, another surface that may be light colored.

 

ASTM F1164

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Transparent Plastics Exposed to Accelerated Weathering Combined with Biaxial Stress

This test method covers the resistance of transparent plastics exposed to environmental conditioning (accelerated weathering) under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressure cell/test fixture.

 

ASTM F1515

Standard Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change

This test method provides a means of measuring the amount of color change in flooring products when subjected to accelerated light exposure over a period of time (functional use of the flooring product).

 

ASTM F2366

Standard Practice for Determining the Relative Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Window Filtered Daylight Using a Xenon Arc Light Apparatus

This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for xenon-arc exposure of ink jet media prints conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G155.

 

ASTM G151

Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources

This practice provides general procedures to be used when exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that use laboratory light sources.

 

ASTM G155

Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using xenon arc light and water apparatus intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual use.

 

GB 6806

Anodizing of aluminium and its alloys--Accelerated test of light fastness of coloured anodic oxide coatings using artificial light

This standard specifies the artificial light accelerated test method for evaluating the light resistance of aluminum and aluminum alloy colored anodized films.

 

GB/T 16259

Test method for in accelerated weathering building materials

This standard specifies the content, test conditions, test procedures, test results, and test reports of artificial climate accelerated aging test devices using xenon lamps as the light source for building material products.

 

GB/T 16422.1

Plastics-Methods of the exposure to laboratory light sources Part 1:general guidance

 

This part of GB / T 16422 provides information and general principles on the selection and implementation of exposure methods described in detail in the following sections. It also describes and recommends methods for measuring irradiance and radiant quantities, and describes monitoring boxes. Equipment requirements for body air temperature and surface temperature of dark and light colored materials.

 

 

GB/T 16422.2

Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc sources

This part of GB / T 16422 specifies the test method for plastic samples exposed to xenon arc lamps in the presence of moisture. This method is used to simulate the natural occurrence of materials in sunlight in the actual use environment after exposure to sunlight or filter glass Aging effect.

 

GB/T 16991

Textiles - Test for colour fastness - Colour fastness and ageing to artificial light at high temperatures: Xenon arc

This standard specifies a method for determining the color of various types of textiles, the ability of artificial light sources to replace natural sunlight, the ability to resist heat, and the ability to resist aging. This test method specifically takes into account the effects of light and heat generated by the interior of the vehicle on the textile.

 

GB/T 1710

Comparison of resistance to light of coloured pigments of similar types

This standard specifies a general test method for the comparison of light fastness of the same type of pigments (agreed reference pigments and test samples).

 

GB/T 18244

Test methods for resistance to weathering of building waterproofing materials

This standard specifies test methods for hot air aging, ozone aging, and artificial climate accelerated aging (xenon arc lamps, carbon arc lamps, ultraviolet fluorescent lamps).

 

GB/T 1865

Paints and varnishes - Artificial weathering and exposure to artificial radiation - Exposure to filtered xenon-arc radiation

This standard specifies artificial weathering test procedures for paints and varnishes exposed to xenon lamp devices and water and water vapor. The results of aging can be individually evaluated by comparing the parameters selected before, during and after aging.

 

GB/T 22771

Graphic techmology-Prints and printing inks-Assessment of light fastness using filtered xenon arc light

This standard specifies a method for determining the light resistance of printed matter and printing inks. It gives two test conditions: basic test conditions for printed matter and special test conditions for ink.

 

GB/T 2423.24

Environmental testing for electric and electronic products Part 2:Test methods-Test Sa: simulated solar radiation at ground level

This standard is used to test the impact of ground solar radiation on equipment and components (thermal, mechanical, chemical, electrical, etc.)

 

GB/T 29365

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) – test methods of artificial weathering

This standard specifies the artificial weathering test method for plastic-wood composite materials.

 

GB/T 32088

Accelerated weathering test methods of automotive nonmetal components and materials using a xenon-arc apparatus

This standard specifies the test method and evaluation method for accelerating aging of automotive non-metal parts and materials using controlled irradiance xenon equipment.

 

GB/T 8427

Textiles-Tests for colour fastness-Colour fastness to artifical light:Xenon arc fading lamp test

This standard specifies a method to determine the color fastness of various types of textiles to the artificial light effect equivalent to sunlight (D65). This standard can also be used for white (bleached or fluorescent whitened) textiles.

 

GM 9125P

Procedures for Laboratory Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Materials

These procedures are used to determine the resistance to degradation of automotive materials when subjected to artificial light sources. It describes exposures to sunshine carbon arc, xenon arc, fluorescent ultraviolet light and condensation apparatus, and a twin carbon arc.

 

IEC 61345

UV Test for Photovaltalic (PV) Modules

 

ISO 105-B02 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles-Tests for colour fastness- Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test

 

ISO 105-B04 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part B04. Colour Fastness to Artificial Weathering: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test

 

ISO 105-B06 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part B06: Colour Fastness and Ageing to Artificial Light at High Temperatures: Xenon Arc Fading Lamp Test

 

ISO 105-B07 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part B07: Colour Fastness to Light of Textiles Wetted with Artificial Perspiration

 

ISO 105-B10 (EN) (DIN)

Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part B10: Artificial Weathering - Exposure to Filtered Xenon-Arc Radiation

 

ISO 12040

Graphic Technology - Prints and Printing Inks - Assessment of Light Fastness Using Filtered Xenon Arc Light

 

ISO 16474-2

Paints and varnishes — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps

 

ISO 29664

Plastics - Artificial weathering including acidic deposition

 

ISO 4892-1 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 1: General guidance

 

ISO 4892-2 (EN) (DIN)

Plastics - Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps

 

QB/T 2727

Leather-Tests for colour fastness-colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc

This standard specifies the test method for the color of leather against artificial light sources and heat resistance.

 

QB/T 4873

Test methods of artificial leather and synthetic leather - Exposure to laboratory light sources

This standard specifies three methods for the light source exposure test of artificial leather and synthetic leather laboratories: xenon arc lamp method (A method), fluorescent ultraviolet lamp method (B method), and open carbon arc lamp method (C method), and their results and Evaluation.

 

SAE J2412

Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Components Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus

This test method specifies the operating procedures for a controlled irradiance, xenon arc apparatus used for the accelerated exposure of various automotive interior trim components.

 

SAE J2527

Performance Based Standard for Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using A Controlled Irradiance Xenon-Arc Apparatus

This SAE Standard specifies the operating procedures for a controlled irradiance, xenon-arc apparatus used for the accelerated exposure of various exterior automotive materials.

 

T/CSAE 104

Laboratory xenon arc exposure test method of automotive exterior decoration coatings

This standard specifies the test method for accelerated aging of automotive exterior coatings using controlled irradiance xenon lamp equipment.

 

VW PV 1306

Exposure Test for Determining the Tackiness of Polypropylene Parts

 

VW PV 3929

Non-Metallic Materials, Weathering in Dry, Hot Climate

 

VW PV 3930

Non-Metallic Materials, Weathering in Moist, Hot Climate

 

YC/T 374

Printed cigarette carton and packet packaging papers - conformity test for color fastness to light - xenon arc fading lamp test

This standard specifies the test method for the lightfastness and fastness of cigarette rods and carton paper.

 

YY/T 0631

dental materials - determination of color stability

This standard specifies the method for determining the color stability of dental materials after immersion in light.

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