QUV Summary
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The QUV® tester’s short wavelength, ultraviolet light, and moisture cycles realistically simulate the damaging effects of sunlight, dew, and rain. You can generate reproducible and reliable weathering data in just a few weeks or months, with excellent correlation to outdoor weathering tests. SOLAR EYE Irradiance Control Condensation System Uses Tap Water Quick & Easy Calibration with AutoCal Small Footprint / Large Capacity Ultraviolet Sunlight The QUV machine uses fluorescent UV lamps to reproduce the damaging effects of sunlight. Although UV light makes up only about 5% of sunlight, it is responsible for most of the sunlight damage to polymer materials exposed outdoors. Therefore, it is only necessary to reproduce the short wavelength UV for testing polymer degradation. Accelerated Weathering Tester Noon Summer Sunlight Wavelength (nanometers) UVA-340 is the best available simulation of sunlight from 295 nm (solar cut-on) to 365 nm. Several types of UV lamps are available for the QUV accelerated weathering tester. Each lamp type differs in the total amount of UV energy emitted and in wavelength spectrum. For example, the UVA340 lamp offers the best correlation to outdoor exposures because it is the best simulation of sunlight from 295 nm to 365 nm. The UVB-313 lamp offers maximum acceleration by utilizing short-wave UV that is more severe than is normally found on the earth’s surface. The exposure application dictates which lamp type should be used. (Request LU-8160 Choice of Lamps for more information.) Moisture Users can program the QUV tester to produce alternating cycles of wetness and UV exposure, creating conditions identical to natural weathering. Room Air Cooling UV Lamps Test Specimen Test Specimen Studies have shown that condensation in the form of dew is responsible for most outdoor wetness. Dew is more damaging than rain because it remains on the material for a long time, allowing significant moisture absorption. The QUV machine’s long, hot condensation cycle reproduces outdoor moisture far better than other methods such as water spray, immersion, or high humidity. Swing-Up Door HEATED WATER Oxygenation Vent Base Cabinet Water Heater The QUV tester’s unique condensation To simulate damage caused by rain, such as thermal mechanism reproduces outdoor moisture. shock or mechanical erosion, the QUV tester can be fitted with a water spray system in addition to the standard condensation mechanism. Temperature Increasing temperature typically accelerates the destructive effects of light and moisture exposures. The QUV accelerated weathering tester provides accurate temperature control, as well as a means to elevate the temperature to produce acceleration.

Irradiance Control & Calibration Irradiance control in the QUV machine is simplified by the inherent spectral stability of its fluorescent UV lamps. Unlike most other lamp types, there is no change in the spectra of the QUV tester’s fluorescent lamps over time. This enhances the reproducibility of test results and is a major advantage of using a QUV machine for testing. The patented SOLAR EYE Irradiance Controller continuously monitors the UV intensity of the lamps, using four sensors at the same plane. This feedback allows the SOLAR EYE to automatically compensate for lamp aging, or any...