Q8 UV Accelerated Weathering Tester

The Q8 UV is used in more labs throughout the world than any other accelerated weathering tester. In just a few days or weeks, the Q8 UV can reproduce damage that may occur over months or even years outdoors.

Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light causes almost all the photodegradation to materials exposed outdoors. The Q8 UV tester reproduces only the UV portion of the spectrum. Our UVA-340 lamp is the best available simulation of short-wave sunlight. It is especially useful for comparing the performance of different types of polymers and stabilizers. It is the best lamp for correlation studies.

Moisture Simulation
Products outdoors can be exposed to moisture, in the form of dew, for up to 15hours per day. All models of Q8 UV provide a rigorous, yet highly realistic, moisture exposure with cycles of hot condensing humidity. A Q8 UV/spray can simulate the effects of rain, such as thermal shock and erosion.

UV light weathering chambers

Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light causes almost all the photo degradation to hard polymer materials exposed outdoors. The QUV tester reproduces only the UV portion of the spectrum. Our UVA-340 lamp is the best available simulation of short-wave sunlight. It is especially useful for comparing the performance of different types of polymers and stabilizers. It is the best lamp for correlation studies.

 

The most popular Q8/UV model features the Solar Eye Irradiance Control for precise maintenance of UV light intensity. The Q8/UV1 uses a proven condensation mechanism to simulate outdoor moisture attack. It allows faster, more reproducible testing, longer lamp life, and ISO calibration. With the Q8/UV1, state-of-the-art accelerated weathering is available in an affordable tester that is easy to use

 

Q8/UV2 The QUV/spray is the same as a standard Q8/UV1 , but also includes a water spray system consisting of spray nozzles, piping, controls and drain.

Short periods of spray can be used to create a thermal shock. Longer periods can be used to achieve mechanical erosion. The Q8/UV2 can be set to produce the following conditions:  UV alone, spray alone, or condensation. Deionized water is recommended for most spray applications.

 

This is a simplified version of the Q8/UV3 for the lab where economy is critical. Irradiance is controlled by periodic lamp replacement and repositioning. The Q8/UV3 has a condensation system for moisture simulation. It does not have water spray.

 

Some industries have test methods that specify the use of cool white lamps for indoor photo stability testing. To reproduce indoor light conditions, the QUV/cw has a Solar Eye Irradiance Control system which has been modified to monitor and control the light output of cool white fluorescent lamps. See HONGZHAN Bulletin LU-0823, Q8/UV4 Cool White Photo stability Tester for more information.

The Q8/UV4 uses cool white lamps to simulate indoor environments, such as the overhead fluore-scent lighting typically found in offices. It also meets ISO, ANSI and ASTM test methods for indoor photo stability testing as well as requirements of ICH Guidelines Option 2.

 

