รุ่นของเครื่องจำลองสภาวะอากาศด้วยแสงยูวี QUV
- QUV/basic: เป็นรุ่นเริ่มต้น จำลองแสง UV และการควบแน่น (ไม่มีระบบควบคุมความเข้มของรังสี, ใช้หน้าจอสัมผัสแบบเดี่ยว)
- QUV/se: จำลองแสง UV, การควบแน่นหรือความชื้น และมีระบบควบคุมความเข้มของรังสีด้วย SOLAR EYE
- QUV/spray: จำลองแสง UV, การควบแน่นหรือความชื้น, ระบบควบคุมความเข้มรังสีด้วย SOLAR EYE และระบบสเปรย์น้ำ
- QUV/uvc: ใช้แสง UVC คลื่นสั้น และระบบควบคุมความเข้มรังสีด้วย SOLAR EYE
- QUV/cw: ใช้แสงสีขาวเย็นที่มองเห็นได้, การควบแน่นหรือความชื้น และระบบควบคุมความเข้มรังสีด้วย SOLAR EYE
Product Specifications
The World’s Most Widely Used Weathering Tester™
Accelerated Testing for Material Durability Against Outdoor Elements
The QUV tester accurately simulates environmental damage factors to predict how materials will perform when exposed to outdoor conditions.
Realistic Simulation of Environmental Stressors
- UV Radiation: Uses fluorescent lamps to precisely replicate the short-wave UV region of solar spectrum – the primary cause of photodegradation in outdoor materials
- Moisture Exposure: Features a condensation system that realistically simulates dew formation at elevated temperatures
- Water Purification: Automatically purifies ordinary tap water through the condensation process, eliminating impurities
Detects Common Types of Material Degradation
- Color change
- Gloss loss
- Chalking
- Cracking and crazing
- Hazing and blistering
- Embrittlement
- Strength reduction
- Oxidation
Industry-Standard Testing Solution
- Accommodates up to 48 specimens (75 × 150 mm)
- Complies with numerous international, national, and industry specifications
- Ensures reliable and reproducible test results
User-Friendly Design
- Fully Automated: Operates continuously 24/7
- Multilingual Interface: Available in 17 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese
- Connectivity: Built-in Ethernet connection for data logging
- Self-Diagnostics: Comprehensive warning system and service reminders
- Easy Calibration: Features patented AUTOCAL system
- Safety-Focused: Designed for safe operation, calibration, and maintenance
Cost-Effective Solution
- Economical purchase price
- Low operating costs
- Long-life fluorescent UV lamps
- Uses ordinary tap water for condensation
Available Models
- QUV/basic: UV and condensation testing with single touchscreen display
- QUV/se: UV, condensation, and SOLAR EYE irradiance control
- QUV/spray: UV, condensation, SOLAR EYE irradiance control, and water spray functionality
- QUV/uvc: Short-wave UVC light testing with SOLAR EYE irradiance control
- QUV/cw: Cool white visible light testing, condensation, and SOLAR EYE irradiance control
QUV/basic (Model 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.
QUV/se (Model 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.
QUV/spray (Model 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.
QUV/uvc (Model 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.
QUV/cw (Model 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 and can be programmed in eight user-selectable languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese). 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.
