Solar Box
Coatings & Industry > CORROSION > Accelerated Weathering Test
SOLARBOX
A family of two sizes and four models tabletop xenon test chambers
The sun you have always wanted: sunshine day and night for accelerated light stability and weathering tests.
SOLARBOX 1500 - 1500E
SOLARBOX 1500: entry level economical model 1500 Watt Xenon lamp with irradiance control.
SOLARBOX 1500 E: tabletop enhanced model small dimension chamber with LCD display and 1500 Watt Xenon lamp, irradiance control, BST temperature control and flooding option to simulate rain and moisture.
SOLARBOX 3000 - 3000E
SOLARBOX 3000: tabletop large test chamber basic model with 2500 Watt Xenon lamp and irradiance control.
SOLARBOX 3000 E: tabletop large test chamber enhanced model with LCD
SunChex R.H.
Tabletop accelerated exposure test chamber for sun and weathering simulation equipped with 1500 Watt Xenon lamp.
The SunChex R.H. allows relative humidity control. Humidity is controlled by an ultrasonic device.
The SunChex R.H. allows relative humidity control. Humidity is controlled by an ultrasonic device.
Solarbox 1500E RH - 3000E RH
SOLARBOX 1500 E R.H.: self-standing, small light stability and weathering tester with Xenon lamp 1500 Watt, irradiance, B.S.T temperature and humidity control at breakthrough price.
SOLARBOX 3000 E R.H.: self-standing light stability and weathering tester with Xenon lamp 2500 Watt, irradiance, B.S.T temperature and humidity control at breakthrough price.
SOLARBOX 3000 E R.H.: self-standing light stability and weathering tester with Xenon lamp 2500 Watt, irradiance, B.S.T temperature and humidity control at breakthrough price.
Radiant energy in the SOLARBOX is provided by a single superior air-cooled Xenon Lamp.
Irradiance is the rate at which light energy falls onto the samples.
FEATURES OF THE SOLARBOX 4 MODELS
SOLARBOX 1500/3000 standard versions include the following equipment:
- timer and time elapsed meter for accurate control of test sequence
- air cooled Xenon Lamp
- rotary knob to adjust irradiance level
- control system for constant irradiance
- basic 290 nm. filter for maximum UV radiation effect.
SOLARBOX 1500e/3000e enhanced models are equipped with microprocessor control of irradiance, heat and flooding cycles, monitoring and controlling the test process:
- microprocessor controls for programming the test parameters
- LCD with 4 lines to display the test parameters and program menus
- control and monitoring of irradiance and black panel temperature
- optional measurement and display of temperature and relative humidity in the test chamber
- free programming, up to 15 different test programs, input via keyboard
- link-up with programmable flooding system accessories.
A weathering tester must control irradiance if it is to achieve accurate and reproducible test results.
SOLARBOX offers constant measurement and control of irradiance during every test, compensating for lamp and UV filter ageing via a closed loop irradiance narrow-band sensor control system.
Irradiation uniformity is guaranteed by a parabolic reflector chamber with the Xenon Lamp in the focus, the best design for a reliable flat-bed xenon exposure system and very good agreement with rotating drum xenon exposures.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Temperature is another component of the end use environment which plays a key role in material degradation.
Heat in the natural environment comes from the infrared portion of natural sunlight.
An object exposed to direct sunlight is always warmer than the air surrounding it.
Your product is exposed in the same manner in our SOLARBOX tester.
The radiant heat received from the Xenon Lamp is continuously monitored and controlled by a B.S.T. (Black Standard Thermometer) built in the plane of test panels near your samples.
In SOLARBOX 1500e and 3000e there is the control and display of the black standard temperature between 35°C and 100°C.
The importance of temperature in the weathering degradation process is that the kinetic reaction rate doubles for every 10°C temperature increase.
Consequently, because the temperature produces an accelerated ageing, it is essential to be able to control of B.S.T. during exposure to filtered Xenon radiation.
SIMULATING THE EFFECT OF RAIN AND MOISTURE
A flooding system for conducting weathering tests with freely selectable flooding interval is an available option for SOLARBOX 1500e and 3000e :
- water level indicator
- continuous flooding possible
- flooding intervals selectable between 1 and 999 minutes throughout the test program
- water temperature of 30°C to 50°C.
During flooding, the Xenon Lamp can be programmed on or off.
