The New Standard in Rotating Rack Xenon Testers
The Q-SUN Xe-2 rotating rack xenon arc chamber is a full featured weathering and lightfastness chamber at a breakthrough price.  The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester’s xenon arc lamp provides the best match to full spectrum sunlight.  A variety of optical filters are available to match nearly any global xenon test standard.  Simultaneous, precise control of relative humidity, chamber air and black panel/black standard temperature is standard. Optional water spray can be added to simulate the erosion effects of rain.

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.  Other features include:

• Remarkably simple user interface in 17 user-selectable languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
• Built-in Ethernet connection for data logging with provided software
• Comprehensive self-diagnostic warnings and service reminders
• Quick and easy user-performed calibration with patented AUTO-CAL 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-2 tester can accelerate results by subjecting 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-2 tester was specifically designed to be an affordable rotating rack xenon tester.  Its low purchase price, low lamp price, and low operating costs set a new standard for lightfastness testing.  Now even the smallest lab can afford rotating rack xenon arc weathering and lightstability testing.

Models (see also Features Tab)

• 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)

See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Specification Bulletin or the Features Tab for comparative information.

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-2 uses one lamp per machine. Enhanced lamps last for 3000 hours at normal irradiance and 1000 hours at high irradiance.

Optical Filters
The Q-SUN Xe-2 model’s optical filter lanterns are designed to produce the spectra specified in many global weathering and lightfastness test standards.  These standards apply to a variety of industries for outdoor applications, as well as interior applications where sunlight may enter through a window.  The lanterns consist of an outer borosilicate or quartz glass cylinder and two sets of 7 inner filters, arranged in a two-tier heptagon.

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-2 tester using black panel and chamber air temperature sensors.  The black panel temperature can be set at any point between 35ºC and 105ºC, depending upon whether the black panel is insulated or uninsulated, irradiance level, filter type, lamp age, chamber air temperature and ambient room temperature.  See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

Large Specimen Capacity
The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester has a large specimen capacity, supporting 31 specimens of 46 mm x 122 mm each.  Its vertically mounted specimen holders are very easy to install and remove.  See our specimen mounting page or Accessories Tab for more information.

SOLAR EYE Irradiance Control
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.  Irradiance control is available at 340nm or 300-400nm TUV (Total UV).  See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

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.  See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

Optional Water Spray
Outdoor moisture attack is simulated via an optional pure water spray in the Xe-2 tester.  A spray nozzle located in the top of the chamber can be programmed to operate during either the dark or light cycle.  Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the water spray and RH features in the Xe-2 tester.  See LX-5046 – Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

Optional Back Spray (Model Xe-2-BS)
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. Note that purified water is required for proper operation of the Xe-2 with back spray.

Controls & Optional Software
The Dual Touchscreen Display is designed to be both functional and easy to use, the Q-SUN Xe-2 controller 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) 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-2 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.

Sunlight Simulation
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
Standard and “Plus” Lamps (Replacing Long Lasting 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.  See LX-5046 –Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

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.  Three categories of filters are available to simulate a variety of service environments, which are shown below.  The application or test method dictates which filters should be used.  See LU-8054a - SPD for QUV, Q-SUN, and Noon Summer Sunlight.

Daylight Filters
Daylight filters are used to simulate direct, noon summer sunlight. They provide the best correlation to natural exposures for most applications.  Materials that are typically used outdoors (e.g. roofing and exterior coatings) should be tested using daylight filters.  Three different types of daylight filters are available for the Q-SUN Xe-1 tester:  Daylight - F, Daylight - Q and Daylight - B/B. Daylight-Q and Daylight-F filters meet the specifications of Type I Daylight filters described in ASTM and ISO standards. Daylight-B/B filters are classified as Type II Daylight filters.

Window Glass Filters
Window glass filters produce spectra equivalent to sunlight coming through window glass.  This spectrum can also simulate other indoor lighting such as the harsh lighting found in a typical commercial or office environment.  Window glass filters are used for indoor materials such as printing materials and textiles.  Four different window glass filters are available for the Q-SUN Xe-1 tester:  Window - Q, Window - B/SL, Window - SF-5 and Window - IR.

Extended UV Filters
Extended UV Filters allow excess UV, below the normal cut-on of natural sunlight.  They are used to produce faster or more severe test results.  Extended UV Filters are specified in some automotive test methods and are sometimes used for aerospace applications. The most common Q-SUN filter of this type is the Extended UV - Q/B.

