QUV Summary0 pages

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.

QUV Tester Features
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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.

1.5

Irradiance — W/m2/nm

PRODUCT SUMMARY  LU-0805

Accelerated
Weathering Tester

Noon
Summer
Sunlight

1

UVA-340
Irradiance
0.5

0
270

290

310

330

350

370

390

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.

VAPOR

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.