The flooding system operates with demineralised water from a closed recycling circuit so to minimize the need of demineralised water but offering the same test results of a high consumption spray system.
PVC and corrosion-resistant materials ensure long life of this tank pump system: capacity up to 50 litres.
XENON LAMP AND UV FILTERS COMBINATION OPTIMIZE SUNLIGHT SIMULATION
The SOLARBOX1500-1500e and SOLARBOX 3000-3000e are 4 ultimate filtered Xenon light exposure and weathering instruments which simulate realistic natural outdoor weathering conditions.
The large dimensions of SOLARBOX 3000 and 3000e test chamber can accommodate 3 dimensional objects and finished industry products.
Accelerating the process requires the accurate reproduction of the sun’s rays.
The air cooled Xenon Lamp in the SOLARBOX replicates the total spectrum of the sun and not just the short wavelength UV, as we have using UVA or UVB fluorescent lamps.
Easily interchangeable light filters allow the reproduction of the specific spectral distributions found in your product’s end-use environments.
The available OPTICAL CUT-ON FILTERS limiting radiation of xenon lamp are:
- Soda-lime glass UV filter, extra long life, to simulate outdoor exposure.
- Soda-lime glass UV filter, extra long life, to simulate indoor exposure.
- Soda-lime glass UV filter, extra long life, to simulate outdoor exposure with Infra Red reflection coating.
- Soda-lime glass UV filter, extra long life, to simulate indoor exposure with InfraRed reflection coating.
- Dedicated UV filter especially tailored for specifications on request.
RADIOMETER AND BLACK PANEL STANDARD THERMOMETER
The UV MULTIMETER is a battery operated radiometer and thermometer, specially developed for use with the SOLARBOX, but it can control the output of any UV Lamp in many industrial applications.
It is portable and together with its case, can easily be returned to the manufacturer (CO.FO.ME.GRA) for re-certification of calibration to an official national laboratory standard.
The UV MULTIMETER measures either irradiance or temperature using the following easily interchangeable, good cosine response sensor:
- UV 295- 400 NM large band sensor
- UV 340 NM narrow band sensor
- UV 420 NM narrow band sensor
- Illuminance sensor spectral response similar C.I.E. photopic luminosity curve. Measuring range up to 2 MEGALUX.
- Black Standard Temperature sensor
FIELDS OF APPLICATION & NORMATIVE REFERENCES
The SOLARBOX, because of its 6 different models and a wide flexibility in available options (i.e. Humidity Control: see SOLARBOX R.H. meets the following standards:
ADHESIVES: ASTM D904; ASTM C1442; ASTM C1501; RILEM DBS.
AUTOMOTIVE: SAE J2527; SAE J2412.
COATINGS: QUALICOAT; ISO 2135; ISO 11341; ASTM D3451; ASTM D3794; ASTM D6577; ASTM D6695; GB 1865; JIS K 5600-7-7; MPI: #113; MS 133: Part F14. DENTISTRY: ISO 4049:2000; ISO 7491:2000.
GENERAL: IEC 68-2-9; ISO 4892-1; ASTM G151; ASTM G155.
GEOTEXTILES: ASTM D4355. INTRA-OCULAR LENSES: ISO 11979-5:2006
INKS/PAPER: ISO 11798; ISO 12040; ISO 18909; ASTM D3424; ASTM D4303; ASTM D5010; ASTM D6901; ASTM F2366.
PACKAGING: ASTM D6551. PHARMACEUTICAL: ICH Guideline Q1B.
PLASTICS: ISO 4892-2; JIS K 7350-2; DIN EN 513; ASTM D1248; ASTM D2565; ASTM D4101; ASTM D4459; ASTM D5071; ASTM D6662; UL 1581.
ROOFING: ASTM D4434; ASTM D4637; ASTM D4798; ASTM D4811; ASTM D5019; ASTM D6083.
RUBBER: ISO 3865; ISO 4665.
SEALANTS: ASTM C1442; ASTM C1501.
TEXTILES: AATCC TM 16; AATCC TM 169; GB/T8430; IS: 2454; ISO 105-B02.
One of the most regularly asked question is “how much does one hour in Solarbox represent?”
The standard ASTM D3424 gives an indication of the average daily radiation received in Miami, Florida.
