SPECIMEN MOUNTING

SPECIMEN MOUNTING

Q-Lab offers a multitude of options for specimen mounting in the QUV, Q-SUN, and Q-FOG testers. Many materials, including coatings, plastics, textiles, and films, are often tested as thin flat panels, which are easily accommodated by using standard, flat specimen holders. Three-dimensional or odd-shaped specimens can often be mounted using specialty holders. We also offer custom specimen holders for unique needs. Browse through our gallery of pictures which give examples of a variety of different specimen holders and mounting techniques. Special care should always be taken to ensure that specimens are mounted per Q-Lab’s mounting guidelines, since mounting can affect test results.

QUV Specimen Holders and Mounting Guidelines

The QUV accelerated weathering tester can be used to test a variety of specimens. Coatings, plastics, and films are easily accommodated in the QUV tester using standard flat panel specimen holders. Other specimens can be mounted using specialty holders. Q-Lab also offers custom specimen holders for unique needs. All of Q-Lab’s panel holders are designed to meet the requirements of ASTM G154 and other international standards.

The QUV chamber can accommodate a variety of sample types, but three principles should be considered when mounting odd-shaped specimens:

• To insure uniformity of UV exposure, the surface of the test sample should be in the standard sample plane, 50 mm from the lamps.
• The samples and their holders must seal off the side of the QUV tester to prevent vapor from escaping from the chamber.
• The samples are mounted at the wall of the chamber so that room air cooling causes condensation. Samples should have good thermal contact with any backer present. Highly insulating samples thicker than 6mm may require special attention.

See LU-8001 - QUV Sample Mounting or LU-8047-SM - QUV Specimen Mounting.

Q-SUN Specimen Holders and Mounting Guidelines

The Q-SUN Xe-2 has a large specimen capacity within a rotating rack design. Textiles, thin films, coatings and other flat samples are very easy to install and remove. It is not recommended to mount large, 3D parts in the Xe-2 tester. 

The Q-SUN Xe-1 and Xe-3 tester’s flat specimen mounting system offers the flexibility to test many sizes, shapes and types of specimens. Three-dimensional specimens such as parts, components, bottles and test tubes can be placed directly onto the specimen tray. The near-horizontal specimen tray is also useful for testing materials that flow at elevated temperatures, for materials exposed in petri dishes and for “ponding” in roofing applications.

Holders are available in a number of sizes to accommodate traditional flat specimens, like panels and plaques. Bottle holders, textile holders and special mountings are also available. 3-D specimens can be placed directly on the specimen tray and in most cases do not require a specimen holder.

The Q-SUN Xe-1 and Xe-3 test chambers can accommodate a variety of sample types, but three principles should be considered when mounting odd-shaped specimens:

• To insure uniformity of exposure, the surface of the test sample should be in the standard sample plane, at roughly the same height as the black panel temperature sensor.
• Care should be taken to prevent shadowing of the black panel temperature sensor with large, 3D samples; shadowing can lower the black panel’s temperature, causing the heater in the unit to stay on longer than normal.
• High airflow through the chamber makes it necessary to secure lightweight specimens

See LX-5080-SM - Q-SUN Xe-1 & Xe-3 Specimen Mounting & LX-5047 - Q-SUN Specimen Mounting Guidelines and Available Holders.

Q-FOG Specimen Holders & Mounting Guidelines

The Q-FOG cyclic corrosion tester has a large specimen capacity and flexible specimen mounting scheme. Flat specimens are typically mounted in test panel racks, which are slotted at a small backward angle. Maximum weight per rack is not to exceed 113 kg (250 pounds). Larger, three-dimensional parts are typically suspended from a hanging rod, using hooks that are provided. Maximum weight per rod is not to exceed 45 kg (100 pounds).

See LF-8151-SM - Q-FOG Specimen Mounting.