Xenon test chamber Q‑SUN Xe‑1

The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester is a tabletop lightfastness, colorfastness, and photostability chamber. It has a single xenon arc lamp and is available with optional water spray and chiller. Its small scale is perfect for a lab with a limited budget or only an occasional need for testing. Installation of the Xe-1 tester is simple and specimens can be conveniently mounted horizontally on its flat specimen tray.

The Q-SUN Xe-1 xenon arc chamber reproduces the damage caused by full-spectrum sunlight and rain. In a few days or weeks, the Q-SUN tester can reproduce the damage that occurs over months or years outdoors.

The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest to use xenon arc test chamber available.

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.

A more realistic xenon

The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s xenon arc lamps provide the best match to the full spectrum of sunlight including ultraviolet, visible light and infrared radiation. For many materials, exposure to the full spectrum is necessary to provide an accurate simulation, especially when testing for color change and lightfastness.

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.

Standard and "Plus" lamps

The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester uses a single, air-cooled xenon arc lamp. It significantly reduces operating and maintenance expenses compared to water-cooled lamps. Typical lamp life for a standard lamp is 1500 hours at normal irradiance.

Plus lamps are available that allow for improved lamp life, as well as the ability to test at high irradiance. These lamps typically last for 3000 hours at normal irradiance, and 1000 hours at high irradiance when used in any “E” configuration.

Changing the Xe-1 lamp is quick and easy – it is easily accessible from the front of the tester. Replacement only requires the user to disconnect a simple plug connection, release two set screws, and remove the lamp housing.

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.

Important features

Remarkably simple user interface. 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.
Q-Lab’s patented AUTOCAL^® technology makes user calibration of the Q-SUN tester’s on-board irradiance sensor fast and error-free.
Full spectrum xenon lamps produce the most realistic reproduction of full spectrum sunlight, including ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared radiation.
Temperature monitoring and control – specimen exposure temperature is precisely controlled in the Q-SUN Xe-1 tester using a black panel temperature sensor.
The SOLAR EYE irradiance control system constantly monitors and controls lamp output to assure precise light exposure and to maximize repeatability and reproducibility of test results.
Versatile specimen mounting. In the Xe-1 the flat specimen mounting tray accommodates different shapes, sizes, and types of three-dimensional specimens. The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s slide-out specimen tray is 251 mm × 457 mm (9.88” × 18”).

Accessories and options

Specimen holders are available in a number of sizes to accommodate traditional flat specimens, like panels and plaques. Three-dimensional parts such as bottles, test tubes, cosmetics, golf balls, etc. can be placed directly onto the specimen tray or in special holders.
Optical filters – a choice of optical filters is available to simulate a variety of service environments including direct sunlight and sunlight through window glass.
Universal calibrator system. Q-SUN chambers are equipped with a number of on-board sensors to monitor and control the environment inside the chamber. All Q-SUN sensors need to be calibrated or replaced periodically to ensure accurate and consistent results. This process is simple and inexpensive in a Q-SUN tester.
Programmable water spray – simulates outdoor moisture attack. 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.
Water repurification system. To significantly reduce the cost of running the Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s optional water spray system, Q-Lab offers a water repurification system that reuses the water that normally would go down the drain.
Heated water immersion. The ponding tray in the Q-SUN Xe-1-WE 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.
Chamber air temperature control, as an option to the standard black panel temperature control.
A chiller is available for the Xe-1 tester to lower temperatures when testing such heat sensitive materials. The chiller acts as a permanent stand for the compact tester.

Models

Q-SUN Xe-1-B: full spectrum sunlight
Q-SUN Xe-1-SE: full spectrum sunlight, water spray, and 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.

More information

Product brochure: Q-Lab – Q‑SUN xenon test chambers brochure.pdf