Controlled Full-Spectrum Exposure for Materials Weathering Programs
The DERUI DR-H301-2 xenon arc weathering test chamber combines a water-cooled xenon lamp with controlled chamber temperature, humidity, black-panel temperature and water spray. It is designed for laboratories evaluating how plastics, coatings, automotive materials, textiles and other products change under filtered xenon light and moisture.
Start With the Required Test Method—not a Generic “Sunlight” Claim
ASTM G155 provides operating principles for filtered xenon-arc exposure of materials. ISO 4892-2 covers xenon-arc exposure of plastics in the presence of moisture, including daylight and window-glass-filtered conditions. SAE J2527 addresses controlled-irradiance xenon-arc exposure of automotive exterior materials.
The standard name alone is not a complete test program. The buyer must define the edition, exposure cycle, filter system, irradiance control point, black-panel or black-standard temperature, humidity or wetting, specimen mounting and evaluation criteria. DERUI reviews these requirements before confirming compliance.
What the DR-H301-2 Controls
Filtered Xenon Light
A water-cooled xenon lamp produces UV, visible and infrared energy. The optical filter and control wavelength must match the specified method and intended exposure.
Specimen Temperature
Chamber air temperature and black-panel temperature are monitored separately because a dark specimen can become hotter than the surrounding air under radiation.
Humidity and Wetting
Humidity and programmable water spray reproduce moisture-related stresses specified by the selected procedure. Spray settings are not interchangeable between standards.
Repeatable Exposure Cycles
The controller coordinates light, temperature, humidity, spray and timing. Closed-loop irradiance capability and its control point must be confirmed in the approved configuration.
Published DR-H301-2 Technical Configuration
These values consolidate the technical-parameter tab currently published for this product. The signed technical agreement and approved quotation remain controlling.
| Model | DR-H301-2 |
|---|---|
| Internal dimensions | 950 × 950 × 850 mm (D × W × H) |
| External dimensions | 1460 × 1280 × 1950 mm (D × W × H) |
| Chamber temperature | 38–80°C |
| Humidity range | 40–98% RH |
| Black-panel temperature | 63–100°C, published tolerance ±3°C |
| Temperature fluctuation / uniformity | ≤±0.5°C / ≤±2°C |
| Published humidity fluctuation | +2 / −3% RH |
| Light source | 6.5 kW water-cooled xenon lamp; one operating lamp plus one published spare |
| Published spectral range | 280–800 nm |
| Specimen rack | Ø800 mm rotating rack, 1–4 rpm; published lamp distance 300–375 mm |
| Standard specimen size | 75 × 150 mm; actual capacity depends on holders and spacing |
| Spray programming | Rain time 0–9999 min; interval and cycle settings are programmable |
| Published water system | 0.12–0.15 MPa; Ø0.8 mm nozzle |
| Power supply | AC 380 V ±10%, 50 Hz, three-phase five-wire |
Water-Cooled DR-H301-2 vs Air-Cooled DR-H301
| Selection point | DR-H301-2 water-cooled page | DR-H301 air-cooled page |
|---|---|---|
| Primary URL | /xenon-arc-weathering-test-chamber/ | /xenon-arc-test-chamber/ |
| Published lamp configuration | 6.5 kW water-cooled xenon lamp | Three 2.5 kW air-cooled lamps |
| Workspace | 950 × 950 × 850 mm | 500 × 760 × 500 mm |
| Best fit | Larger specimen rack and weathering programs requiring the approved water-cooled configuration | Smaller air-cooled configuration where its published capabilities match the test method |
These are separate products and should not be merged or redirected. Selection depends on the actual standard procedure, lamp and filter requirements, specimen capacity, site utilities and maintenance preference.
Xenon Arc, UV Fluorescent and Solar Simulation: Different Tools
Xenon Arc Weathering
Used when filtered xenon radiation, temperature and moisture are required to reproduce daylight-related weathering effects across UV and visible wavelengths.
Fluorescent UV Weathering
Uses fluorescent UV lamps for specific UV, condensation and spray procedures. It does not reproduce the same full spectral distribution as xenon arc.
Solar Simulation
Usually targets defined solar spectral distribution, irradiance uniformity and thermal effects for products such as electronics, vehicle components or aerospace equipment.
Natural Outdoor Exposure
Provides real climate exposure but with longer duration and location-dependent variability. Laboratory acceleration does not have one universal conversion to outdoor years.
Recommended Test Workflow
1. Define the Method
Record the standard, edition, cycle, filter class, irradiance setpoint, temperature, moisture and evaluation intervals.
2. Prepare Specimens
Define dimensions, backing, masking, mounting orientation, control materials and the properties to measure before exposure.
3. Verify the Chamber
Check lamp hours, filter condition, irradiance calibration, temperature sensors, spray system and water quality.
4. Run the Exposure
Program the approved sequence, document interruptions and monitor irradiance, temperature, humidity and wetting.
