Automatic Xenon Weathering Test Chamber
Precision Xenon Weathering Test Chamber
Precision Xenon Weathering Tester
Professional Xenon Weathering Test Equipment
Professional Xenon Weathering Tester
Xenon Accelerated Weathering Test Chamber
Expert Xenon Weathering Test Analysis

ASTM & ISO Xenon Arc Weathering Testing with the QPI-XEN8800

The Professional Automatic Xenon Test Chamber QPI-XEN8800 is designed for controlled accelerated light-exposure testing of plastics, coatings, pigments and other materials. Using a powerful 1.8 kW xenon light source, selectable optical filters, adjustable irradiance, controlled temperature and programmable test stages, the instrument enables laboratories to investigate how materials respond to prolonged exposure to simulated daylight and other defined light conditions.

Xenon arc testing is widely used to evaluate material changes associated with light exposure and accelerated weathering. Depending on the material and applicable test method, these changes can include color fading, discoloration, gloss loss, chalking, cracking, embrittlement and changes in mechanical or surface properties.

ASTM G155 Xenon Arc Testing

ASTM G155-25 provides general practices for operating xenon arc lamp apparatus for laboratory exposure of materials. It establishes principles for controlled exposure using filtered xenon radiation, temperature and, where required by the selected procedure, moisture.

ASTM G155 should not be considered a universal pass/fail specification or a single test cycle for every material. The appropriate exposure conditions must be selected according to the material-specific standard, product specification or test objective.

For plastics intended for outdoor applications, ASTM D2565-23 provides material-specific guidance for xenon arc exposure. For plastics intended primarily for indoor applications where daylight transmitted through window glass is relevant, ASTM D4459 may apply.

ISO 4892-2 Xenon Arc Testing for Plastics

ISO 4892-2:2013 specifies laboratory xenon arc exposure methods for plastics. The test uses filtered xenon radiation together with controlled environmental conditions to investigate selected effects associated with daylight or daylight transmitted through window glass.

The QPI-XEN8800 supports controlled irradiance, temperature and different optical filter configurations, allowing laboratories to establish repeatable xenon-light exposure programs within the operating capabilities of the instrument.

The exact filter, irradiance, temperature, exposure duration and other test conditions must always be selected according to the applicable ISO procedure and relevant product specification.

ISO 16474-2 for Paints and Coatings

For paints and varnishes, ISO 16474-2:2013 is the relevant ISO xenon arc exposure standard. It addresses exposure of coating specimens to xenon arc radiation under controlled environmental conditions for evaluating selected effects associated with natural daylight or daylight transmitted through window glass.

The older ISO 11341 standard has been withdrawn and replaced by the ISO 16474 series.

Controlled Xenon Exposure with the QPI-XEN8800

The QPI-XEN8800 provides engineers and quality-control laboratories with important functions for controlled accelerated light exposure, including:

• adjustable xenon irradiance across 300–400 nm;

• irradiance control at 340 nm and 420 nm;

• daylight, UV and window-glass filter options;

• adjustable temperature control;

• automatic irradiance compensation;

• irradiance and temperature calibration;

• programmable multi-stage test programs;

• automatic test-data storage;

• USB data export;

• intuitive touchscreen operation.

The optical filter is particularly important because it determines the spectral characteristics of the radiation reaching the specimen. Filter selection must therefore correspond to the intended exposure environment and applicable test method.

Stable irradiance is also essential for repeatable testing because xenon lamp output can change during service life. Automatic irradiance compensation helps maintain the programmed exposure level throughout the test.

Important Considerations for Standards-Based Testing

Instrument capability and standards compliance should always be distinguished.

A standards-based xenon test requires the laboratory to follow the applicable requirements for specimen preparation, optical filtering, irradiance, temperature, environmental conditions, exposure duration, evaluation and reporting.

The QPI-XEN8800 does not include an automatic water-spray system. Therefore, procedures that specifically require water spray or environmental functions not installed in this model should be performed using an appropriately equipped xenon chamber, such as a suitable QPI configuration designed for those conditions.

Accelerated xenon exposure should also not be interpreted as a simple conversion between laboratory hours and years of outdoor service. Real-world weathering depends on geography, climate, orientation, temperature, moisture, solar exposure and material-specific characteristics. Xenon testing is most powerful when used for controlled material comparison, formulation development, quality control and investigation of degradation mechanisms.

Professional Xenon Arc Testing for Laboratory and Quality Control

With programmable operation, controlled xenon irradiation, selectable optical filters, temperature control and automatic data recording, the QPI-XEN8800 Professional Automatic Xenon Test Chamber provides a versatile laboratory platform for accelerated light-exposure research and compatible ASTM and ISO testing.

For detailed information about ASTM G155, ASTM D2565, ASTM D4459, ISO 4892-2 and ISO 16474-2, including test principles, specimen preparation, filter selection, irradiance control, exposure programming and interpretation of results, please refer to our complete technical article on ASTM and ISO Xenon Arc Weathering Test Methods using the QPI-XEN8800.

Standards Notice: This information provides general technical guidance and does not reproduce or replace the official ASTM or ISO standards. Laboratories should consult the current official standard and applicable product specification for normative test parameters and requirements.