The Q-Lab Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE Flat-Array Xenon Arc Test Chamber with RH and Front Water Spray is a full-size xenon arc weathering tester for laboratories that need controlled full-spectrum light, temperature, relative humidity and direct water spray exposure. The Xe-3-HSE model uses three 1800 W full-spectrum ozone-free xenon arc lamps, a large flat-array specimen tray, SOLAR EYE irradiance control and front water spray capability. It is designed for technical buyers testing coatings, plastics, automotive materials, textiles, packaging, sealants, printed materials and selected three-dimensional components where sunlight, heat, humidity and rain exposure must be simulated under repeatable laboratory conditions. For laboratories comparing Q-SUN Xe-3 configurations, the Xe-3-HSE adds front spray to the humidity-controlled Xe-3 platform, while excluding back spray, dual spray and chiller functions.
Test Standards Supported
The Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE supports xenon arc weathering and lightfastness methods where the selected cycle requires irradiance, chamber air temperature, black panel or insulated black panel temperature, relative humidity and front water spray. Exact method suitability depends on the selected optical filter, irradiance control point, temperature setpoint, RH setpoint and spray cycle.
- ASTM G151, exposure of non-metallic materials in accelerated test devices using laboratory light sources.
- ASTM G155, xenon arc exposure of non-metallic materials.
- ISO 4892-2, plastics exposed to laboratory xenon arc light sources.
- ISO 16474-2, paints and varnishes exposed to laboratory xenon arc light sources.
- ASTM D2565, xenon arc exposure of plastics intended for outdoor applications.
- ASTM D4459, xenon arc exposure of plastics for indoor applications.
- ASTM D6695, xenon arc exposure of paints and related coatings.
- ASTM D7869, automotive coating exposure, subject to cycle and spray requirements.
- SAE J2412, accelerated exposure of automotive interior trim components.
- SAE J2527, accelerated exposure of automotive exterior materials, subject to cycle requirements.
- AATCC TM16 and AATCC TM169, textile lightfastness and weathering methods.
- ISO 105-B02, ISO 105-B04, ISO 105-B06 and ISO 105-B10, subject to cycle requirements.
Configuration Notes
- This Xe-3-HSE model includes relative humidity control.
- This model includes front water spray for direct rain and wetting exposure cycles.
- This model does not include back spray. For front and back spray, review Xe-3-HBSE.
- This model does not include dual spray. For a second spray liquid, review Xe-3-HDSE.
- This model does not include a chiller. For lower CAT operation, review Xe-3-HSCE.
- This model supports simultaneous chamber air temperature and BP or IBP temperature control.
Key Features
- Full-size Xe-3 flat-array chamber for high-capacity xenon arc weathering and lightfastness testing.
- Three 1800 W full-spectrum ozone-free xenon arc lamps for realistic sunlight simulation.
- Relative humidity control from 20-95% for humidity-influenced weathering cycles.
- Front water spray capability for direct rain and moisture exposure.
- Large 45 x 72 cm flat specimen tray for panels, larger samples and selected product parts.
- SOLAR EYE irradiance control with selectable 340 nm, 420 nm or TUV control points.
- Model E feature set with dual touchscreen displays and improved irradiance/lamp efficiency.
- AUTOCAL UC20 compatibility for irradiance control and black panel thermometer calibration.
- Air-cooled xenon lamp design for practical operation and reduced maintenance complexity.
- Standard Ethernet datalogging plus USB data transfer and software update support.
Performance Specifications
- Chamber type: full-size flat-array xenon arc weathering test chamber.
- Light source: 3 x 1800 W full-spectrum ozone-free xenon arc lamps.
- Specimen capacity: 55 specimens at 51 x 102 mm.
- Specimen area: 45 x 72 cm, depth x width.
- Specimen orientation: 10° measured from horizontal.
- Maximum evenly distributed specimen weight on tray: 23 kg.
- Black panel temperature range: 45 to 110 °C in light, 40 to 90 °C with IR filter and 25 to 50 °C in dark.
- Insulated black panel range: 50 to 120 °C in light, 45 to 100 °C with IR filter and 25 to 50 °C in dark.