Q8 UV Test Methods
The Q8 UV meets specifications world wide. This is just a partial list. If you have questions pertaining to test methods that the QUV meets, please contactQ-Lab. General|Coatings|Textiles|Printing Inks|Adhesives|Sealants|Plastics|Roofing|Misc.
General 
ISO 4892-1 Plastics- Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources-Part 1: General Guidance
ASTM G-151, Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
ASTM G-154, Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
British Standard BS 2782: Part 5, Method 540B （Methods of Exposure to Lab Light Sources）
SAE J2020, Accelerated Exp. of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Fluorescent UV/Condensation Apparatus
JIS D 0205, Test Method of Weatherability for Automotive Parts （Japan）
Coatings 
ISO 11507, Paints & varnishes-Exposure of coatings to artificial weathering-Exposure to fluorescent UV and water
ISO 20340, Paints & varnishes CPerformance requirements for protective paint systems for offshore and
     related structures
ASTM D-3794, Standard Guide for Testing Coil Coatings
ASTM D-4587, Standard Practice for Light/Water Exposure of Paint
US Government, FED-STD-141B
US Govt., Federal Specification TT-E-489H, Enamel, Alkyd, Gloss, Low VOC Content
US Govt., Federal Specification TT-E-527D, Enamel, Alkyd, Lusterless, Low VOC Content
US Govt., Federal Specification TT-E-529G, Enamel, Alkyd, Semigloss, Low VOC Content
US Govt., Federal Specification TT-P-19D Paint, Latex, Acrylic Emulsion, Ext. Wood & Masonry
NACE Standard TM-01-84 Procedures for Screening Atmospheric Surfaced coatings
GM4367M Topcoat Materials - Exterior
GM 9125P Laboratory Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Material
Korean Standard M5982-1990, Test Method for Accelerated Weathering
Spanish Std, UNE 104-281-88 Accelerated Testing of Paints and Adhesives with Fluorescent UV Lamps
Israeli Standard No. 330, Steel Windows
Israeli Standard No. 385, Plastic Windows
Israeli Standard No. 935, Road Marking Paint
Israeli Standard No. 1086, Aluminum Windows
NISSAN M0007, Fluorescent UV/Condensation Test
JIS K 5600-7-8, Testing Methods for Paints
MS 133: Part F16, Methods of Test for Paints and Varnishes: Part F16: Exposure of Coatings to Artificial Weathering- Exposure to Fluorescent UV and Water （ISO 11507）
NBR-15.380 Paints for buildingsCMethods for performance evaluation of paints for non-industrial buildings C Resistance to UV irradiation/water vapor condensation, by accelerated test
prEN 927-6 Paints & varnishesCCoating materials and coating systems for exterior wood C Pt. 6: Exposure of wood coatings to artificial weathering using fluorescent UV and water
Textiles 
AATCC Test Method 186, Weather Resistance: UV Light and Moisture Exposure
ACFFA Test Method for Colorfastness of Vinyl Coated Polyester Fabrics
Printing Inks
ASTM F1945, Lightfastness of Ink Jet Prints Exposed to Indoor Fluorescent Lighting
Adhesives & Sealants 
ASTM C 1501, Standard Test Method For Color Stability of Building Construction Sealants as Determined by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures
ASTM C-1184, Specification for Structural Silicone Sealants
ASTM C-1442, Standard Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus
ASTM D-904, Standard Practice for Exposure of Adhesive Specimens to Artificial Light
ASTM D-5215, Standard Test Method for Instrumental Evaluation of Staining of Vinyl Flooring by Adhesives
American Plywood Assn., Approval Procedures for Synthetic Patching Materials, Section 6
Spanish Std, UNE 104-281-88 Accelerated Testing of Paints and Adhesives with Fluorescent UV Lamps
Plastics 
ISO 4892 Plastics - Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources-Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps
DIN 53 384, Testing of plastics, Artificial Weathering and Exposure to Artificial Light
Spanish Standard UNE 53.104 （Stability of Plastics Materials Exposed to Simulated Sunlight）
Israeli Standard No. 385, Plastic Windows
JIS K 7350, Plastics - Methods of Exposure to Laboratory Light Sources-Part 3: Fluorescent UV Lamps
ASTM D-1248, Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable
ASTM D-4329, Standard Practice for Light/Water Exposure of Plastics
ASTM D-4674, Test Method for Accelerated Testing for Color Stability of Plastics Exposed to Indoor
     Fluorescent Lighting and Window-Filtered Daylight
ASTM D-5208, Standard Practice for Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics
ASTM D-6662,  Standard Specification for Plastic Lumber Decking Boards
ANSI C57.12.28 Specification for Accelerated Weathering of Padmounted Equipment Enclosure Integrity
ANSI, A14.5 Specification for Accelerated Weathering of Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders
Edison Electrical Inst. Specification for Accelerated Weathering of Padmounted Equip. Enclosure Integrity
Wisconsin Electric Power Specification for Polyethylene Signs
Roofing 
ASTM D-4799, Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Bituminous Roofing Materials
ASTM D-4811, Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing
ASTM D-3105, List of Test Methods for Elastomeric and Plastomeric Roofing & Waterproofing
ASTM D-4434, Standard Specification for PVC Sheet Roofing
ASTM D-5019, Standard Specification for Reinforced Non-Vulcanized Polymeric Sheet Used in Roofing Membrane
ANSI/RMA IPR-1-1990 Req. for Non-Reinforced Black EPDM Sheet for Roofing Membrane
ANSI/RMA IPR-2-1990 Req. for Fabric-Reinforced Black EPDM Sheet for Roofing Membrane
ANSI/RMA IPR-5-1990 Req. for Non-Reinforced Non-Black EPDM Sheet for Roofing Membrane
ANSI/RMA IPR-6-1990 Req. for Fabric-Reinforced Non-Black EPDM Sheet for Roofing Membrane
British Standard BS 903: Part A54 Annex A & D, Methods of Testing Vulcanized Rubber
CGSB-37.54-M, Canadian General Standards Board Spec. for PVC Roofing & Waterproofing Membrane
DIN EN  534, Corrugated bitumen sheets
EOTA TR 010, Exposure procedure for artificial weathering
RMA Specification for Reinforced Non-Vulcanized Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Sheet for Roofing Membrane
Miscellaneous 
Israeli Standard No. 385, Anodic Coatings on Aluminum