The Xenon test chamber SAXT866 is designed to carry out accelerated aging tests on materials, coatings and components exposed to light, temperature, humidity and water spray.
The Xenon lamp emits a broad spectrum that includes UV radiation, visible light and infrared. Combined with the selected filter, it makes it possible to set exposure conditions suitable for assessing materials used outdoors, in indoor environments lit by natural light or in more severe tests.
The Xenon chamber makes it possible to observe colour changes, gloss loss, haze, cracking, flaking, chalking, oxidation and other surface alterations. Test hours do not automatically correspond to a real service life of the material: the result must be interpreted in relation to the filter, the programmed cycle, the material being tested and the requirement to be verified.
Xenon cycles with light, humidity and water spray
The SAXT866 Xenon test chamber makes it possible to alternate Xenon irradiation, water spray, condensation and dark phases, creating test cycles useful for assessing the combined effect of light, heat and humidity.
Water spray can reproduce the effect of rain and contribute to rapid temperature changes on the exposed surface. This function is useful when the material must also be assessed in the presence of periodic wetting, humidity and sudden cooling.
The possibility to program several consecutive phases makes it possible to adapt the cycle to the applicable specification, the internal method or the behaviour to be observed on the sample.
Xenon filters for outdoor light, light through glass and severe testing
The SAXT866 is supplied with a Daylight filter, suitable for tests that reproduce exposure to direct sunlight on materials intended for outdoor use.
The Window Glass filter and the Extended UV filter are also available on request. They can be selected at the time of ordering or supplied separately for different requirements.
The Window Glass filter is suitable for simulating light filtered through a glazed surface, useful for materials, fabrics, prints, finishes and components used indoors. The Extended UV filter allows a greater proportion of ultraviolet radiation to pass through and can be selected when more severe exposure is required.
Filter selection defines the spectrum actually applied to the test panel and must be linked to the intended environment of the material, the sample type and the objective of the test.
Adjustable irradiance and black panel temperature
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 exposure conditions that are more consistent and comparable between tests carried out at different times.
Irradiance control can be set at 340 nm, 420 nm or over the total range from 300 to 400 nm, according to the filter used and the required test.
Black panel temperature is adjustable from ambient +20 °C up to +90 °C. The black panel is exposed to the same conditions as the samples and provides a useful reference for monitoring the actual surface exposure temperature during the test.
Xenon chamber with removable sample tray
The chamber has an exposure area of 1,000 cm² and can accommodate up to 9 panels measuring 150 × 70 mm.
The removable tray makes it easier to position and inspect test panels. Optional holders are available for thicker, wider or non-standard shaped samples when required by the application.
The SAXT866 is not a bench chamber: it is a wheeled solution for laboratories and quality departments that require Xenon cycles with water spray and more complete management of exposure conditions.
Test programming and data collection
The touch screen makes it possible to set and monitor the main cycle parameters, such as irradiance, black panel temperature, test duration, water spray and dark or condensation phases.
Data are recorded during the test and can be exported via USB. This function simplifies cycle documentation, comparison between different tests and traceability of the parameters used in quality-control processes.
Xenon tests on coatings, plastics and materials exposed to light
The SAXT866 Xenon test chamber can be used for aging tests with a Xenon lamp on paints, coatings, plastics, polymeric materials, prints, inks and components exposed to light, temperature and humidity.
For paints, varnishes and coatings, cycles based on ISO 16474-2 may be adopted. For plastics and polymers, ISO 4892-2 and ASTM G155 are relevant, while ISO 12040 may be used as a reference for assessing the lightfastness of prints and inks.
The choice of filter, irradiance, temperature, spray phases and cycle duration must be defined according to the material, the intended environment of use and the characteristic to be assessed.
Which chamber to choose between SAXT866, SAXT865 and UV chambers
The SAXT866 is suitable when Xenon tests with water spray, condensation and programmable cycles are required on materials exposed to light, heat and humidity.
For Xenon tests without spray, on limited quantities of test panels and with a bench structure, the SAXT865 bench Xenon test chamber is available.
When the purpose of the test mainly concerns the UV component of sunlight, fluorescent UV chambers can be considered. The SAUV852 UV light chamber is a bench solution with a rotating drum and water spray, while the SAUV856 is suitable for more advanced UV cycles with condensation, spray, automatic irradiance control and a larger exposure area.
Applications
- Xenon tests on paints, coatings, protective coatings and surface finishes
- Assessment of plastics, polymers, rubber, composites and decorative materials
- Tests on components for automotive, motorcycles, construction, windows and doors, and outdoor furniture
- Verification of materials exposed to direct sunlight, rain, humidity and temperature variations
- Checks on prints, fabrics, decorative surfaces and components exposed to light through glass
- Tests on wood, adhesives, coated panels and materials for design and furniture
- Comparison between colours, formulations, painting cycles, materials and suppliers
- Checks on accessories and finishes for the fashion and luxury sector
- Research and development of materials subject to photochemical aging and humidity
FAQ – Xenon test chamber with spray
What is a Xenon chamber with spray?
It is an accelerated aging test chamber that combines a Xenon lamp with water-spray phases, condensation and temperature control. It is used to assess the behaviour of materials and coatings exposed to light, heat and humidity.
What is the difference between SAXT866 and SAXT865?
The SAXT866 is a Xenon chamber with water spray, condensation and programmable cycles, designed for more complete tests involving light, humidity and wetting. The SAXT865, on the other hand, is a bench Xenon chamber for tests without spray.
Is the SAXT866 supplied with a specific filter?
Yes. The standard configuration includes the Daylight filter. The Window Glass and Extended UV filters are also available, selected according to the required type of exposure.
What is the Daylight filter used for?
The Daylight filter is used to reproduce exposure to direct sunlight on materials intended for outdoor use, such as coatings, rubber, plastics and components exposed to weathering.
When should the Window Glass filter be used?
The Window Glass filter is suitable for simulating light filtered through window glass. It is useful for materials used indoors, such as prints, fabrics, decorative surfaces, coatings and components exposed to natural light through glazing.
Is the irradiance of the SAXT866 adjustable?
Yes. Irradiance can be set and is automatically controlled during the test. The system compensates for changes in lamp intensity to maintain more consistent conditions over time.
What is black panel temperature used for?
Black panel temperature is a reference for monitoring the surface exposure temperature of the test panels during the test. It helps control the thermal contribution of the Xenon lamp on the sample.
Can the chamber run cycles with spray and dark phases?
Yes. The SAXT866 can programme irradiation, water-spray, condensation and dark phases, combining them according to the required cycle.
How many samples can the chamber accommodate?
The chamber has an exposure area of 1,000 cm² and can accommodate up to 9 standard panels measuring 150 × 70 mm.
Does the SAXT866 record test data?
Yes. Cycle data are recorded and can be exported via USB to document the parameters applied during the test.
Do Xenon test hours correspond to actual years of exposure?
No. The Xenon cycle accelerates the combined action of light, temperature and, where included, water spray, but does not make it possible to directly convert test hours into years of actual use. The result must be assessed according to the material, the selected filter, the set parameters and the criteria defined for that specific application.
What can be checked at the end of a test with the SAXT866?
The final assessment can concern the combined effects of Xenon light, temperature and periodic wetting. In addition to colour and gloss changes, the test plan may include checks for cracking, flaking, blistering, coating detachment, adhesion loss and other changes in the surface or mechanical properties of the sample.
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