Q-SUN® | Xe‑3

Full-Spectrum Xenon Lamps

Xenon arc lamps provide 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.  Xenon lamps last for 3000 hours at normal irradiance and 1000 hours at high irradiance. The Q-SUN Xe-3 uses three lamps per machine. Visit our xenon arc lamps page for more information.

Optical Filters

The Q-SUN Xe-3 model’s optical filters 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 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-3 models use three optical filters per machine. See 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-3 tester using black panel and chamber air temperature sensors.  The temperature can be set at any point between 42 °C and 120 °C, depending upon whether the black panel sensor is insulated or uninsulated, as well as irradiance level, filter type, lamp age, and ambient room temperature.  Low-temperature test conditions can be achieved using an optional chiller. See the Q-SUN Specification Bulletin for more information.

Versatile Specimen Mounting

The flat specimen mounting tray in the Xe-3 accommodates different shapes and sizes of specimens, including three-dimensional parts.  A variety of specimen holders are available. The Xe-3 mounting tray is 451 × 718 mm (17.8 × 28.3 in) and holds up to 55 specimens @ 51 × 102 mm (2 × 4 in) each.  See the Q-SUN Specimen Mounting Bulletin or the 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 340 nm, 420 nm, or TUV (Total UV, 300-400 nm).  See the Q-SUN Brochure for more information.

Humidity Control

Relative humidity (RH) control is standard in the Q-SUN Xe-3 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-3 tester.  See Q-SUN Specification Bulletin.

Optional Water Spray (Xe-3-HSE, Xe-3-HDSE, Xe-3-HBSE, and Xe-3-HSCE)

Outdoor moisture attack is simulated via optional pure water spray in the Xe-3 tester.  Two spray nozzles 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 Xe-3 with water spray. See The Importance of Water Purification for more information.

Optional Back Spray (Xe-3-HBSE)

Back spray is available for the Xe-3 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-3 with back spray. See The Importance of Water Purification for more information.

Optional Dual Spray (Xe-3-HDSE)

Dual spray is available for the Xe-3 tester. It allows a second liquid solution, such as acid rain or soap solution, to be sprayed onto test specimens. A large external reservoir, centrifugal pump, and filter are attached to a portable cart that sits next to the Xe-3 tester.  See our Technical Bulletin Acid Etch for Automotive Testing, or our two-part series on Acid Etch testing.

Optional Chiller for Low Temperature Applications (Xe-3-HSCE)

For some interior products such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, lower exposure temperatures are necessary to prevent unnatural degradation. An optional chiller is available for the Xe-3 tester to reduce temperatures when testing such heat-sensitive materials for tests like the ICH Guidelines protocol. With a chiller, a Q-SUN Xe-3 tester can operate at black panel temperatures as low as 31 °C at 50% RH, depending upon sensor type, irradiance level, filter type, lamp age, and ambient room temperature, and humidity. The Xe-3 chiller is designed to stand alongside the full-sized Xe-3 tester, and is provided with wheels for easy repositioning.

Software & Operations

The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester’s displays are designed to be both functional and easy-to-use. Q-SUN testers feature dual, full-color touchscreen displays and can be programmed in 17 user-selectable languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and 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 Q-SUN Xe-3 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 with Q-Lab's VIRTUAL STRIPCHART application. Data from the USB export can be emailed directly to Q-Lab's technical support desk for expert troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Xenon Arc Lamps for Full-Spectrum Light

The Q-SUN Xe-3 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 Q-SUN Brochure for details.

The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester uses three air-cooled xenon arc lamps. This significantly reduces operating and maintenance expenses compared to water-cooled lamps. Warrantied lamp life for Q-Lab’s “plus” lamps is 3000 hours at typical irradiance, and 1000 hours at high irradiance. Visit our xenon arc lamps page for more information.

Changing the Xe-3 lamps is quick and easy – they are easily accessible from the front of the tester. Replacement only requires the user to open an access door, release a set screw, and remove the trigger finger. Each 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. The three categories of filters shown below are available to simulate a variety of service environments. The application or test method dictates which filters should be used. The 
Q-SUN Xe-3 tester’s long-life filters are exceptionally durable and maintain the required spectrum indefinitely. After many years of use, Q-SUN filters typically do not show any signs of aging. See A Choice of Filters for Q-SUN for a more detailed discussion.

