April 6, 2009

Volkswagen Endorses Q-Sun Testing Worldwide

Volkswagen AG has given its worldwide suppliers an alternative choice of xenon testing equipment by authorizing the use of the Q-Sun to meet three updated test methods. Several years of research in multiple locations established that the Q-Sun Xe-3 xenon arc tester gives comparable results to the Atlas Xenotest-Beta for three exterior weathering standards (PV1306, PV3929, PV3930) materials testing.

Testing started in 2004, with DuPont Mexico seeking to meet VW-Mexico’s existing hardware-based standards for testing exterior materials in a dry, hot climate. Similar results between the Q-Lab and Atlas equipment led to VW-Mexico’s endorsement of Q-Sun testing by all its suppliers. Subsequent testing in several international locations provided comparable results.

Based on these tests, VW updated the three test methods from hardware-based to performance-based, allowing the use of the Q-Sun. Volkswagen’s international suppliers can now reduce their product testing costs, while meeting stringent industry standards for reliability and reproducibility. The low-maintenance Q-Sun Xe-3’s purchase and operating costs are much lower than those of competitive xenon testers.

August 2008
Q-Lab Opens New Weathering Technology Center to Serve German Industry

Q-Lab Opens New Weathering Technology Center to Serve German Industry Q-Lab Corporation has announced the opening of the new Q-Lab Deutschland GmbH Weathering Technology Center. Because of Germany’s unique position of technical expertise, Q-Lab determined that the importance of supporting German industry requires the development of a highly specialized facility within Germany staffed with experts in the weathering sciences. Beginning August 1, 2008, the new Q-Lab Germany Weathering Technology Center will be dedicated to serving German customers by providing technical support, education and training, as well as sales support. The new Q-Lab facility will support German industry with world-class educational programs, seminars, cooperative research programs, and calibration and repair services. It will also feature a contract testing laboratory that will provide accelerated weathering and light stability exposure services using the Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber and the QUV Weathering Tester. Q-Lab Germany will also provide German customers with conventional technical sales services for all Q-Lab products including: Q-Panel Test Substrates QUV Accelerated Weathering Testers Q-Sun Xenon Test Chambers Natural Outdoor Exposures in Q-Lab Florida and Q-Lab Arizona Q-Trac Natural Sunlight Concentrator Exposures Q-Fog Cyclic Corrosion Testers. The new Q-Lab Deutschland GmbH Weathering Technology Center is located near Düsseldorf, Germany. Q-Lab Corporation is a global provider of scientific instruments and test services for research and development and quality control, with a focus on weathering and material durability testing. Q-Lab is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio USA with facilities in Florida and Arizona, as well as Manchester, England and Shanghai, China.

Q-Lab Deutschland GmbH
Werftstr. 47
D- 40549 Düsseldorf

Tel: 211-50080255
Fax: 211-50657011
Mobil: 0172 – 1680170

Info.de@q-lab.com
www.q-labdeutschland.de

New SAE Automotive Standards Replace J1960 and J1885
Recent SAE standards changes allow automotive suppliers to use newer Q-Sun xenon arc testers for weathering and light stability testing of exterior and interior materials.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) published two new performance-based weathering test methods (J2412 and J2527) in January to replace the older, hardware-specific methods (J1960 and J1885). The Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber meets both SAE J2412 and J2527.

Proven Efficacy Publication of these new test methods was the result of years of development by the Automotive Materials Association (AMA) and the SAE.
Q-Lab’s Ronald Roberts described the standards changes in his June 2008 American Coatings Show conference presentation, Automotive Xenon Arc Test Methods: A Correlation Study. He discussed a cooperative research program conducted by Chrysler, BASF Corporation and Q-Lab to test the performance of the new test methods and to qualify newer xenon arc test equipment for use in automotive testing.

Following the guidelines of SAE J2413 to compare the performance of test equipment, the research team used standard reference material comparisons for initial correlation. Their next step was to study an array of 34 automotive materials in current use, including painted metal, coated plastics, uncoated plastics, and various waxed finishes. Specimens were exposed in both flat array and rotating drum xenon testers, with instrumental color and gloss measurements performed at regular intervals. The research confirmed the efficacy of the performance-based approach to testing.

A Choice of More Affordable Equipment As a result of the newly published SAE J2527 (automotive exterior materials) and J2412 (automotive interior materials) standards, suppliers now have a choice of xenon test equipment, rather than being limited to specific models from one manufacturer. The change from standards specifically describing the type of hardware, to performance-based standards that describe test conditions, will reduce costs by allowing users to select from any type of equipment that meets the test parameters. 
A reliable and affordable choice for these test methods is the Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber from Q-Lab. Q-Sun test chambers are used by companies worldwide to aid in selecting new materials, improving existing materials, or evaluating changes in formulation. Among several Q-Sun models, the Model Xe-3 offers the most comprehensive features for testing a wide range of automotive parts and components. This unit was on display at the American Coatings Show. 

