UV Accelerated Aging Chamber

Product Overview

The UV Accelerated Aging Chamber (Model: GC-UV-A) is a cutting-edge device that simulates outdoor weathering (sunlight, dew, rain) to accelerate material aging—reproducing months or years of outdoor damage in days or weeks. It uses 8 imported 40W UV lamps (standard: UVA-340, 315~400nm) to mimic short-wave UV rays in sunlight, combined with condensation and water spray systems to simulate dew and rain. Key selling points include a Taiwan QTEST 7-inch true-color touchscreen (real-time parameter monitoring), compliance with ASTM D4329 and ISO 4892-3 standards, and independent control of radiation/condensation/spray cycles. It is widely used to evaluate fading, cracking, chalking, or strength loss of materials, helping manufacturers select durable materials and optimize formulations.

Core Features

Realistic Weather Simulation: UVA-340 lamps (peak at 340nm) accurately replicate sunlight’s short-wave UV range; UVB-313 lamps (280~315nm) are optional for faster aging (suitable for high-durability materials). Condensation system (100% RH) simulates dew, while 5 nozzles (high-power pump) create rain-induced thermal shock.

Comprehensive Data Management: Supports 30 program groups (30 segments each) with 999 cycles. Real-time curve recording and computer-connected report printing enable traceable test results. Pt-100 black panel sensor precisely controls sample surface temperature (45~80℃).

Robust Construction: Full SUS304 stainless steel box (corrosion-resistant), dense-hole stainless steel sample holders (secure placement), and bottom casters (with U-shaped fixed rings) for easy mobility. Fan duct over-temperature protection and water shortage alarms ensure safety.

Application Scenarios

This chamber is critical for materials requiring weather resistance:

Plastics & Polymers: Testing plastic products (e.g., outdoor furniture, packaging) for UV-induced brittleness or color change.

Coatings & Paints: Evaluating automotive paints, architectural coatings, or industrial finishes for fading and peeling under sunlight and rain.

Rubber & Textiles: Assessing rubber seals (auto, construction) and outdoor fabrics (awnings, tents) for aging-related elasticity loss.

Automotive Industry: Simulating long-term outdoor exposure for exterior components (bumpers, mirrors) to ensure durability.

Introduction to equipment function area

1. Irradiation system (simulated sunlight):

Light source: 8 imported ultraviolet fluorescent lamps with a rated power of 40W. There are UVA-340 and UVB-313 light sources for users to choose and configure. Like other lamps, the aging of the QUV lamp will cause the lamp output to drop. The QUV without the sun eye control system uses the method of rotating the position to compensate. This system can be used for many application standards, but it has inherent limitations. This method of rotating positions cannot compensate for the impact caused by different batches of lamp tubes or differences in the surrounding environment.

a) UVA-340: It can emit the wavelength of sunlight from 315nm to 400nm, and its radiation peak is at 340nm. UVA-340 is especially useful for controlled testing of different experiments, best simulating sunlight in the short-wave UV range.

b) UVB-313: The wavelength range is between 280nm and 315nm. UVB-313 tubes cause faster material degradation than UVA-340 lamps, but their shorter wavelength than the solar cutoff can produce impractical results for many materials.

UV cycle temperature control:

The components of the UV circulation system include a blower, air heater, air distribution system, black panel temperature sensor.

a) Blower: Installed at the air duct opening of the lower box of the equipment, the blower works continuously during the whole UV cycle.

b) Air heater: installed in the air duct above the blower, used to heat the air blown by the blower when needed.

c) Air distribution system: the air blown by the blower enters the test room through the air duct in the center of the water tray, and then is guided by the air guide to fill the whole test room

Condensation system (simulated dew):

The QUV condensing system is essentially where evaporated water vapor is confined within the chamber by the chamber's template. During the condensation cycle, the water is heated by the heating element in the water pan. The water vapor fills the test chamber and reaches equilibrium at 100% humidity. The water vapor continuously condenses on the sample and finally flows back into the water pan.

Sprinkler system (simulated rainwater):

The QUV sprinkler system consists of a high-power water pump, 5 nozzles, connecting pipes, control valves and drainage parts. Nozzles are installed between the lamps, and in the spray cycle, water is sprayed onto the sample to create a thermal shock or erosion effect.

Box structure features:

• The cabinet is made by full numerical control, with advanced technology, smooth lines and elegant appearance

• The whole box is made of SUS304 high-grade stainless steel plate

• Stainless steel dense hole sample holder

• Door-type opening devices are used for each opening of the test box shell, which is easy to open

• In order to facilitate movement, casters are installed at the bottom of the instrument, and the position of the testing machine is fixed with a U-shaped ring after the position is fixed.

  
  

Control panel: (The specific buttons and indicators depend on the actual configuration)

• QTEST-UV 7-inch programmable display

• RS232 communication port

• Operation button

• Alarm indicator light

• Irradiation timer

Operation laboratory:

• UV lamp, blackboard temperature sensor.

• Heating and humidifying device

• Inlet and drainage, spraying device

  
  

Mechanical room:

• Intake and drainage device

• Sprinkler system installation

• Condensing system installation

• Blower, air heater

• Alarm device

Power distribution control cabinet:

• Power distribution board, main power circuit breaker, cooling fan, etc.

Heater:

• Heater material: stainless steel 304 fin heat dissipation electric heating tube

• Heater control mode: non-contact equal-period pulse width modulation, SSR (solid state relay)

Humidifier:

• Humidification method: shallow water basin heating

• Humidifier material: stainless steel armored

• Humidifier control mode: non-contact equal-period pulse width modulation, SSR (solid state relay)

• Humidifier device: water level control device, heater anti-dry device

Electrical control system:

• Controller (model): Taiwan programmable touch screen controller (QTEST)

• Display: 7-inch true color touch screen

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• Operation mode: program mode, fixed value mode

• Setting method: Chinese menu, touch screen input

• Program capacity: 30 groups of memory programs, each program group contains 30 program segments, all cycles, up to 999 times

• Black panel temperature monitoring: Standard Pt-100 black panel temperature sensor is used to precisely control the sample surface temperature during the test.

• Subsidiary functions: fault alarm and cause, processing prompt function, power-off protection function, timing function (automatic start and automatic stop operation), self-diagnosis function.

QTEST controller operation:

• Initial screen

Users can switch to other screens through the main menu screen, as shown in the figure below

• Fixed value operation function

Users can use this function to realize the continuous UV test function. In the customized running screen, the user can manually control the opening and closing of each function. In this screen, the temperature setting can be realized, and it has the function of automatic temperature calculation.

• Program test run function.

In the program control screen, the user can automatically run the device according to the edited program. When the program is running, the device has functions such as keeping the jump. And can visually observe the basic information such as the total running time of the program, the segment running time of the program segment, and the program number. At the same time, the running status of each system will also be intuitively displayed on the screen.

• Document management function

This device has powerful document recording, management and storage functions

List of main accessories