Xenon test chamber Q‑SUN Xe‑2

The Q-SUN Xe-2 rotating rack xenon arc chamber is a full featured weathering and lightfastness chamber at a breakthrough price. It provides precise control of critical test parameters including spectrum, irradiance, relative humidity, chamber temperature and black panel/black standard temperature. Water spray is also an available option.

In a few days or weeks, the Q-SUN Xe-2 tester can reproduce the damage caused by full-spectrum sunlight and rain, that occurs over months or years outdoors. The versatile Q-SUN Xe-2 tester is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest to use rotating rack xenon arc tester available.

Easy to use

The Q-SUN Xe-2 xenon test chamber is easy to install, easy to use and easy to maintain. Specimen mounting and evaluations are simplified with specially designed specimen holders. The Xe-2 tester is completely automated and can operate continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The most realistic reproduction of full spectrum sunlight

The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester’s xenon arc lamp produces the most realistic reproduction of full spectrum sunlight including ultraviolet, visible light and infrared radiation. For some materials, exposure to the full spectrum is necessary to provide an accurate simulation, especially when testing for color change and lightfastness in textiles.

Standard and “Plus” lamps

The Q-SUN Xe-2 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-2 lamp is quick and easy – it is easily accessible from the top of the tester. Replacement only requires the user to open an access door, release a set screw, and remove the trigger finger. The lamp and lamp housing can then be simply lifted out of the tester.

A choice of optical filters to simulate a variety of environments

Xenon light must be properly filtered to achieve the appropriate spectrum for each particular application. Differences in spectra may affect both the speed and the type of degradation. The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester’s optical lanterns consist of an outer borosilicate or quartz glass cylinder and two sets of 7 durable inner filters, arranged in a two-tier heptagon. They are designed to meet the spectral requirements of virtually all global xenon arc standards,including those published by ISO, ASTM, AATCC, and automotive OEMs. The Q-SUN Xe-2 can simulate direct sunlight or sunlight through window glass.

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-2 tester using black panel and chamber air temperature sensors.
Large specimen capacity, supporting 31 specimens of 46 mm × 122 mm each. The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester's vertically mounted specimen holders are very easy to install and remove.
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.
Humidity Control – relative humidity (RH) control is standard in the Q-SUN Xe-2 tester. It allows the user to simultaneously control and display RH, black panel temperature, and chamber air temperature. Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the RH system in the Xe-2 tester.

Accessories

Vertically mounted specimen holders, which are very easy to install and remove. For common textile tests, a variety of different ISO and AATCC textile masks and picture-frame holder kits are available.
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. Outdoor moisture attack is simulated via a pure water spray option in the Xe-3 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-3 with water spray.
Water repurification system. To significantly reduce the cost of running the Q-SUN Xe-2 tester’s optional water spray system, Q-Lab offers a water repurification system that reuses the water that normally would go down the drain.
Back spray is available for the Xe-2 tester and is required by some SAE test methods, it allows water to be sprayed on both the front and back of specimens simultaneously.

Models

Q-SUN Xe-2-HE: full-spectrum sunlight, rotating rack specimen holder, with humidity control
Q-SUN Xe-2-HSE: full-spectrum sunlight, rotating rack specimen holder, with humidity control and water spray
Q-SUN Xe-2-HBSE: full-spectrum sunlight, rotating rack specimen holder, with humidity control and water spray (front and back)

More information

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