- Chamber air temperature range: 35 to 65 °C in light and 25 to 50 °C in dark.
- Relative humidity range: 20 to 95%.
- Front spray water consumption: 0.16 L/min with spray on.
- Humidifier water consumption: 44 L/day, with actual use dependent on test and laboratory conditions.
- External dimensions: 91 x 178 x 99 cm.
- Weight: 190 to 233 kg, depending on configuration.
- Electrical requirements: 208 V or 230 V, 3-phase at 39 A, 50/60 Hz; 400 V, 3-phase at 26 A.
Specimen Capacity and Configuration
The Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE uses a large flat-array specimen tray with a 45 x 72 cm exposure area and capacity for 55 specimens at 51 x 102 mm. The near-horizontal 10° specimen orientation is useful for flat panels, coated coupons, plastics, textiles, packaging samples and selected three-dimensional parts. Q-Lab notes that Xe-1 and Xe-3 specimen capacities are listed without specimen holders, so holder selection should be confirmed during configuration.
The key difference between Xe-3-HSE and Xe-3-HE is the front spray system. This makes the Xe-3-HSE better suited to exposure cycles where direct moisture, rain simulation or wet/dry cycling is important. If a method requires water exposure on both sides of the specimen, the Xe-3-HBSE should be reviewed. If a second spray liquid such as acid rain or soap solution is required, the Xe-3-HDSE or another dual spray configuration should be reviewed.
Operating Specifications
The Xe-3-HSE is an S model, so it requires high-purity water. Q-Lab lists the water requirement for all S or W models as inlet pressure of 2.1 to 6.2 bar, resistivity greater than 5 MΩ.cm, conductivity less than 0.2 μS/cm, total dissolved solids less than 0.1 ppm and colloidal silica less than 0.1 ppm. Q-Lab also recommends pH 6 to 8 and use of a reverse osmosis/deionisation system for best performance.
For facility planning, the Xe-3-HSE external dimensions are 91 x 178 x 99 cm, with a listed weight range of 190 to 233 kg depending on configuration. Q-Lab notes that the rear Xe-3 vent duct can be removed to reduce the chamber depth from 99 cm to 88 cm for movement through small doors. Electrical requirements are 208 V or 230 V, 3-phase at 39 A, or 400 V, 3-phase at 26 A, with voltage tolerance of plus or minus 10% and 50/60 Hz operation.
The recommended laboratory ambient condition is 23 ± 5 °C and 50 ± 25% relative humidity. Q-Lab states that operation outside these conditions can cause temperature, humidity or other faults, and the chamber should not be operated above 36 °C ambient or above 80% RH. These details are important for Australian and New Zealand laboratories planning installation in production quality areas, shared test laboratories or rooms with seasonal ambient variation.
Why Choose the Q-Lab Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE?
The Q-Lab Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE is a strong choice for laboratories that need full-size flat-array xenon arc testing with RH control and direct front spray capability. Compared with Xe-3-HE, it adds water spray. Compared with Xe-3-HBSE, it keeps the system focused on front spray only. Compared with Xe-3-HDSE, it avoids the added dual spray system where a second liquid is not required. Compared with Xe-3-HSCE, it does not include the chiller package, so it is best suited to methods that do not require lower chamber air temperature operation.
For technical buyers, the main commercial value is controlled exposure with practical moisture simulation. The Xe-3-HSE combines three air-cooled xenon lamps, SOLAR EYE irradiance control, humidity control, BP or IBP plus CAT control, front water spray, AUTOCAL calibration and a large specimen tray. This supports repeatable, documented weathering and lightfastness testing for quality control, R and D screening, supplier comparison, formulation validation and customer specification work.
John Morris Group supplies Q-Lab capital test equipment across Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the Pacific Islands, supporting customers with model selection, facility planning, calibration workflow, water quality requirements, electrical services and after-sales support. Contact John Morris Group for a quote on the Q-Lab Q-SUN Xe-3-HSE Flat-Array Xenon Arc Test Chamber with RH and Front Water Spray, including confirmation of the correct optical filters, detector assembly, specimen holders, calibration accessories, water purification and installation requirements for your test programme.
