QUV Weathering Tester

Model QUV/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.

Model QUV/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

Model QUV/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.

Model QUV/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.

Model QUV/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.

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.

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 (except QUV/basic, which has a single touchscreen display) and 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. 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.

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