XWT/E Air-Cooled Xenon Arc Tester – Xenon Technology

The XWT/E is the advanced model: it offers a more powerful 2400W lamp (vs. 1800W in the XWT/T), a 10.4-inch Windows touch screen with full graphical monitoring (vs. 7-inch panel), per-specimen independent control with automatic reminders, up to 100 programmable test programs each with 200 steps, four irradiance measurement ranges with digital auto-compensation, and dual BPT & BST temperature chambers. The XWT/T is well-suited to straightforward weathering cycles; the XWT/E is the choice for complex multi-phase standard protocols (AATCC, ISO 105-B02, SAE J2527, GMW 3414) and laboratories handling multiple specimens at different exposure durations simultaneously.

In colour fastness testing (e.g., ISO 105-B02), a grey scale reference is compared with specimens at different exposure levels — for example, one specimen may need 20 hours of exposure while another needs 80 hours. With per-specimen independent control, each specimen runs its own timer. When its exposure time is reached, the instrument alerts the operator to remove it; the remaining specimens continue without the chamber being interrupted. This prevents over-exposure errors, saves total test time, and avoids the need to run multiple separate tests.

During testing, the XWT/E continuously monitors the xenon lamp's actual irradiance output using an onboard sensor and automatically adjusts the lamp power to maintain the programmed setpoint — compensating for lamp ageing over its 800–1000 hour lifetime. The cumulative lamp running time is recorded automatically in the system log, so the operator always knows the lamp's remaining service life without manual tracking. When a new lamp is installed, the running time counter resets automatically.

The XWT/E complies with ISO 105-B02, ISO 105-B04, ISO 4892-2, ASTM G155-1, ASTM G155-4, AATCC 16, AATCC 169, SAE J2527, JIS L0843, IS 2046, and GMW 3414. This makes it suitable for textile and apparel manufacturers needing ISO/AATCC colour fastness certification, automotive suppliers testing to SAE J2527 and GMW 3414, plastics and coatings manufacturers testing to ISO 4892-2 and ASTM G155, and any industry supplying to global markets with strict weathering requirements.

The standard configuration includes ISO 100×45mm holders accommodating 12–15 specimens. For AATCC testing, optional 140×70mm holders (7 specimens) are available. Both holder types mount on the same rotating aluminium turntable and the plate base supports up to 15 holder positions. The cover plates (1/2 and 1/3) supplied with the instrument allow unused rack positions to be masked off for uniform irradiance distribution across the active specimens.

The XWT/E is widely used in textiles and apparel (colour fastness certification, retail and export compliance), automotive (interior trim, seat fabrics, exterior coatings and plastics — SAE J2527, GMW 3414), paints and coatings, leather and footwear, plastics and rubber, packaging materials, and building products. Any manufacturer whose products must demonstrate light and weather resistance for quality assurance or regulatory compliance will benefit from the XWT/E's full-spectrum xenon arc simulation and comprehensive standard coverage.

The XWT/E requires an AC 380V, 50Hz, 3-phase power supply. It weighs 160 kg and measures 1100×680×800mm (L×W×H). Water supply and drainage connections are required for the spray system, and an exhaust connection is recommended for the exhaust pipe supplied. The ambient operating environment should be maintained at 20±2°C. The instrument includes water inlet, drainage, overflow, and exhaust pipes as standard accessories.