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. See LX-5060 - A Choice of Filters for Q-SUN.
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. See LX-5000 - Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure.
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. See our specimen mounting page, LX-5080-SM - Q-SUN Xe-1 & Xe-3 Specimen Mounting or Accessories Tab for more information.
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). See LX-5000 - Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure.
Optional Water Spray (Models Xe-1-S and Xe-1-SC)
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. See LX-5000 - Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure.
Optional Heated Water Immersion (Model Xe-1-W)
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. See LX-5019, Xe-1-W Product Summary.
Optional Chiller for Low Temperature Applications (Models Xe-1-BC and Xe-1-SC)
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. See LX-5000 - Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure. 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-CE, 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.