(Miami, Singapore and Okinawa are the subtropical test sites, those sites are generally hot and humid throughout the whole year).
The average daily radiation received in Miami is 1 MJ/m 2 (295-400 nm) , it is generally accepted that Miami conditions are 4 – 5 times more severe than Europe.
In the enclosed table a comparison is made between natural conditions in subtropical and European sites and Solarbox.
The table reports Irradiance in the UV range (295 to 400 nm) and the related overall Irradiance in the 295 to 800 nm range as specified in the most diffused standard.
Display | Easy to Read, Yellow Text on Black Background |
Suggested Operating Ranges | Standard High Range: UVA, UVB, UVV - 100mW/cm² to 10W/cm² / UVC - 10mW/cm² to 1W/cm² Mid-Range: UVA, UVB, UVV -10mW/cm 2 to 1W/cm 2 / UVC: 1mW/cm 2 to 100mW /cm 2 Low Power: UVA, UVB, UVV - 1mW/cm² to 100mW/cm² / UVC - 1mW/cm 2 to 100mW/cm 2 Units will “turn on” and display data at irradiance values much lower than the suggested Operating Ranges. The suggested Operating Ranges are where the instrument performs best. |
Accuracy | +/- 10%; +/- 5% typical |
Spectral Ranges (UV Power Puck® II) | 4-channel continuous monitoring .Standard version: 320-390nm (UVA), 280-320nm (UVB), 250- 260nm (UVC), 395-445nm (UVV) / UVA2 Version: 380-410nm (UVA2 replaces the UVC band). |
| Spatial Response | Approximately cosine |
Operating Temperature | 0-75°C Internal temperature; tolerates high external temperatures for short periods (audible alarm indicates when temperature has exceeded tolerance) |
Time-Out Period | 2 minutes DISPLAY mode (no key activity). A no time-out mode can be activated by EIT-IM. |
Battery | Two user-replaceable AAA Alkaline Cells |
| Battery Life | Approx. 20 hours with display on |
Dimensions | 4.60 x 0.50 inches; 117 mm x 12.7 mm (D x H) |
Weight | 289 grams |
Instrument Materials | Aluminum, stainless steel |
Carrying Case Material | Cut polyurethane interior, scuff resistant nylon exterior cover |
Carrying Case Weight | 260 grams |
Carrying Case Dimensions | 274 x 89 x 197 mm (W x H x D). |
The conclusion is that 1 hour exposure at 550 W/m 2 in Solarbox is equivalent to 24 hours in Europe and to 5.3 hours in Miami., the acceleration factor may be nearly doubled increasing Irradiance up to 1000 W/m.
UV POWER PUCK ® II
The radiometers that first set the standard for the UV industry are now setting a new standard with advanced features and an easy to read display, multiple user selectable modes, and PC communications for data logging and trending capabilities.
UVICURE Plus II and UV Power Puck II are widely used throughout the global UV industry. With user selectable sample rates, these reliable instruments can be used for fast conveyor lines or slower lines.
Easy to Use. Single Button for On/Off and Run
Colorful, Easy to Read Display
Select low, medium, or high intensity for the graphical display brightness.
Operating Ranges
The UV Power Puck II instruments are now available in three operating or dynamic ranges.
The standard (10 Watt) unit works well for high power curing applications.
The new Mid Range unit (1 Watt) works well with lower power arc lamps and applications with lamps that are non-focused or a little further away from the cure surface.
The Low Power unit (100 mW) works well in exposure systems and applications with low power lamps.
Standard Features and Benefits Include:
UV Data Displayed on One Screen for Up to 4 Bands.
Data is simultaneously collected for up to 4 bands on the UV Power Puck II, then displayed on a single screen in mW/cm 2 and mJ/cm 2 for quick and easy viewing by the operator. No need to toggle through all eight readings, one screen at a time.
Soft buttons are used for function selections, and are indicated on the bottom of the display for easy operator selection and use.
Standard EIT Bandwidths (UVA, UVB, UVC, UVV) and the introduction of EIT UVA2
EIT’s standard bandwidths - (UVA (320-390nm), UVB (280-320nm), UVC (250-260nm), UVV (395- 445nm) as well as our new VA2 (380-410nm) bandwidth are available in the UV Power Puck II.
UVA2 can be used to measure LEDs in the +/- 390nm range as well as additive (mercury-iron, mercury gallium) bulbs.