The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester’s long-life filters are exceptionally durable and maintain the required spectrum indefinitely.  After many years of use, Q-SUN filters have yet to show any signs of aging.  See LX-5060 - A Choice of Filters for Q-SUN for a more detailed discussion of optical filters, but the information above can be a useful guide.

Easy Calibration Assures Accuracy
The Q-SUN Xe-2 black panel temperature sensor needs to be calibrated periodically by the user.  This assures accurate and consistent results. 

Calibrating the Xe-2 black panel temperature sensor is simple using the Universal Calibrator system’s UC202 calibrated temperature sensor and UC1 handheld display, or the historical CT202 calibration thermometer, and takes only a few minutes.  Note that the CT202 and UC202 calibration thermometers come with either an uninsulated black panel (UC202/BP, CT202/BP) or insulated black panel (UC202/IBP, CT202/IBP) sensor.  This sensor must match the type of sensor actually used in the Xe-2 tester.  The low-cost, combination relative humidity/chamber air temperature is designed to be replaced once a year by the user and cannot be recalibrated.

Calibration of the UC202 and CT202 thermometers needs to be performed annually. The UC202 thermometers were designed to be disposable and cost-efficient, and should be replaced annually with a  freshly-calibrated UC202. The CT202 thermometer needs to be returned to Q-Lab once per year for an inexpensive recalibration. UC202 units may also be returned for calibration for users who prefer recalibration to replacement. Our calibration labs are ISO 17025 accredited 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).

Easy Calibration Assures Accuracy
The Q-SUN Xe-2 SOLAR EYE irradiance sensor needs to be calibrated periodically by the user.  This assures accurate and consistent results. Calibrating the Xe-2 tester is simple using the Universal Calibrator system’s UC20 calibration radiometer or the legacy CR20 calibration radiometer, and takes only a few minutes.

Both UC20 and CR20 devices come with a 340nm, 420nm, or 300-400nm TUV (Total UV) sensor and must match the type of sensor actually used in the Q-SUN tester. CR20 calibration radiometers must also match the optical filter in use in the Q-SUN.

Calibration of the UC20 and CR20 radiometers needs to be performed annually. The UC20 sensors were designed to be disposable and cost-efficient, and should be replaced annually with a  freshly-calibrated UC20. The CR20 radiometer needs to be returned to Q-Lab once per year for an inexpensive recalibration. UC20 units may also be returned for calibration for users who prefer recalibration to replacement.  See our  Recalibration Return Procedure.  Our calibration labs are ISO17025 accredited 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).

Specimen Mounting
The Q-SUN Xe-2 tester has a large specimen capacity, supporting 31 specimens of 46 mm x 122 mm each.  Its vertically mounted specimen holders 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. 

Visit our specimen mounting page, see LX-5047 – Q-SUN Specimen Mounting or inquire about the following part numbers: 

• XR-11008-K   Q-SUN Solid Back Specimen Holder Kit, set of 15 + 1/2
• XR-11448-K   Q-SUN Open Back Specimen Holder Kit, set of 15 + 1/2
• XR-11291-K   Q-SUN Specimen Holder Conversion Kit, allows 2 specimens per holder, set of 15
• XR-11273-K   Q-SUN Textile Picture Frame Holder Kit, full height, set of 15 + 1/2
• XR-11168-K   Q-SUN Full Height Textile Mask Kit, ISO 105 B0-2 Method 1, 1/3 & 2/3 masks, set of 15 + 1/2
• XR-11316-K   Q-SUN Half Height Textile Mask Kit, ISO 105 B0-2 Method 1, 1/3 & 2/3 masks, set of 31
• XR-11369-K   Q-SUN Full Height Textile Mask Kit, ISO 105 B0-2 Method 2, 1/4, 1/2 & 3/4 masks, set of 15 + 1/2
• XR-11376-K   Q-SUN Half Height Textile Mask Kit, ISO 105 B0-2 Method 2, 1/4, 1/2 & 3/4 masks, set of 31
• XR-11368-K   Q-SUN Blue Wool Holder for ISO 105 B04
• XR-11315-K   Q-SUN Picture Frame Textile Holder Kit, half height, set of 31
• XR-11229-K   Q-SUN AATCC Textile Masks, paper masks for AATCC TM 16-3, set of 100