The Q-Sun Xe-3 is a full-sized, free-standing tester that provides larger capacity, easier operation and maintenance, and lower costs than other comparable xenon test chambers. It is equipped with three full-spectrum xenon arc lamps; the patented Solar Eye irradiance control system to maximize and measure lamp life; a choice of irradiance set points (340 nm or 420 nm); a choice of optical filters for daylight, window-glass and extended UV spectra; both chamber air temperature control and black panel temperature control; and a large specimen capacity. In addition, the patented AutoCal system allows quick and easy calibration.

Versatile specimen mounting is a key feature of the Q-Sun Xe-3’s large, easily accessible, slide-out tray. The near-horizontal specimen plane allows items of different sizes and shapes (including large 3-D parts) to be tested at the same time, without special specimen holders.

Options available with the Model Xe-3 include water spray, dual spray, a chiller, and relative humidity control. For smaller testing requirements, the Q-Sun Model Xe-1 is a bench-top, flat array model with one xenon lamp.

For suppliers who are not ready to buy a xenon test chamber, Q-Lab offers Q-Sun test services at its accredited accelerated testing laboratories in Ohio and at Q-Lab Weathering Research Service near Miami, Florida. Testing with the Q-Sun is also available at several international locations.

Auto Industry’s Response to Standards Change Because Q-Sun models cost much less to purchase and operate than comparable rotating-rack style xenon testers, the automotive industry has responded to the opportunity to use the newer equipment. Chrysler has approved the company-wide use of Q-Sun Xenon Test Chambers to meet SAE J2527 and J2412 requirements for testing automotive exterior and interior parts, components and materials. In addition to the Q-Sun’s reliability, major factors driving the decision were cost savings and confirmed correlation to outdoor results. Automotive coatings suppliers, such as BASF and PPG, also reduce testing costs by using the Q-Sun. 

For a copy of the technical paper, Automotive Xenon Arc Test Methods: A Correlation Study, request Bulletin LX-5030. Contact Q-Lab at (440) 835-8700 or info@q-lab.com.  

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New Low-Cost Xenon Lightfastness Tester Offers Advanced Standard Features, Larger Capacity

The new rotating rack Q-Sun Model B02 xenon tester from Q-Lab Corporation was designed specifically to be an affordable lightfastness tester that meets the requirements of ISO and AATCC. In addition, its capacity is 48% to 92% larger than comparable xenon testers.

The latest model of Q-Sun xenon tester provides precise control of critical textile test parameters. These include spectrum, irradiance, relative humidity, chamber temperature and black standard temperature.

Even smaller textile labs now will find fully automatic, xenon lightfastness testing affordable with the less costly Q-Sun B02. All of the features and hardware you need – from irradiance control to specimen holders – come standard, at no extra cost.

Compare and Save on Water-Cooled Xenon Arc Replacement Lamps

Now you can cut the high cost of replacing lamps in rotating drum xenon testers by almost half – with no reduction of quality, performance, or lamp life.

X-6500 water-cooled xenon arc lamps, available from Q-Lab Corporation, are guaranteed to have a comparable spectral power distribution to lamps supplied with Atlas Weather-o-meter TM models Ci35, Ci35A, Ci65, Ci65A and Ci4000, when the same Atlas filter type is used. These replacement lamps are warranted for 1200 hours of normal operation.

Every X-6500 xenon lamp has been tested for ignition and inspected for conformity with mechanical and electrical specifications. The lamp meets a wide range of ISO, ASTM, SAE and AATCC requirements.

Because lamps should be replaced regularly to ensure reliable test results, using Q-Lab’s economical replacement lamps can reduce operating costs significantly in a short period of time. Maks & Spencer Endorse Q-Sun Lightfastness Testing Marks & Spencer (M&S) approves the Q-Sun lightfastness tester, “following its successful evaluation at the labs of Specialized Technology Resources (STR) in the UK,” confirms Mr. Ian Morris, Product Testing, Safety and Plan A Delivery Manager for M&S. STR, an accredited light fastness testing laboratory used by M&S, has a worldwide team of highly trained technical support staff with extensive experience in evaluating the quality of all types of garments, fabrics, hosiery and home furnishings. Results from extensive evaluations concluded that the Q-Sun flat array style tester gives similar lightfastness results as the rotating drum testers that have traditionally been approved by M&S. The tester also has comparable irradiance uniformity and humidity uniformity. In STR’s final report, the Q-Sun also received high accolades for its ease of use. ”Machine operation is straight forward, aided by a clear and simple visual display (This is backed up by a concise operating manual).” “Burner change is straight forward, aided via good accessibility via a large hinged door and burner housing removal.” “Calibration is conducted using the supplied calibration device and is simply a plug-and-play operation using simple instructions.” “Specimen mounting is quick and easy. The sturdy design of the holders and the fact that the mask is guided on three sides allows precise re-masking therefore reducing the prospect of ghosting.” The “Approved Equipment List” for Marks & Spencer’s C9 and C9A lightfastness testing now includes the Q-Sun Xe-3-H. This list is available on their Quality Standards Website. At a time when cost reduction is critical, the Q-Sun approval introduces a new affordable lightfastness tester for use by M&S and their vendors. For more information about how the Q-Sun Xe-3 can benefit your Marks & Spencer lightfastness testing, contact Q-Lab at info@q-lab.com,