The World's Most Widely Used Weathering Tester™.
Test plastics, coatings, and other materials for durability when exposed to outdoor sunlight, heat, and water.

UV light is responsible for almost all photodegradation of durable materials exposed outdoors.  The QUV tester’s fluorescent lamps simulate the critical short-wave UV and realistically reproduce the physical property damage caused by sunlight.  Types of damage include color change, gloss loss, chalking, cracking, crazing, hazing, blistering, embrittlement, strength loss and oxidation.

Dew, not rain, is responsible for most of the wetness that occurs in outdoor exposure.  The QUV UV test chamber's condensation system realistically simulates dew and accelerates its effect using elevated temperature.

The condensation process automatically purifies the ordinary tap water used in the system.  This is because the process of evaporating and condensing the water onto the specimens is actually a distillation process, which removes all impurities.  See LU-0801 - QUV Brochure.

The QUV tester conveniently accommodates up to 48 specimens (75mm × 150mm) and complies with a wide range of international, national, and industry specifications, ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of your test program.  Visit our standards page for more information.

Easy to Operate
The QUV UV tester’s simple, proven design makes it easy to install, easy to use, and almost maintenance-free. It operates completely automatically, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Features include:

• Dual touchscreen user interface for easy operation and programming in 17 user-selectable languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
• Exposure conditions displayed continuously
• Multicolor LED light for quick “at-a-glance” tester status
• Self-diagnostic warnings and service reminders
• Quick calibration with patented AUTOCAL system

Affordable
The QUV tester is economical to purchase and to operate, because it uses:

• low cost, long life fluorescent UV lamps
• ordinary tap water for condensation

Models  (see also Features Tab)

• QUV/basic: UV and condensation (no irradiance control, single touchscreen display)
• QUV/se: UV, condensation and SOLAR EYE irradiance control
• QUV/spray: UV, condensation, SOLAR EYE irradiance control and water spray
• QUV/uvc: short-wave UVC light and SOLAR EYE irradiance control
• QUV/cw: cool white visible light, condensation and SOLAR EYE irradiance control

See LU-0819 - QUV Specifications or the Features Tab for comparative capabilities.

Model QUV/basic 
This is a simplified version of the QUV tester for the lab where economy is critical.  The model QUV/basic uses fluorescent UV lamps and a condensation system for moisture simulation.  The model, however, does not include the SOLAR EYE irradiance control.  Consequently, the light intensity cannot be adjusted or calibrated. This means the QUV/basic tester cannot be used for high irradiance testing.  In addition, periodic lamp replacement and repositioning is required.

Q-Lab recommends the QUV/basic tester for comparative exposures where the test specimens and the control specimens are exposed at the same time, in the same tester.

Model QUV/se
The most popular QUV model features the SOLAR EYE Irradiance Control, for precise maintenance of UV light intensity.  The QUV/se tester uses a proven condensation mechanism to simulate outdoor moisture attack.

The SOLAR EYE system is a precision control system that automatically maintains light intensity through a feedback loop. The controller monitors UV intensity and compensates for lamp aging and variability by adjusting power to the lamps.  The SOLAR EYE system provides:

• Controlled irradiance
• Longer lamp life
• Faster results
• More reproducible and repeatable testing
• ISO calibration 

For more information on the benefits of the SOLAR EYE irradiance control system, see LU-0801 - QUV Brochure.

Model QUV/spray 
The QUV/spray tester has the same functions as a standard QUV/se, but also includes a water spray system. Short periods of spray can be used to create a thermal shock. Longer periods can be used to achieve mechanical erosion. The QUV/spray tester can be set to produce:  UV alone, spray alone, or condensation.  Deionized water is recommended for all spray applications.

Model QUV/uvc
UVC light is used widely in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), a technique used to eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria. This short-wavelength, high-energy UVC light can also degrade the materials and surfaces it disinfects. The QUV/uvc model uses UVC lamps to deliver light concentrated at 254 nm to test for material durability against photodegradation effects resulting from exposure to UVC light. The QUV/uvc tester has multiple safety features to prevent stray UVC light from escaping; it is also not equipped with condensation or water spray.

