Xenon test chamber Q‑SUN Xe‑3

The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester is a full-featured lightfastness, colorfastness, and photostability chamber at a breakthrough price. It utilizes three separate xenon lamps for a large capacity. The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester’s slide out specimen tray is 451 mm × 718 mm and is useful for exposing large, three-dimensional parts or components. The Xe-3 tester offers standard humidity control, and optional spray, back spray and chiller features.

The Q-SUN Xe-3 is the only xenon arc tester that also has an optional dual spray capability. This allows for a second liquid such as acid rain or soap solutions, to be sprayed onto test specimens.

The Q-SUN Xe-3 xenon arc chamber reproduces the damage caused by full-spectrum sunlight and rain in a few days or weeks, that occurs over months or years outdoors.

The Q-SUN Xe-3 is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest to use full-sized xenon arc chamber available.

Easy to use

The Q-SUN Xe-3 xenon test chamber is easy to install (proper ventilation required). 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-3 tester is completely automated and can operate continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

A more realistic xenon

The Q-SUN Xe-3 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 and back spray provide the most realistic moisture simulation available in a xenon arc tester.

Standard and "Plus" lamps

The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester uses three, 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-3 lamps 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.

Fast results

A product exposed outdoors to direct sunlight experiences maximum light intensity for only a few hours each day. The Q-SUN Xe-3 chamber 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-3 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-3 tester using a black panel temperature sensor. With an optional chiller, both black panel and chamber air temperature can be simultaneously controlled, giving the ultimate control of specimen temperature.
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. The flat specimen mounting tray in the Xe-3 accommodates different shapes and sizes of specimens, including three-dimensional parts. A variety of specimen holders are available. The Xe-3 mounting tray is 451mm x 718mm and holds up to 55 specimens @ 51mm x 102mm each.
Humidity Control. Relative humidity (RH) control is standard in the Q-SUN Xe-3 model. It allows the user to simultaneously control, monitor, and display RH, black panel temperature, and chamber air temperature. Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the Xe-3 with humidity control.

Accessories

Specimen holders are available in a number of sizes to accommodate traditional flat specimens, like panels and plaques. Three-dimensional specimens such as bottles, test tubes, cosmetics, golf balls, etc. can be placed directly onto the specimen tray or in special holders. Adjustable height stands are available to mount three-dimensional parts so that the top of the part is at the normal specimen tray height.
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-3 tester’s optional water spray system, Q-Lab offers a water repurification system that reuses the water that normally would go down the drain.
Optional back spray is available for the Xe-3 tester and is required by some SAE test methods; it allows water to be sprayed on both the front and back of specimens simultaneously. Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the Xe-3 with back spray.
Optional dual spray is available for the Xe-3 tester. It allows a second liquid solution, such as acid rain or soap solution, to be sprayed onto test specimens. A large external reservoir, centrifugal pump and filter are attached to a portable cart that sits next to the Xe-3 tester.
A chiller is available for the Xe-3 tester to lower temperatures when testing heat sensitive materials such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The Xe-3 chiller is designed to stand alongside the full-sized Xe-3 tester, and is provided with wheels for easy repositioning.

Models

Q-SUN Xe-3-H: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control
Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control, water spray, and dual touchscreen displays
Q-SUN Xe-3-HDSE: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control, dual spray, and dual touchscreen displays
Q-SUN Xe-3-HBSE: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control, water spray (front and back), and dual touchscreen displays
Q-SUN Xe-3-HCE: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control, chiller, and dual touchscreen displays
Q-SUN Xe-3-HSCE: full-spectrum sunlight with humidity control, spray, chiller, and dual touchscreen displays

More information

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