5. Inspect at Intervals
Condition specimens as required and assess color, gloss, cracking, chalking or material-specific properties.
6. Report the Result
Record the apparatus, filter, exposure conditions, radiant exposure or duration, deviations and evaluation method.
Applications and Evaluation Methods
The chamber can support programs for automotive coatings and trim, plastics, paints, inks, textiles, rubber, sealants, packaging and other exposed materials when its approved configuration matches the required method.
- Appearance: instrumental color difference, gloss retention, yellowing and visual rating.
- Surface degradation: cracking, checking, chalking, blistering, fading and delamination.
- Mechanical retention: tensile, elongation, impact or adhesion before and after exposure.
- Comparative studies: candidate materials tested alongside a control with known behavior.
A chamber creates the exposure; it does not automatically measure every post-exposure property. Colorimeters, gloss meters, tensile testers or other instruments may be required.
Filter, Irradiance and Specimen-Rack Selection
- Filter system: specify whether the method requires daylight, window-glass-filtered or another defined spectral condition.
- Irradiance control: specify the control wavelength or broadband range and required calibration method.
- Specimen geometry: flat plaques, textiles and three-dimensional parts require different holders and usable spacing.
- Uniformity: request the acceptance method and mapping area for the usable specimen plane.
- Inspection access: decide whether specimens will be removed at intervals and how positions will be recorded or rotated.
Calibration, Water Quality and Acceptance
Procurement should include an agreed factory acceptance test. Depending on the method and configuration, checks may cover irradiance response and uniformity, black-panel temperature, chamber temperature, humidity, spray operation, rack speed, timer functions, alarms and data records.
Optical Channels
Confirm sensor type, control wavelength, calibration status, reference instrument and allowable difference.
Climate Channels
Verify temperature and humidity at defined locations and operating conditions rather than relying only on controller display values.
Water System
Define supply quality, filtration, conductivity or purity limit where required, drainage and spray verification.
Documentation
Agree on calibration certificates, uniformity report, FAT record, manuals, wiring diagrams and spare-parts list.
Safety and Preventive Maintenance
Xenon systems involve intense optical radiation, high-voltage lamp ignition, heat and pressurized cooling. Operators should never bypass the door interlock or view an operating lamp without suitable protection. The installation plan should cover ventilation, cooling-water requirements, electrical isolation, drainage and emergency shutdown.
- Record lamp operating hours and inspect output stability.
- Clean and inspect filters, optical surfaces, spray nozzles and specimen holders.
- Maintain cooling-water quality and inspect hoses, seals and flow protection.
- Verify irradiance and temperature sensors at the interval required by the quality system.
- Test door interlock, over-temperature, low-flow and other installed alarms.
Information Needed for a Correct Quotation
- Required standard, edition and exact exposure cycle
- Filter type and irradiance control wavelength or range
- Specimen material, dimensions, quantity and holder requirements
- Temperature, humidity, spray and test-duration requirements
- Required evaluation intervals and data-recording functions
- Site voltage, frequency, ambient conditions, water supply, drainage and ventilation
- Calibration, FAT, third-party report and spare-parts requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between xenon arc and fluorescent UV testing?
Xenon arc uses a filtered broadband light source that includes UV and visible radiation, while fluorescent UV equipment uses selected UV lamps. Choose the apparatus specified by the material standard or customer procedure rather than assuming one is universally faster or better.
Can xenon test hours be converted directly into years outdoors?
No universal conversion is valid for every material, climate and failure mode. Use comparative control materials and correlation data from the specific product and service environment.
Which xenon filter should I choose?
The required standard and end-use exposure determine the filter. Outdoor daylight and behind-window-glass conditions use different spectral requirements. Send DERUI the exact procedure before finalizing the optical system.
Does the chamber include closed-loop irradiance control?
The required irradiance range, sensor wavelength and control method must be confirmed in the quotation. Do not infer this from the lamp power or published spectral range alone.
How many specimens fit in the DR-H301-2?
Capacity depends on specimen dimensions, holder type, spacing, usable irradiance area and whether positions must be rotated. Provide a specimen drawing and quantity for a layout review.
What support does DERUI provide after delivery?
DERUI provides a one-year whole-machine warranty, lifetime technical consultation, remote video guidance and operator training. Overseas installation can be arranged as a separately charged service, and spare-parts support is available for up to ten years.
Related Weathering Equipment
Compare this water-cooled chamber with the DR-H301 air-cooled xenon arc test chamber. For fluorescent UV exposure, review the UV accelerated weathering tester. For controlled solar radiation testing of larger products, see the solar simulation chamber.
Configure the Chamber Around Your Exposure Method
Send DERUI the standard edition, exposure cycle, filter requirement, irradiance control point, specimen layout and site utilities. The engineering team will confirm the optical system, chamber configuration, acceptance checks and delivery schedule before quotation.
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