Specialized Lamp Options
UVA-340
- Best simulation of natural sunlight in critical short wavelength region (295-365 nm)
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVA-340 and UVA-340+]
UVA-340+
- Identical spectrum to UVA-340
- Extended lifetime at high irradiance settings
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVA-340 and UVA-340+]
UVA-351
- Simulates UV portion of sunlight filtered through window glass
- Ideal for testing interior applications
- Reproduces polymer damage near windows
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVA-351]
UVB-313EL
- Maximizes acceleration using shortwave UV (more severe than natural surface UV)
- Best for quality control, R&D applications, and testing highly durable materials
- May produce accelerated results for some materials
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVB-313EL]
UVB-313EL+
- Nearly identical spectrum to UVB-313EL
- Extended lifetime at high irradiance settings
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVB-313EL+]
UVC-254
- Delivers high-intensity, monochromatic, shortwave UV light at 254 nm
- Replicates UVC used for disinfection against bacteria and viruses
- Evaluates material durability when exposed to UVC light
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for UVC-254]
QFS-40 (FS-40/F40 UVB)
- Original QUV lamp with spectrum similar to UVB-313
- Specified in select legacy automotive test methods
- Compatible only with QUV/basic tester
Cool White
- Used exclusively in QUV/cw models
- Reproduces and accelerates indoor lighting conditions
- Simulates office, commercial, and retail display environments
- [View Spectral Power Distribution data for QUV Cool White Lamps]
TUV-421
- Combines excellent shortwave UV match to natural sunlight with long-wavelength UV
- Includes short-wavelength visible light
- Reproduces color change in materials sensitive to longer-wavelength irradiance
QUV Calibration Systems: Ensuring Accurate Testing Results
Temperature Calibration
Maintain precise testing conditions with simple temperature calibration:
- Black panel temperature sensor requires periodic user calibration
- Quick and straightforward process
- Compatible with any standard reference thermometer
- Ensures accurate and consistent testing results
Irradiance Calibration (All Models Except QUV/basic)
The SOLAR EYE irradiance sensors require periodic calibration to maintain testing accuracy:
Universal Calibrator System
- Quick calibration using UC10 calibration radiometer
- Process takes only minutes
- Three specialized UC10 smart sensor models available:
- UC10/UV: Compatible with UVA-340, UVA-351, UVB-313, and TUV-421 lamps (including plus versions)
- UC10/UVC: Designed exclusively for UVC-254 lamps
- UC10/CW: Specifically for Cool White lamps
ISO 17025 Accredited Radiometer Recalibration
Annual calibration required for UC10 radiometers:
- Cost-efficient disposable design
- Options for annual replacement or inexpensive recalibration
- Simple recalibration return procedure
Global Calibration Network
Q-Lab maintains ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratories in:
- United States
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- China
All calibrations are:
- Accredited by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
- Traceable to the United States’ 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.
TEST STANDARDS FOR THE QUV ACCELERATED WEATHERING TESTER
AAMA 624
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles
This specification describes test procedures and performance requirements for high performance, organic, coatings applied to fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for windows, doors and similar products.
AATCC TM186
Weather Resistance: UV Light and Moisture Exposure
This test method provides a procedure for the exposure of textile materials of all kinds, including coated fabrics and products made thereof, in a laboratory artificial weathering exposure apparatus employing fluorescent UV lamps as a light source and using condensing humidity and/ or water spray for wetting.
ASTM C1257
Standard Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solvent-Release-Type Sealants
This test method includes two laboratory accelerated exposure procedures for predicting the effects of ultraviolet or ultraviolet/visible radiation, heat, and moisture on color, chalking, cracking, and adhesion of solvent-release sealants.
ASTM C1442
Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus
This practice covers three types of laboratory weathering exposure procedures for evaluating the effect of actinic radiation, heat, and moisture on sealants.
ASTM C1501
Standard Test Method for Color Stability of Building Construction Sealants as Determined by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures
This test method describes laboratory accelerated weathering procedures using either fluorescent ultraviolet or xenon arc test devices for determining the color stability of building construction sealants.
ASTM C1519
Standard Test Method for Evaluating Durability of Building Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures
This test method covers the method for the determination of the durability of a sealant based on its ability to function in cyclic movement maintaining adhesion and cohesion after repeated exposure to laboratory accelerated weathering procedures.
ASTM C732
Standard Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants
This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of aging effects of artificial weathering on latex sealants.
ASTM C734
Standard Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex Sealants After Artificial Weathering
This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the determination of low-temperature flexibility of latex sealants after 500 h artificial weathering.
ASTM C793
Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants
This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the effects of accelerated weathering on cured-in-place elastomeric joint sealants (single- and multi-component) for use in building construction.
