Q-RACK
OUTDOOR EXPOSURE RACKS
Q-RACK outdoor exposure racks are the same aluminum racks that are used at Q-Lab Florida and Q-Lab Arizona to perform natural outdoor exposure tests. Now you can buy these professional-quality racks to perform exposures at your own site.
Q-RACK kits, accessories, and non-standard mounting systems are available for different applications and testing requirements. They meet ISO, ASTM, SAE, and other international standards for outdoor testing. The Q-RACK frame may be positioned at 0°, 5°, 45°, or 90° from horizontal.
The durable Q-RACK design has been proven over decades of harsh subtropical and desert exposures. The racks are versatile, dependable, and affordable, and come in kit form for easy assembly.
Q-RACK Outdoor Exposure Racks
Q-RACK outdoor exposure rack kits are available in two types: direct exposure and under glass exposure. See the
Q-RACK Brochure for photos and more detailed information.
Direct Exposure
Direct exposure racks test specimens directly to the outdoor environment. This is the most common method for testing coatings, inks, plastics, or finishes used outdoors. Most typical test specimens can be easily mounted on a Q-RACK direct exposure system. Our Q-RACK kits meet the requirements of ISO 877-2 Method A, ASTM G7, ASTM D4141, and SAE J1976. Be sure to visit our Standards Search Tool for other information about relevant standards for Q-RACK systems or our other products and services.
Under Glass
Under glass exposure racks are primarily used to test automotive interior materials. Specimens are exposed to sunlight behind special glass panels. Kits shipped outside of North America only include the frames, not the glass. For elevated temperatures, Black box Q-RACK exposures are also available.
Q-RACK Direct Exposure Rack Kits
Q-RACK direct exposure rack systems feature two legs and an anodized aluminum main frame measuring 3.66 × 1.68 × 0.10 m (12.0 × 5.1 × 0.3 ft.). Panel base and flap assemblies hold panels in place and may be adjusted to fit various sizes of test specimens. Q-RACK direct exposure rack kits have one panel base and five panel flaps; additional panel assemblies may be ordered to hold more specimens.
Sturdy positioning arms are used to hold frames securely at the correct angle of exposure (see Accessories tab). Sold in pairs, they are available for positioning the Q-RACK system at either: 0° (horizontal), 5°, 45°, or 90° (vertical), to meet your testing specifications.
Q-RACK Under Glass Exposure Rack Kits
Q-RACK under glass exposure rack systems feature two legs and a special welded, anodized aluminum main frame measuring 3.66 × 1.68 × 0.10 m (12.0 × 5.1 × 0.3 ft.). Six sub-frames are provided, each covered with special 3 mm (0.12 in) window glass. Kits shipped outside of North America do not include glass. All mounting hardware is supplied to hold test specimens in place.
A black box under glass exposure kit also is available. With its aluminum black box, the rack kit is suitable for testing indoor materials under higher temperature conditions.
Q-RACK Accessories
Q-Lab offers several accessories for Q-RACK exposure rack kits, which are all available for shipment globally. See the
Q-RACK Brochure for photos and more detailed information.
Positioning Arms
Positioning arms are sold in pairs and required for installation of Q-RACK kits. They are available in orientations of 0°, 5° (horizontal), 45°, and 90° (vertical).
Panel Flap Assembly
The panel flap holds the test panels in place. It is easy to open and close. You can increase the Q-RACK kit's specimen mounting capacity by using additional panel flaps. A vinyl strip separates the exposed and unexposed areas of each panel.
Panel Base Assembly
This base fits the bottom edge of every rack that uses panel flaps, holding the bottom of the panels in place.
Leg
Individual legs may be purchased for custom installations.
Black Box Retrofit Kit
Includes all the components and hardware to convert your Q-RACK frame into a black box exposure system.
Sub-Frame Holders
Used to modify the Q-RACK system to hold non-standard test specimens. Sub-frame kits include eight 81.25 × 89 cm (32 × 35 in) open back sub-frame assemblies, or six under glass sub-frame assemblies. Kits are easy to install and adjust for different specimen sizes. They are available for both Direct Exposure and Under Glass Racks – the latter for North America only.
Offset Panel Holder Kits
Used to mount test specimens at an angle, to prevent water from dripping on the sample below. They are adjustable for different sample widths and are available in two sizes.
- 15.25 cm (6 in) width - holds 40 specimens
- 20.3 cm (8 in) width - holds 28 specimens
T-Leg
The Horizontal T-Leg allows for mounting a Q-RACK on a level, concrete surface. The kit includes two legs and necessary hardware.
Looking for additional information on the Q-RACK? Browse our extensive document library for technical articles, technical bulletins, and more.
More Q-RACK Resources At Your Fingertips
Document Library
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Education
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Standards
Review setup and performance information on key international and OEM test standards from ASTM, ISO, SAE, JIS, GB, and more.