Xenotest

Xenotest is a line of accelerated weathering test chambers that use xenon arc lamps to simulate natural sunlight and environmental conditions for material durability testing. Devices in the Xenotest family expose specimens to intense, full-spectrum light combined with controlled temperature, humidity, and, if configured, moisture delivery. The goal is to accelerate photodegradation processes such as color change, gloss loss, cracking, and embrittlement so that long-term outdoor performance can be predicted from shorter laboratory runs.

Typical configurations include a programmable chamber with an interior sample rack, a xenon arc light source, cooling for the lamp, and options for water spray, rain simulation, or condensation cycles. Irradiance, chamber temperature, and humidity are adjustable to match test standards for plastics, coatings, textiles, and automotive parts. Lamps age over time, so periodic calibration is required to maintain consistent output.

Applications span product development, quality control, and research into photostability and weather resistance. While Xenotest tests provide relative comparisons and accelerated timelines, results depend on material type and test conditions; correlation with real outdoor exposure can vary, and some components of outdoor environments (thermal cycling, pollutants, weathering agents) may not be fully replicated.

Xenotest is widely used in the plastics, coatings, and materials testing industries and is marketed as part of a broader suite of artificial weathering equipment.