The Q-Lab UC80 Universal Calibrator System for Q-SUN Xe-8 AUTOCAL Calibration is the dedicated calibration system used to maintain accurate irradiance and temperature control in the Q-SUN Xe-8 large-capacity xenon arc weathering tester. It supports the calibration workflow for the Xe-8 tester’s onboard SOLAR EYE irradiance sensors and black panel temperature sensors, helping laboratories maintain repeatable exposure conditions across long-duration weathering programmes. For technical buyers investing in a Q-SUN Xe-8 chamber, the UC80 is an important operational accessory because calibration accuracy directly affects the reliability of material degradation, colour change, coating durability and lightfastness data. It is suited to quality control laboratories, automotive materials teams, coatings manufacturers, plastics producers, packaging laboratories, textile testing groups and industrial R and D facilities running controlled xenon arc exposure work.
Calibration and Accreditation
The UC80 is not an exposure chamber and does not run weathering standards by itself. Instead, it supports the calibration of the Q-SUN Xe-8 sensors used when laboratories run xenon arc test methods such as ASTM G155, ISO 4892-2, SAE J2412, SAE J2527 and other Q-SUN Xe-8 weathering workflows. Accurate calibration is critical because weathering test outcomes depend heavily on controlled irradiance, black panel temperature, chamber air temperature, humidity and water spray conditions.
- UC80 supports Q-SUN Xe-8 irradiance calibration for the onboard 340 nm sensor.
- UC80 supports Q-SUN Xe-8 irradiance calibration for the onboard 420 nm sensor.
- UC80 supports Q-SUN Xe-8 irradiance calibration for the onboard TUV 300-400 nm sensor.
- UC80 supports Q-SUN Xe-8 black panel temperature calibration.
- UC80 supports Q-SUN Xe-8 insulated black panel, also known as black standard, temperature calibration.
- UC80 recalibration is required annually by returning the UC80 calibration sensor to Q-Lab.
- Q-Lab calibration laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited by A2LA for UC sensor calibration.
- Q-Lab calibrations are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Key Features
- Dedicated UC80 calibration system for Q-SUN Xe-8 xenon arc weathering testers.
- Designed for use with Q-Lab’s patented AUTOCAL calibration workflow.
- Supports irradiance calibration using 340 nm, 420 nm and TUV 300-400 nm sensors that correspond to the Xe-8 onboard sensors.
- Includes calibration support for both black panel and insulated black panel temperature sensors used in the Xe-8.
- Helps maintain consistent irradiance and temperature control, which is essential for repeatable accelerated weathering results.
- Calibrating Q-SUN Xe-8 irradiance using the UC80 calibration sensor array takes only a few minutes.
- Annual UC80 recalibration supports controlled laboratory quality systems and ongoing sensor traceability.
- ISO 17025 accredited calibration through Q-Lab’s global calibration laboratories.
- Designed to reduce downtime by making user calibration straightforward and routine.
- Complements the Q-SUN Xe-8’s standard AUTOCAL UC80 ride-around Universal Calibrator System feature set.
Performance Specifications
- Compatible tester family: Q-SUN Xe-8 large-capacity rotating-rack xenon arc weathering tester.
- Calibration functions: irradiance calibration and black panel / insulated black panel temperature calibration.
- Irradiance sensor coverage: 340 nm, 420 nm and TUV 300-400 nm.
- Temperature sensor coverage: black panel and insulated black panel sensors.
- Recalibration interval: annual recalibration of the UC80 calibration sensor.
- Accreditation: Q-Lab calibration laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited by A2LA for UC sensor calibration.
- Traceability: calibrations are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- Warranty: Universal Calibrator System and Smart Sensors are guaranteed against defects in workmanship or materials for one year.
Compatibility and Configuration
The UC80 is specifically aligned with the Q-SUN Xe-8 calibration workflow. Q-Lab states that UC80 devices have the same standard 340 nm, 420 nm and TUV sensors as the Q-SUN Xe-8 tester’s onboard irradiance sensors. This matters because the calibration device must match the sensor type used by the tester. A laboratory calibrating a Q-SUN Xe-8 should therefore use the UC80 configuration rather than assuming that a UC20 or other Universal Calibrator smart sensor intended for different Q-SUN or QUV models is suitable.
For temperature calibration, UC80 calibration sensor arrays include both black panel and insulated black panel sensors of the same design as the Q-SUN Xe-8 onboard sensors. This supports calibration of the Xe-8’s dual temperature control approach, where the chamber can use uninsulated black panel and insulated black panel temperature references to support different exposure methods. The onboard combined relative humidity and chamber air temperature sensor is a separate low-cost sensor that is designed to be replaced once per year and cannot be recalibrated.
Operating Specifications
Q-Lab describes the Universal Calibrator system as a smart-sensor calibration approach for QUV and Q-SUN weathering chambers equipped with SOLAR EYE irradiance control. In the UC80 application, the system is used with the Q-SUN Xe-8, where the tester’s onboard SOLAR EYE irradiance sensors and black panel temperature sensors need periodic calibration by the user to maintain accurate and consistent results. The calibration workflow is designed to be simple enough for routine laboratory use, helping reduce the operational burden of maintaining a high-value xenon arc weathering chamber.
The UC80 calibration sensor itself must be recalibrated annually by sending the calibration sensor to Q-Lab. This annual recalibration cycle is important for laboratories operating under ISO 9001, IATF, NATA-aligned, internal quality or customer-audited test programmes, where sensor traceability and maintenance records may be reviewed. Q-Lab’s calibration laboratories in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and China are ISO 17025 accredited by A2LA for UC sensor calibration, and calibrations are traceable to NIST.
Why Choose the Q-Lab UC80?
The Q-Lab UC80 Universal Calibrator System is an important part of maintaining a Q-SUN Xe-8 weathering laboratory because calibration drift can undermine the value of accelerated exposure results. For a large-capacity xenon arc tester, reliable irradiance and temperature calibration helps laboratories compare batches, validate materials, support customer specifications and defend test data in technical or quality discussions. The UC80 is therefore not just an accessory; it is part of the control system needed to keep the Q-SUN Xe-8 operating within a repeatable and documented calibration workflow.
For technical buyers, the main value of the UC80 is risk reduction. It helps ensure the Xe-8’s irradiance and temperature measurements remain aligned with calibrated references, reducing the chance of invalid test runs, inconsistent exposure conditions or questionable data. Because the UC80 is part of the Q-Lab Universal Calibrator approach and is supported by annual ISO 17025 accredited recalibration, it fits well into formal quality systems where traceable calibration evidence is required.
John Morris Group supplies Q-Lab capital test equipment and accessories across Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the Pacific Islands, supporting customers with model selection, calibration planning, after-sales support and ongoing test equipment maintenance. Contact John Morris Group for a quote on the Q-Lab UC80 Universal Calibrator System for Q-SUN Xe-8 AUTOCAL Calibration, including guidance on suitability for your installed Q-SUN configuration and calibration workflow.