UVA2 is available in a single channel Uvicure Plus II or UV
Power Puck II with UVA, UVA2, UVB, & UVV.
Unit of Measure
The unit of measure is user selectable to provide ease of reading for operators. Display the data as you want to see it. Selections are: mJ/cm 2 , mW/cm 2 , J/cm 2 , W/cm 2 , µJ/cm 2 , µW/cm 2
Setup Function
Provides user selectable instrument default modes for data analysis and comparison, screen, and operational settings.
Graph Mode
A graph illustrating the collected UV irradiance and energy is displayed for each of the UV bands. Data is expressed in mW/cm 2 vs.
time.
User Selectable Sample Rate
Smooth On Data: Compatible with previous sampling rate on Power Puck versions
Smooth Off Data: Compatible with UV PowerMAP sampling rate at over 2000 samples per second.
Reference Mode
Used for comparison between readings. Can be useful for system setup and troubleshooting. The user can store the selected UV reading in the radiometer as a base line or reference reading, then compare that reading to another. The radiometer will display both readings and indicate the percentage of change between readings. Data is displayed in mJ/cm 2 and mW/cm 2 , and percentage.
Communications Port
USB Port
Download collected data to a computer for statistical analysis and data logging. Software provided by EIT.
Specifications
Display Easy to Read, Yellow Text on Black Background Dynamic Range : 10 Watt: UVA, UVB, UVV - 100mW/cm² to 10W/cm²;
UVC - 50mW/cm² to 1W/cm²
Low Power Versions: UVA, UVB, UVC, UVV: 1mW/cm² to 100mW/cm²
Accuracy : +/- 10%; +/- 5% typical
Spectral Response : Approximately cosine
Spectral Ranges : 4-channel continuous monitoring.320-390nm (UVA), 375-415nm (UVA2), 280-320nm (UVB),), 395-445nm (UVV)
Spatial Response : Approximately cosine
Operating Temperature : 0-75°C Internal temperature; tolerates high external temperatures for short periods (audible alarm indicates when temperature has exceeded tolerance)
Time-Out Period : 2 minutes DISPLAY mode (no key activity). A no time-out mode can be activated by EIT-IM.
Battery :Two user-replaceable AAA Alkaline Cells
Battery Life : Approx. 20 hours with display on
Dimensions : 117 mm x 12.7 mm (D x H)
Weight : 289 grams
Package Material : Aluminum, stainless steel
Display | Easy to Read, Yellow Text on Black Background |
Suggested Operating Ranges | Standard High Range: UVA, UVB, UVV - 100mW/cm² to 10W/cm² / UVC - 10mW/cm² to 1W/cm² Mid-Range: UVA, UVB, UVV -10mW/cm 2 to 1W/cm 2 / UVC: 1mW/cm 2 to 100mW /cm 2 Low Power: UVA, UVB, UVV - 1mW/cm² to 100mW/cm² / UVC - 1mW/cm 2 to 100mW/cm 2 Units will “turn on” and display data at irradiance values much lower than the suggested Operating Ranges. The suggested Operating Ranges are where the instrument performs best. |
Accuracy | +/- 10%; +/- 5% typical |
Spectral Ranges (UV Power Puck® II) | 4-channel continuous monitoring .Standard version: 320-390nm (UVA), 280-320nm (UVB), 250- 260nm (UVC), 395-445nm (UVV) / UVA2 Version: 380-410nm (UVA2 replaces the UVC band). |
| Spatial Response | Approximately cosine |
Operating Temperature | 0-75°C Internal temperature; tolerates high external temperatures for short periods (audible alarm indicates when temperature has exceeded tolerance) |
Time-Out Period | 2 minutes DISPLAY mode (no key activity). A no time-out mode can be activated by EIT-IM. |
Battery | Two user-replaceable AAA Alkaline Cells |
| Battery Life | Approx. 20 hours with display on |
Dimensions | 4.60 x 0.50 inches; 117 mm x 12.7 mm (D x H) |
Weight | 289 grams |
Instrument Materials | Aluminum, stainless steel |
Carrying Case Material | Cut polyurethane interior, scuff resistant nylon exterior cover |
Carrying Case Weight | 260 grams |
Carrying Case Dimensions | 274 x 89 x 197 mm (W x H x D). |