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, like roofing and exterior coatings, should be tested using Daylight filters. Three different types of Daylight filters are available for the Q-SUN Xe-3 tester: Daylight-F, Daylight-Q and Daylight-B/B. The 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 passing through window glass. This also simulates other indoor lighting, such as 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-3 tester: Window-Q, Window-B/SL, Window-SF-5, and Window-IR.

Extended UV Filters

Extended UV Filters transmit 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.

Low Cost Replacement Lamps for Atlas Weather-Ometer® Testers

Q-Lab also offers water-cooled replacement lamps for use in Atlas Weather-Ometer® models Ci35, Ci35A, Ci65, Ci65A, Ci4000, Ci4400, and Ci5000.

These low-cost water-cooled replacement lamps are guaranteed to have a comparable spectral power distribution to original lamps supplied by Atlas.  The lamps meet a wide range of ISO, ASTM, SAE, and AATCC requirements.

See our Water-Cooled Lamps and Optical Filters Product Summary or visit our xenon arc water-cooled products landing page for more information.

®Weather-Ometer is a registered trademark of Atlas Material Testing, LLC

Temperature Calibration

The Q-SUN Xe-3 onboard black panel temperature sensor needs to be calibrated periodically by the user.  This assures accurate and consistent results.

Calibrating the Xe-3 black panel temperature sensor is simple using the Universal Calibrator system’s UC202 calibrated temperature sensor, and takes only a few minutes.  Note that UC202 thermometers come with either an uninsulated black panel (UC202/BP) or insulated black panel (UC202/IBP) sensor.  This sensor must match the type of sensor actually used in the Xe-3 tester.  The low-cost, combination relative humidity/chamber air temperature sensor is designed to be replaced once a year by the user and cannot be recalibrated.

Irradiance Calibration

The Q-SUN Xe-3 has three onboard SOLAR EYE irradiance sensors that need to be calibrated periodically by the user to assure accurate and consistent results.

Calibrating the Xe-3 tester is simple using the Universal Calibrator system’s UC20 and takes only a few minutes.  UC20 devices are available with either a 340 nm, 420 nm, or 300-400 nm TUV (Total UV) sensor and must match the type of sensors actually used in the Q-SUN tester.

ISO 17025 Accredited Recalibration

Calibration of both the UC202 thermometers and UC20 radiometers needs to be performed annually. Both types of devices were designed to be disposable and cost-efficient, and can either be replaced annually with a freshly-calibrated device or returned to Q-Lab once per year for an inexpensive recalibration. See our Recalibration Return Procedure. 

Q-Lab's calibration labs in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and China are ISO 17025 accredited by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to perform calibrations of UC sensors. Calibrations are traceable to the United States' National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Versatile Specimen Mounting

The Q-SUN Xe-3 tester’s flat specimen mounting tray offers the flexibility to test many sizes and shapes of specimens. Specimen holders are available in a number of sizes to accommodate traditional flat specimens, like panels and plaques. Three-dimensional specimens such as bottles, test tubes, cosmetics, and automotive components can be placed directly onto the specimen tray or in special holders.  Adjustable height stands are available to mount three-dimensional parts so that the top of the part is at the normal specimen tray height.

The near-horizontal specimen tray ensures that water doesn't quickly run off the specimens, for best reproduction of outdoor results.  It is also useful for testing materials that flow at elevated temperatures.

Please visit our Specimen Mounting Bulletin for more information and to see examples.

Drain Pump

Drain pumps are available for Q-SUN Xe-3 models.  A drain pump is required if the drain tube must rise more than 100 mm (4”) above the floor before reaching the drain.

Water Inlet Pump

Q-Lab offers a water inlet pump for Q-SUN Xe-3 installations that do not have sufficient water pressure.  The pump boosts low water pressure or draws water from a reservoir.  The pump operates automatically and supplies water to the Xe-3 tester on demand.

Water Repurification System

To significantly reduce the cost of running the Q-SUN Xe-3 tester’s optional water spray system, Q-Lab offers a Water Repurification System that reuses the water that normally would go down the drain. This system can save over 1,000 liters of expensive, purified water per day in a test cycle that calls for several hours of water spray, and can pay for itself in a matter of months. 

Unlike competing systems that simply recirculate dirty water, Q-Lab's repurification system repurifies water in addition to conserving it. Major components include a water reservoir, a pump, a flow adjustment valve, a repurification cartridge and a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) purity monitor.

Chamber Access Port

A test chamber access port is available for connecting specimens in the test chamber to external devices. Cables, wires, or hoses can be inserted through a slot in the tester back panel and then through a port in the test chamber wall. This option is often used to keep electrical devices powered on during testing.