Model QUV/cw 
Some industry test methods specify the use of cool white fluorescent lamps for indoor photostability testing. To reproduce these indoor light conditions, the QUV/cw uses ordinary cool white fluorescent lamps.  It has a SOLAR EYE irradiance control system that monitors and controls visible light output, rather than UV. See LU-0823 - QUV/cw Summary for more information.

Temperature Control
All QUV UV testers precisely control temperature to enhance accuracy and accelerate test results. Although temperature does not normally affect the primary photochemical reaction, it does affect the rate of any subsequent reactions. Therefore, the QUV tester’s ability to control temperature is essential during UV exposure.

Versatile Specimen Mounting
Standard specimen holders easily adjust for any thickness up to 20mm (3/4") and allow fast, snap-action specimen mounting. Retaining rings provide positive hold-down and do not require that test specimens be cut to close tolerance. In addition, custom holders are available for mounting various products, such as lenses, larger specimens, and 3-D components.  See the accessories tab or our specimen mounting page for more information.

Controls & Optional Software
The Dual Touchscreen Display is designed to be both functional and easy-to-use. The QUV main controller features dual, full-color touchscreen displays (except QUV/basic, which has a single touchscreen display) and can be programmed in 17 user-selectable languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese. 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 QUV 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. Additionally, every QUV tester is equipped with an Ethernet connection. Optional VIRTUAL STRIPCHART PC software allows the user to automatically record and monitor exposure conditions and directly transfer data from the QUV UV test chamber to a Windows-based computer.  Data from either the USB export or PC application can be emailed directly to Q-Lab's technical support desk for expert troubleshooting and diagnostics.

QUV Lamps

Fluorescent UV lamps are inherently more stable than other types of lamps, including xenon arc lamps.  The spectral power distribution (SPD) does not change with lamp aging, even up to 8,000 hours.  This gives more reproducible test results, fewer lamp changes, and lower operational costs.

Q-Lab produces more UV lamps than the rest of the weathering industry combined.  Q-Lab's lamps are specially engineered to our own proprietary specifications, based on our 50 years of experience with fluorescent UV technology.  We have the most stringent quality control testing in the industry.  The result is that the QUV tester provides the most consistent, stable spectrum, year after year.

Several different types of UV lamps are available for different applications, which are listed below.  See LU-8160 - A Choice of Lamps for QUV and LU-0823 - QUV/cw Summary for more specific application guidelines

UVA-340 Lamps
The QUV tester’s UVA-340 lamps give the best simulation of sunlight in the critical short wavelength region from 365 nm down to the solar cut-off of 295 nm.  See LU-8052 - SPD for QUV UVA-340.

UVA-340+ Lamps
UVA-340+ lamps offer the same spectrum as UVA-340 lamps but provide longer lifetime at high irradiance, up to 1500 hours at 1.55 W/m²/nm and 750 hours at the maximum irradiance (1.85 W/m²/nm). 

UVA-351 Lamps
The QUV UV tester’s UVA-351 lamps simulate the UV portion of sunlight filtered through window glass.  It is most useful for interior applications, for testing of some inks and for polymer damage that can occur in an environment near a window.  See LU-8053 - SPD for QUV UVA-351.

UVB-313EL Lamps
The QUV tester’s UVB-313EL lamps maximize acceleration utilizing short-wave UV that is more severe than the UV normally found at the earth’s surface. Consequently, these lamps may produce unrealistically severe results for some materials. UVB-313EL lamps are most useful for QC and R&D applications, or for testing very durable materials.  See LU-8051 - SPD for QUV UVB-313EL.