ASTM D1148
Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Discoloration from Ultraviolet (UV) and Heat Exposure of Light-Colored Surfaces
This test method covers techniques to evaluate the surface discoloration of white or light-colored vulcanized rubber that may occur when subjected to UV or UV/visible exposure from specified sources under controlled conditions of relative humidity, or moisture, and temperature.
ASTM D1670
Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials
This test method covers the use of a spark generating apparatus for determination of failure due to cracking of bituminous materials undergoing accelerated or outdoor weathering on electrically conductive backings.
ASTM D3424
Standard Practice for Evaluating the Relative Lightfastness and Weatherability of Printed Matter
This standard describes procedures for the determination of the relative lightfastness and weatherability of printed matter under the following conditions, which involve exposure to natural daylight or accelerated procedures in the laboratory.
ASTM D3451
Standard Guide for Testing Coating Powders and Powder Coatings
This guide covers the selection and use of procedures for testing coating powders and powder coatings. The test methods included are listed in Table 1. Where more than one test method is listed for the same characteristic, no attempt is made to indicate superiority of one method over another. Selection of the methods to be followed must be governed by experience and the requirements in each individual case, together with agreement between the purchaser and the seller.
ASTM D4101
Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
This specification covers polypropylene materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Polymers consist of homopolymer, copolymers, and elastomer compounded with or without the addition of impact modifiers (ethylene-propylene rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, and butyl rubber), colorants, stabilizers, lubricants, or reinforcements.
ASTM D4329
Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics
This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for fluorescent UV exposure of plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G154.
ASTM D4434
Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Sheet Roofing
This specification covers flexible sheet made from poly(vinyl chloride) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather.
ASTM D4587
Standard Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
This practice covers the selection of test conditions for accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in fluorescent UV and condensation devices conducted according to Practices G151 and G154.
ASTM D4674
Standard Practice for Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor Office Environments
This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent light to determine color stability of plastics when materials are exposed in typical office environments where fluorescent overhead lighting and window-filtered daylight are used for illumination and where temperature and humidity conditions are in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for workers’ comfort.
ASTM D4799
Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Fluorescent UV, Water Spray, and Condensation Method)
This practice describes test conditions and procedures for fluorescent UV and condensation exposures conducted according to Practices G151 and G154 for bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials that have a minimum softening point of approximately 95°C (200°F) as determined by Test Method D36.
ASTM D4811
Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing
This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather.
ASTM D5208
Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics
This practice covers the specific procedures applicable for fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) exposure of photodegradable plastics conducted in accordance with Practices G151 and G154.
ASTM D5894
Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal, (Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and a UV/Condensation Cabinet)
This practice covers basic principles and operating practice for cyclic corrosion/UV exposure of paints on metal; using alternating periods of exposure in two different cabinets: a cycling salt fog/dry cabinet, and a fluorescent UV/condensation cabinet.
ASTM D6577
Standard Guide for Testing Industrial Protective Coatings
This guide covers the selection and use of test methods and procedures for testing industrial protective coatings.
ASTM D750
Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus
This test method covers specific variations in the test conditions and procedures that shall be applicable when Practice G151 plus either Practice G152, G153, G154, or G155 are employed for exposure of vulcanized rubber compounds.
ASTM D882
Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
This test method covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness).
ASTM D904
Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Artificial Light
This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for ultraviolet (UV) light aging (with or without water) of adhesive bonded joints having at least one glass or transparent adhered, using fluorescent UV (see Method A) or xenon-arc light sources (see Method B).
ASTM D925
Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property—Staining of Surfaces (Contact, Migration, and Diffusion)
These test methods cover techniques to evaluate three types of staining that rubber may cause when in contact with, or in proximity to, another surface that may be light colored.
ASTM E3006
ASTM E3006, Standard Practice for Ultraviolet Conditioning of Photovoltaic Modules or Mini-Modules Using a Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus
This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions for performing ultraviolet conditioning exposures on photovoltaic modules or mini-modules using fluorescent ultraviolet lamps.
