UV CHAMBER WITH XENON LAMP

What is a UV chamber with xenon lamp?

A UV chamber with xenon lamp is a piece of laboratory equipment used to accelerate the exposure of materials to sunlight, temperature, and humidity.

Its main function is to evaluate the resistance to aging and compatibility of materials against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making it essential for studies of durability, color stability, mechanical resistance, and surface performance.

This type of chamber reproduces the solar spectrum in a controlled manner using filtered xenon lamps, which allows for highly representative results of exposure in real conditions. At INFINITIA, this equipment is used in forensic engineering projects, specifically in the quality control and testing line.

How does the UV chamber with xenon lamp work?

The operation of the UV chamber with xenon lamp is based on the controlled emission of UV, visible, and infrared radiation through a high-intensity xenon lamp, which faithfully mimics the solar spectrum.

During the test, the samples are exposed in programmed cycles that can include continuous light, dark phases, and variations in temperature and relative humidity, allowing years of outdoor exposure to be simulated in a matter of days or weeks.

At INFINITIA, these cycles are designed according to the specific conditions of the material and end application, ensuring reliable and representative results. In addition, the chamber allows for precise monitoring of irradiance (W/m²), complying with standards such as ISO 4892-2, which regulates xenon lamp test conditions for plastic materials and coatings.

Benefits of the UV chamber with xenon lamp

The use of a UV chamber with a xenon lamp offers multiple benefits in product development and validation. One of the most notable is the ability to anticipate the behavior of materials under prolonged sun exposure, through life tests, reducing the risk of premature failure. At INFINITIA, we apply this technology to select materials with high UV stability, detect incompatibilities between components (such as coatings or adhesives), and validate weather-resistant formulations.

For example, we have used this technique to optimize polymeric materials exposed to harsh outdoor environments, improving their durability without compromising their functional or aesthetic properties. This type of testing is also key to meeting customer standards in regulated industries.

UV chamber equipment with xenon lamp

At INFINITIA, we have the Suntest XLS+ accelerated aging chamber, a state-of-the-art device designed to reproduce the most demanding weathering conditions.

This chamber integrates a full-spectrum xenon lamp and an automatic control system for irradiance, temperature, and humidity, allowing for repeatable and compliant testing.

The Suntest XLS+ model stands out for its versatility and precision, making it ideal for evaluating a wide variety of materials, from polymers and paints to electronic components and technical textiles. Unlike other basic models, this equipment allows the use of specific filters (such as window glass or daylight) that adapt the spectrum to different exposure scenarios. Its climate control capability makes it a benchmark for laboratories seeking reliable results that can be extrapolated to real-world conditions.

Applications of the UV chamber with xenon lamp

Applications of the UV chamber with xenon lamp

The UV chamber with xenon lamp is an essential tool in the analysis of accelerated aging of materials. At INFINITIA, its use has been consolidated as a cross-cutting technique for validating the durability, compatibility, and stability of components and products exposed to demanding environmental conditions. Some of its most relevant applications are described below:

Accelerated aging tests on polymers: One of the most common applications of the UV chamber is the evaluation of the resistance of polymeric materials to aging induced by UV radiation, temperature, and humidity. This test allows the prediction of the deterioration of properties such as mechanical strength, color, surface texture, or structural integrity.

At INFINITIA, this test is key to selecting more resistant polymer formulations that are suitable for outdoor or severe industrial applications.

Evaluation of coatings and paints: Prolonged exposure to solar radiation can cause discoloration, cracking, or loss of adhesion in coatings. The Suntest XLS+ chamber allows accelerated testing of paints, lacquers, and varnishes to evaluate their durability under simulated weather conditions.

This type of test is particularly useful in sectors such as automotive, construction, and street furniture, where appearance and protection are critical.

Material compatibility validation: When combining different materials in the same product, it is crucial to ensure their compatibility under extreme environmental conditions. The UV chamber allows phenomena such as additive migration, delamination, deformation, or chemical reactions between components to be detected.

At INFINITIA, we use this type of test to anticipate functional problems in complex prototypes, especially in structural adhesives or multilayer materials.

Tests for the automotive sector: In the automotive industry, materials used in the interior and exterior of vehicles must pass demanding durability tests. The Suntest XLS+ allows realistic solar exposure cycles to be replicated to validate plastic parts, textiles, rubbers, and surface finishes.

At INFINITIA, this type of test has been applied in studies on material decomposition, VOC emission analysis, and resistance to photodegradation.

Packaging and container stability study: The performance of packaging materials in sunlight is critical in industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The UV chamber allows the effect of radiation on barrier polymers, labels, inks, and adhesives to be analyzed.

At INFINITIA, we evaluate the loss of optical or mechanical properties of packaging after prolonged exposure, thus optimizing its shelf life and protective function.

Certification and regulatory compliance: Many products must comply with standards such as ISO 4892-2 in order to be marketed. The Suntest XLS+ chamber allows protocols to be carried out in accordance with this standard, ensuring that materials are able to withstand the stipulated conditions without suffering significant deterioration.

At INFINITIA, we help our clients carry out tests under standardized conditions for approval or technical validation processes.

Support for R&D and formulation of new materials: In the early stages of product development, UV chamber testing allows different formulations, additives, or surface finishes to be compared. The ability to simulate aging in a short period of time drastically reduces validation times.

At INFINITIA, this approach is key in innovation projects, where we optimize materials before they are industrialized.

The UV chamber with xenon lamp, especially in its advanced configuration such as the Suntest XLS+, is an essential tool in laboratories seeking to anticipate the behavior of materials when exposed to sunlight and severe environmental conditions. Its ability to accurately and rapidly simulate the effects of aging provides reliable data on the resistance, compatibility, and durability of a wide variety of materials.

At INFINITIA, the implementation of this equipment has made it possible to optimize material approval processes, improve component selection in advanced engineering projects, and significantly reduce development times through predictive testing. In addition, its compatibility with international standards such as ISO 4892-2 ensures that the results obtained are extrapolatable and accepted in regulated environments or industrial approval processes.

The systematic use of the UV chamber has proven to be essential in both failure analysis and the preventive design of more resistant and sustainable solutions. It adds value in key sectors such as automotive, construction, energy, packaging, and electronics, where exposure to outdoor conditions is a determining factor in service life and performance.

At INFINITIA, we remain committed to innovation and the use of advanced technology in our laboratories to deliver accurate, high-quality results. Thanks to our experience and investment in state-of-the-art equipment, we guarantee efficient solutions tailored to the needs of the industry.