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 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 tester is the simplest, most reliable, and easiest to use xenon arc test chamber available.
A More Realistic Xenon
The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s xenon arc lamps provide the best match to the full spectrum of sunlight. 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.
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. Other features include:
- Remarkably simple user interface in five user-selectable languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian or German
- Built-in Ethernet connection for data logging
- Comprehensive self-diagnostic warnings and service reminders
- Quick and easy calibration with patented AUTOCAL system
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.
Models (see also Features Tab)
- Q-SUN Xe-1-B: full spectrum sunlight
- Q-SUN Xe-1-S: full spectrum sunlight and water spray
- Q-SUN Xe-1-BC: full spectrum sunlight and chiller
- Q-SUN Xe-1-SC: full spectrum sunlight, water spray, and chiller
See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Specifications or the Features Tab for comparative information.
More info:
https://www.q-lab.com/products/q-sun-xenon-arc-test-chambers/q-sun-xe-1
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. Lamps last for 1500 hours and the Xe-1 uses one lamp per machine.
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
Designed to be both functional and easy to use, the Q-SUN Xe-1 controller can be programmed in five user-selectable languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian or German) and includes complete self-diagnostic error checking. The controller constantly monitors the status and performance of all systems. It also displays simple warning messages, routine service reminders or performs safety shutdown, as needed.
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. Additionally, every Q-SUN Xe-1 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 Q-SUN Xe-1 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.
Sunlight Simulation
The Q-SUN Xe-1 tester’s xenon arc lamps produce the most realistic reproduction of full spectrum 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. See LX-5000 – Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure.
Long Lasting 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 lamp devices. Typical lamp life is 1500 hours.
Changing the Xe-1 lamp is quick and easy – it is easily accessible from the top of the tester. Replacement only requires the user to disconnect a simple plug connection, release two set screws, and remove the lamp housing. See LX-5000 – Q-SUN Xe-1, Xe-2 & Xe-3 Brochure.