ASTM F1164
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Transparent Plastics Exposed to Accelerated Weathering Combined with Biaxial Stress
This test method covers the resistance of transparent plastics exposed to environmental conditioning (accelerated weathering) under a biaxial stress state induced by a pressure cell/test fixture.
ASTM F1945
Standard Practice for Determining the Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Indoor Fluorescent Lighting
This practice covers an accelerated procedure intended to determine the lightfastness of ink jet prints in office environments where overhead fluorescent light is used for illumination.
ASTM G151
Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources
This practice provides general procedures to be used when exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices that use laboratory light sources.
ASTM G154
Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for using fluorescent UV light, and water apparatus intended to reproduce the weathering effects that occur when materials are exposed to sunlight (either direct or through window glass) and moisture as rain or dew in actual usage.
EN 13523-10 (DIN)
Coil Coated Metals – Test Methods Part 10: Resistance to Fluorescent UV Radiation and Water Condensation
GB/T 16422.1
Plastics-Methods of the exposure to laboratory light sources Part 1:general guidance
This part of GB / T 16422 provides information and general principles on the selection and implementation of exposure methods described in detail in the following sections. It also describes and recommends methods for determining irradiance and radiation levels, and describes monitoring boxes Equipment requirements for body air temperature and surface temperature of dark and light colored materials.
GB/T 16422.3
Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps
This part of GB / T 16422 specifies the test method for the exposure of test specimens in test equipment equipped with fluorescent ultraviolet radiation, heat and water. A natural aging effect that occurs under daylight.
GB/T 19394
UV test photovoltaic (PV) modules
This standard specifies tests for assessing the resistance to ultraviolet radiation of photovoltaic modules when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This test is suitable for assessing the resistance to UV radiation of materials such as polymers and protective layers.
GB/T 23983
Test method for yellowing resistance of wood coatings
This standard specifies the test method for the determination of yellowing resistance of single-layer or multi-layer coatings of wood coatings using fluorescent ultraviolet aging equipment.
GB/T 23987
Paints and varnishes – Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering – Exposure to fluorescent UV lamps and water
This standard specifies test methods for determining the weathering resistance of coatings using test equipment containing fluorescent UV lamps and condensation or water spray.
GB/T 30669
Textiles – Tests colour fastness – Colour fastness to light yellowing
This standard specifies the test method for the light yellow fastness of textile materials exposed to ultraviolet light.
GB/T 31881
Accelerated weathering test methods of automotive nonmetal components and materials using a fluorescent UV and condendation apparatus
This standard specifies the test methods and evaluation methods for accelerated aging of automotive non-metal parts and materials using ultraviolet aging test equipment.
GB/T 31899
Textile – Tests for weather resistance – UV light exposure
This standard specifies the test method for UV exposure and aging of outdoor textiles and the determination of the change in properties before and after aging.
GM 9125P
Procedures for Laboratory Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Materials
These procedures are used to determine the resistance to degradation of automotive materials when subjected to artificial light sources. It describes exposures to sunshine carbon arc, xenon arc, fluorescent ultraviolet light and condensation apparatus, and a twin carbon arc.
IEC 61215
Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovaltalic (PV) Modules – Design Qualification and Type Approval
IEC 61345
UV Test for Photovaltalic (PV) Modules
ISO 11507 (EN) (DIN)
Paints and Varnishes – Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering- Exposure to fluorescent UV lamps and water
This International Standard specifies exposure conditions for paint coatings exposed to artificial weathering in apparatus including fluorescent UV lamps and condensation or water spray.
ISO 29664
Plastics – Artificial weathering including acidic deposition
ISO 4892-1 (EN) (DIN)
Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 1: General guidance
ISO 4892-3 (EN) (DIN)
Plastics – Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps
SAE J2020
Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Fluorescent UV and Condensation Apparatus
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