Q-SUN Xenon Arc Large Capacity Rotating Rack Tester XE-8

Overview

The Q-SUN Xe-8 sets a new benchmark in xenon arc weathering technology. As Q-Lab’s largest and most advanced rotating rack tester, it offers exceptional testing capacity, precision, and repeatability. With a unique vertical mounting design and eight powerful xenon arc lamps, the Xe-8 simulates full-spectrum sunlight to accelerate material degradation testing under highly realistic environmental conditions.

Designed for research, development, and quality control across multiple industries, the Xe-8 supports a wide range of global standards, including ASTM, ISO, AATCC, and SAE. From lightfastness and colour stability to weathering and photodegradation, the Xe-8 delivers accurate, actionable results faster than traditional methods.

Performance & Capacity

The Xe-8’s rotating specimen rack accommodates up to 164 samples, making it ideal for high-volume testing environments. Each sample is exposed evenly thanks to the rotating vertical configuration, which ensures uniform irradiance and environmental conditions across all specimens. The eight xenon arc lamps, arranged in four pairs, deliver unmatched exposure consistency while reproducing ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation to closely match natural sunlight.

Whether you're evaluating outdoor durability or indoor lightfastness, the Xe-8’s large capacity allows for comprehensive side-by-side comparisons, speeding up development and reducing time to market.

Environmental Control

What sets the Xe-8 apart is its ability to tightly control temperature, humidity, and moisture—all critical factors in accurate weathering simulation. The chamber includes full regulation of relative humidity, chamber air temperature, and black panel temperature. These settings can be fine-tuned to suit a wide range of materials and industry-specific testing needs.

Water exposure is also built into the system. The Xe-8 comes standard with front and back spray nozzles that simulate rain and dew, essential for replicating natural weathering. The programmable spray cycles allow moisture to be applied during both light and dark periods, increasing the realism of your test environment. For materials sensitive to temperature, an optional chiller is available, extending the chamber’s operational range from as low as 31°C up to 120°C.

Precision & Reproducibility

To ensure consistent results, the Q-SUN Xe-8 features SOLAR EYE® irradiance control, which continuously monitors and adjusts lamp output. This closed-loop system maintains stable irradiance levels throughout the entire test cycle, eliminating fluctuations that could affect results. Combined with long lamp life (up to 3000 hours under standard conditions), this system reduces operating costs while ensuring test reproducibility.

The tester’s interchangeable optical filters give users the flexibility to simulate different lighting environments. Daylight filters replicate direct sunlight for outdoor products, window glass filters simulate interior conditions, and extended UV filters offer enhanced exposure for demanding automotive and aerospace applications.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

Despite its technical sophistication, the Xe-8 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. A touchscreen control interface allows for intuitive operation and quick setup, while real-time monitoring keeps users informed of test status and environmental conditions. Specimen loading is straightforward, and optional specimen holders accommodate a wide range of sample shapes and sizes.

Maintenance is minimal thanks to the system’s air-cooled lamps, which reduce the need for additional cooling infrastructure and keep operational costs low. The tester uses purified water to avoid mineral build-up in the spray system, contributing to long-term reliability.

Applications

The Xe-8 supports a broad spectrum of industries and testing goals. In automotive, it’s ideal for evaluating the lightfastness and durability of interior trims, exterior panels, and coatings. Building materials manufacturers rely on it to test the performance of roofing, siding, windows, and outdoor composites. The textile industry uses the Xe-8 to measure fading and durability of fabrics under sunlight, while plastics and polymer labs evaluate UV resistance, discolouration, and cracking.

Other key sectors include aerospace, where materials face intense UV and environmental exposure, and consumer goods, where packaging, electronics, and home products must maintain appearance and integrity over time.

Model Options & Customisation

The standard Q-SUN Xe-8 model includes all the core capabilities—rotating rack, dual water spray, humidity and temperature control, vertical mounting, and full-spectrum xenon lamps. Users can further enhance the system with optional features like a chiller for low-temperature applications, extended UV filters, or dual spray capabilities for applying multiple liquid solutions such as acid rain or detergents. Custom specimen holders are also available for non-standard sample types.

Why Choose the Xe-8

The Q-SUN Xe-8 offers an unbeatable combination of high capacity, accurate environmental simulation, and low cost of ownership. Its efficient air-cooled lamps, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance requirements contribute to the lowest total cost of ownership in its class.

From product development to regulatory compliance and routine quality checks, the Xe-8 delivers the reliability and precision testing teams depend on. Its large sample capacity, robust feature set, and compliance with global standards make it an invaluable asset in any testing lab.

Summary

The Q-SUN Xe-8 is more than just a weathering tester. It's a comprehensive solution for simulating real-world sunlight and environmental conditions in the lab. Whether you're developing new materials, validating product performance, or ensuring compliance with demanding standards, the Xe-8 empowers you to make confident, data-driven decisions.

With high-capacity performance, precise control, and proven reliability, the Q-SUN Xe-8 stands as the industry’s gold standard for xenon arc weathering.