UVB-313EL+ Lamps 
UVB-313EL+ lamps offer nearly the same spectrum as UVB-313EL lamps but provide longer lifetime at high irradiance, up to 1500 hours at 1.55 W/m²/nm and 750 hours at the maximum irradiance (1.85 W/m²/nm)

UVC Lamps
UVC lamps deliver high-intensity, monchromatic, short-wave UV light at 254 nm, which is well below the solar cut-on. This wavelength represents the most common type of UVC emission used for disinfection of surfaces exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses. While it can kill these pathogens effectively, UVC light can also cause photodegradation of plastics, coatings, and fabrics. UVC lamps reproduce this damaging irradiance, in order to evaluate durability of materials exposed to UVC light

QFS-40 Lamps
Also known as FS-40 or F40 UVB, this is the original QUV lamp.  FS-40 lamps are still specified in a few legacy automotive test methods.  QFS-40 lamps should only be used in the QUV/basic tester.  See LU-8050 - SPD for QUV QFS-40.

Cool White Lamps
The QUV UV test chamber’s cool white lamps (used only in model QUV/cw) effectively reproduce and accelerate indoor lighting conditions encountered in office and commercial environments as well as retail display lighting.  See LU-8049 - SPD for QUV/cw.

Optical Filters
Unlike xenon arc test chambers, the QUV tester does not require the use of any optical filters.

Easy Calibration Assures Accuracy
The QUV black panel temperature sensor needs to be calibrated periodically by the user to assure accurate and consistent results.  Calibrating the QUV black panel temperature sensor is quick and simple, and is performed with any standard reference thermometer.

Easy Calibration Assures Accuracy
For all models except QUV/basic, the QUV SOLAR EYE irradiance sensor needs to be calibrated periodically by the user to assure accurate and consistent results.  Calibrating the QUV tester using the AUTOCAL system is extremely simple.  It takes only a few minutes and virtually eliminates human error.

Q-Lab has two classes of devices used for irradiance calibration. The Universal Calibrator system is standard with all new QUV testers and is fully compatible with all previous model, as well as Q-SUN testers. The CR10 is Q-Lab's legacy QUV irradiance calibration system but remains forward-compatible with all new QUV testers. For more information, see LU-0801 - QUV Brochure.

Universal Calibrator (UC) System Radiometer Models

• Universal Calibrator (UC) System Radiometer Models
• UC1 handheld display - one device for displaying irradiance and temperature calibration information for all QUV and Q-SUN models*
• UC10/UV smart sensor - for use with UVA-340, UVA-351, or UVB-313 lamps (plus and non-plus versions)
• UC10/UVC smart sensor – for use with UVC lamps
• UC10/CW smart sensor - for use only with cool white lamps

*The UC system works with all irradiance-controlled QUV and Q-SUN testers but the UC1 is not needed for new QUV and Q-SUN testers.

Recalibration

UC10 smart sensors need to be replaced yearly for a newly-calibrated device. This is the most cost-effective option for most users. UC10 smart sensors can, alternatively, be returned to Q-Lab once per year for an inexpensive recalibration. See Recalibration Return Procedure.

CR10 and CR10/cw radiometers need to be returned to Q-Lab once per year for an inexpensive recalibration. See Recalibration Return Procedure.

Our calibration labs are accredited to ISO 17025 by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA - Ohio Certificate Number 2382-01, China Certificate Number 2383-02, and England Certificate Number 2383-03).  Calibrations are traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Versatile Specimen Mounting
Standard specimen holders adjust for any thickness up to 20mm (3/4") and allow fast, snap-action specimen mounting. Retaining rings provide positive hold-down and do not require that test specimens be cut to close tolerance.

In addition, custom holders are available for mounting various products, such as lenses, larger specimens, and 3-D components.  Bottle holders, textile holders and special mountings are also available.  See LU-8001 - QUV Sample Mounting or the specimen mounting page for more detailed information.

Water Repurification System
To significantly reduce the cost of running the QUV tester’s optional water spray system, Q-Lab offers an optional water repurification system that reuses the water that normally would go down the drain.

Space Saver Frame
In labs where space is a premium, QUV UV testers can be stacked two-high with space saver frames. See LU-0820 - QUV Space Saver Specifications for more detailed information.