Bench Xenon test chamber – SAXT865

The bench Xenon test chamber SAXT865 is designed to carry out accelerated aging tests on materials, coatings and components exposed to light.

The Xenon lamp emits a broad spectrum that includes UV radiation, visible light and infrared. This feature makes the chamber suitable for tests where evaluating the ultraviolet component alone is not sufficient, and the effect of visible light on colour, finishes and the surface appearance of the sample must also be considered.

The Xenon test makes it possible to compare the behaviour of different materials under controlled exposure conditions, observing phenomena such as discoloration, haze, gloss loss, cracking, fissures, chalking and oxidation. Test hours do not automatically correspond to a specific real service life of the material: the result must be assessed in relation to the programmed cycle, the selected filter and the characteristic to be evaluated.

Bench Xenon chamber for tests without spray

The SAXT865 is a compact bench chamber, suitable for laboratories and quality departments that need to carry out Xenon tests on limited quantities of panels and samples.

It can accommodate up to 9 samples measuring 150 × 70 mm. The catoptrical system helps distribute irradiance evenly across the exposure area, promoting more consistent conditions between samples subjected to the same cycle.

The chamber is designed for Xenon tests without a spray function. When the test also requires water-spray phases, the SAXT866 Xenon test chamber is available, with larger dimensions and a programmable spray function.

Xenon filters to simulate different exposure conditions

The standard configuration of the SAXT865 includes the Extended UV filter, suitable for more severe tests because it allows a greater proportion of ultraviolet radiation to pass through than would normally be filtered by the atmosphere.

The Daylight filter and Window Glass filter are also available on request. They can be selected according to the type of exposure to be reproduced or supplied separately for different requirements.

The Daylight filter is suitable for tests that reproduce direct sunlight exposure on materials intended for outdoor use. The Window Glass filter, on the other hand, makes it possible to simulate light passing through window glass, which is useful for assessing surfaces, prints, fabrics, finishes and components used indoors.

Filter selection is important because it defines the spectrum actually applied to the sample and must be assessed according to the material, the intended environment of use and the purpose of the test.

Adjustable irradiance and black panel temperature

In the SAXT865 Xenon chamber, irradiance is adjustable and automatically controlled during the cycle. The system compensates for variations in light intensity caused by the natural ageing of the lamp, helping maintain more consistent and comparable exposure conditions over time.

The irradiance control point can be selected according to the required test and installed filter. Control at 340 nm is suitable for materials intended for outdoor use and for assessing the physical performance of the material. Control at 420 nm is useful for tests on indoor materials and for assessing fading. Control over the 300 to 400 nm total range can be selected for specific applications.

The chamber also controls black panel temperature, adjustable from ambient +20 °C to +90 °C. The black panel is exposed to the same conditions as the samples and makes it possible to monitor the actual surface exposure temperature during the test.

Test programming and data collection

The touch screen makes it possible to set irradiance, black panel temperature and test duration, displaying both set values and those measured during the cycle.

The main data are recorded and can be exported via USB in CSV format. This function facilitates test documentation, comparison between different cycles and traceability of the parameters used in quality control.

When to choose a Xenon chamber

The SAXT865 is suitable when a bench Xenon chamber for tests without spray is required, with a broad-spectrum light source, irradiance control and the option to configure the filter according to the type of exposure.

When the test requires a Xenon chamber with water spray and larger dimensions, the SAXT866 Xenon test chamber may be selected.

For tests based mainly on the UV component of sunlight, fluorescent UV chambers are available. The SAUV852 UV test chamber is a bench solution with a rotating drum and water spray, while the SAUV856 UV test chamber is suitable for more advanced UV cycles with condensation, spray, automatic irradiance control and greater sample capacity.

Applications

• Xenon tests on paints, coatings and surface finishes
• Assessment of fading in plastics, polymers, rubber and composite materials
• Tests on painted panels, protective coatings and decorative surfaces
• Checks on materials intended for outdoor use or exposed to direct sunlight
• Assessment of materials, prints, fabrics and components used indoors near glazed surfaces
• Comparison between formulations, colours, materials, painting cycles and suppliers
• Tests on accessories, finishes and components for the fashion, luxury, furniture and design sectors
• Research and development of materials exposed to light, temperature and photochemical aging

FAQ – Bench Xenon test chamber

What is a Xenon chamber?
A Xenon chamber uses a Xenon lamp to expose materials and coatings to a light source that includes UV, visible light and infrared. It is used to assess sample behaviour during accelerated aging tests.

What is a Xenon test used for?
A Xenon test is used to compare the behaviour of materials, colours, coatings and finishes exposed to light. It can highlight discoloration, gloss loss, appearance changes, cracking and other surface alterations.

Is the SAXT865 a bench Xenon chamber?
Yes. The SAXT865 is a compact bench chamber, suitable for tests on limited quantities of panels and samples.

Does the SAXT865 include a spray function?
No. The SAXT865 is designed for Xenon tests without spray. The SAXT866 is available for cycles that also require water spraying.

What is the Extended UV filter used for?
The Extended UV filter allows a greater proportion of ultraviolet radiation to pass through than would normally be filtered by the atmosphere. It is useful when a more severe and accelerated exposure needs to be set.

Are other filters available for the SAXT865?
Yes. In addition to the Extended UV filter supplied in the standard configuration, the Daylight filter and Window Glass filter are available. The choice depends on the type of light to be reproduced on the sample.

What is the difference between the Daylight and Window Glass filters?
The Daylight filter is suitable for simulating direct sunlight on materials intended for outdoor use. The Window Glass filter instead reproduces light filtered through window glass, useful for materials and finishes used indoors.

Is the irradiance of the SAXT865 adjustable?
Yes. Irradiance can be set and automatically controlled during the test. The system compensates for changes in lamp intensity to maintain more consistent exposure conditions.

What is black panel temperature used for?
Black panel temperature provides a reference for monitoring the surface exposure temperature of the samples during the Xenon cycle.

How many samples can the chamber accommodate?
The SAXT865 can accommodate up to 9 standard samples measuring 150 × 70 mm.

Does the chamber record test data?
Yes. The main test data are collected and can be exported via USB in CSV format.

Do exposure hours in a Xenon chamber indicate the actual service life of the material?
No. A Xenon test exposes the sample to controlled light and thermal conditions to accelerate the observation of possible degradation phenomena, but it does not make it possible to directly convert cycle hours into an equivalent period of actual use. Interpretation depends on the material, the filter used, the set parameters and the specified assessment criterion.

How should the results of a Xenon test with the SAXT865 be interpreted?
After the Xenon cycle, the sample can be compared with a reference or unexposed test panel to assess light stability. Depending on the material, discoloration, yellowing, gloss loss, haze, appearance changes or finish changes caused by light exposure can be assessed.