Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber, Xe-3: affordable weathering for VW PV1306, 3929, 3930
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-
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.
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, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Shanghai, China.
