The UVA340 lamp provides the best solar analogue spectrum.
Fluorescent UV lamps are more stable than other types of lamps, including xenon arc lamps. The spectral power distribution (SPD) does not change with lamp age, even for up to 5000 hours. This results in more repeatable test results, fewer lamp replacements, and lower operating costs.
Q-Lab produces more UV lamps than all other manufacturers in the aging industry combined.
Q-Lab's lamps are based on our more than 40 years of experience and fluorescent UV technology, and are specifically designed to our own unique specifications. We conduct some of the most stringent quality control tests in the industry. The results have proven that the QUV tester consistently provides the most consistent and stable spectrum.
Several different types of UV lamps can be used in different applications, as listed below.
The UV Tester's UVA340 lamp provides the best solar analog spectrum, with a critical short wavelength range from 365 nm to a solar cut-off wavelength of 295 nm.
The UVA351 lamp of the QUV tester simulates the ultraviolet portion of sunlight through the window pane. This is the most indoor application for materials testing, and is used to reproduce the extent of damage to some inks and polymers in the environment near the window.
The UVB-313 lamp of the QUV tester maximizes the use of short-wave ultraviolet light, which is much more powerful than the ultraviolet rays normally found on the Earth's surface. As a result, for some materials, these lamps may produce unrealistically accurate results. UVB-313 lamps are best used for quality control and R&D applications, or to test very durable materials.
Also known as FS-40 or F40UVB, this was the original QUV tube. FS-40 lamps are still used in some traditional automotive test methods. QFS-40 lamps should only be used with the QUV Basic type tester.
The QUV Tester's cool white tubes (available on the QUV CW model only) effectively reproduce and accelerate the simulation of indoor lighting conditions encountered in office and commercial environments, as well as retail display lighting conditions.
Unlike xenon arc test chambers, the QUV tester does not require the use of any filters.
The QUV Black Plate Temperature Sensor needs to be calibrated regularly by the user to ensure accurate and consistent results. Calibration of the QUV Black Plate Temperature Sensor is quick and easy and can be performed with any standard reference thermometer.
All models except the QUV Basic require regular calibration by the user to ensure accurate and consistent results. It only takes a few minutes to eliminate human error.
The CR10 is used with UVA340, UVA351 or UVB313 lamps.
The CR10 CW Radiometer is only used with cool white tubes.
The CR10 and CR10 CW radiometers need to be returned to the Q-Lab for recalibration once a year at a very low cost. Our calibration laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) or UKAS. Calibration originated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The standard sample holder can be adjusted to different thicknesses, up to 20 mm (3 4 inches) thickness, and allows for quick sample installation. The snap ring compresses the sample well and does not require the test sample to be cut close to the containment range.
In addition, special brackets allow mounting of a wide range of products such as lenses, larger samples, and 3D parts. There are also specimen vial holders, textile grips, and sample mounting.