In the Solarbox, irradiance is provided by a single air-cooled xenon lamp capable of reaching up to one and a half times sunlight intensity. The lamp is positioned at the focus of a parabolic reflector; this design provides high irradiance uniformity over the flat sample tray and correlates well with rotating-drum xenon systems.
The instrument family is offered in three tiers: 1500 / 3000 base models operate with fixed irradiance control and a rotary knob; 1500E / 3000E microprocessor-controlled models measure and record irradiance and BST (Black Standard Thermometer) temperature and can store 15 different test programs; 1500E RH / 3000E RH models also control relative humidity (RH) via an ultrasonic humidifier and offer realistic humidity simulation.
- Single xenon lamp — simulates the full spectrum of sunlight (UVA/UVB/visible/IR), unlike fluorescent UVA/UVB lamps
- Closed-loop irradiance control — a narrow-band sensor compensates for lamp and filter ageing
- 4-line LCD on E/E RH models, 15 test programs, PC/printer reporting via RS232
- Controlled relative humidity via ultrasonic humidifier on E RH models (RH range depends on BST, with reference chart)
- Optional flooding system — selectable at 1-999 min intervals, closed-loop demineralized water
- Outdoor / Indoor / IR-coated UV filter options — spectrum matching based on the product's end-use environment
Introduction Video
Choosing a Family — Which Model for Which Need?
The three tiers differ in control depth and automation. The table below helps you choose the family best suited to your laboratory's needs.
| Feature / Need | 1500 / 3000 | 1500E / 3000E | 1500E RH / 3000E RH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irradiance setting | Rotary knob | Microprocessor, digital display | Microprocessor, digital display |
| BST temperature control | – | ✔✔ (35–100 °C) | ✔✔ (35–100 °C) |
| Relative humidity (RH) control | – | – | ✔✔ Ultrasonic humidifier |
| 15 programs / RS232 report | – | ✔✔ | ✔✔ |
| Flooding | – | Optional | Optional |
| Typical use | Simple comparative tests | Accredited testing to standards | Advanced testing with realistic RH simulation |
Solarbox 1500 / 1500E / 3000 / 3000E — Technical Data
| Parameter | 1500 | 1500E | 3000 | 3000E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External dimensions (WxDxH) | 750 × 390 × 400 mm | 890 × 390 × 400 mm | ||
| Sample area (Flat Tray) | 280 × 200 mm | 420 × 200 mm | ||
| Weight | 30 kg | 32 kg | ||
| Number of sample panels (15×30 mm) | Over 120 | Over 180 | ||
| Xenon lamp life | 1,500 hours, air-cooled | |||
| Irradiance setting and control | Manual | Microprocessor | Manual | Microprocessor |
| Irradiance range (290–800 nm) | 250–1,100 W/m² | |||
| BST temperature control (≤100 °C) | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| 4-line LCD / program menu | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| 15 test programs / RS232 output | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Test duration timer (up to 999 hours) | ✔ | |||
| Electrical connection | 230 Vac ±10% · 50/60 Hz · 16 A (max.) | |||
Radiometer/thermometer and UV sensors (295–400 nm broadband, 340/420 nm narrowband, illuminance, Black Standard temperature) are optional on all models.
Solarbox 1500E RH / 3000E RH — Humidity-Controlled Models
The SOLARBOX E RH series is the first compact weathering tester to bring together, at an accessible cost, all the weathering parameters (irradiance, spectrum, BST temperature, relative humidity, flooding) found in expensive industrial xenon chambers.
| Parameter | 1500E RH | 3000E RH |
|---|---|---|
| External dimensions (WxDxH) | 810 × 550 × 1600 mm | 950 × 550 × 1600 mm |
| Xenon lamp power | 1500 W | 2500 W |
| Sample area (WxD) | 280 × 200 mm | 420 × 200 mm |
| Floor weight | 100 kg | 125 kg |
| Irradiance range (300–800 nm) | 300–1,000 W/m² | |
| BST temperature control | Controlled and displayed, ≤100 °C | |
| Relative humidity control | Ultrasonic humidifier; closed/partial/open loop modes | |
| Humidity tank capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
| Water type | Demineralized, <2 µSiemens | |
| 4-line LCD / 15 programs / RS232 | ✔ | |
| Flooding system (optional) | ✔ | |
| XEN 32 software (report / maintenance level) | ✔ | |
| Electrical connection | 230 Vac ±10% · 50/60 Hz · 16 A (max.) | |
The relative humidity operating range depends on BST temperature and the air-loop mode (closed/partial/open); the closed loop achieves the highest humidity with the lowest water consumption, while the open loop allows a lower BST range (reference chart at 20 °C laboratory temperature).
Humidity Simulation and Flooding System
On the 1500E / 3000E and RH models, the optional flooding system provides selectable flooding at 1–999 minute intervals throughout the test program; water temperature is adjustable from 30–50 °C, and the xenon lamp can be programmed to stay on or off during flooding. The system recycles demineralized water in a closed loop, delivering the same test result as high-consumption spray systems with less water; the tank, pump and piping are made of corrosion-resistant PP plastic (capacity up to 50 liters).
UV Filter Options
| Filter | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standard borosilicate | General purpose, maximum UV effect (290 nm base filter) |
| Soda-lime, Outdoor | Exterior products exposed to direct sunlight |
| Soda-lime, Indoor | Interior products exposed to sunlight through glass |
| Soda-lime, Outdoor + IR coating | Exterior simulation with reduced infrared heat load |
| Soda-lime, Indoor + IR coating | Interior simulation with reduced infrared heat load |
| Custom-order filter | Custom design to specification on request |
Radiometer and Black Panel Thermometer
The MULTIMETER is a portable, battery-powered radiometer and thermometer developed for use with the Solarbox; it can also be used to check the output of any industrial UV lamp. It measures irradiance or temperature with easily interchangeable cosine-response sensors, and can be returned to the manufacturer (CO.FO.ME.GRA) for calibration certification.
- UV 295–400 nm broadband sensor
- UV 340 nm and 420 nm narrowband sensors
- Illuminance sensor — spectral response similar to the CIE photopic curve, up to 2 Megalux
- Black Standard Temperature (BST) sensor
Key Advantages
- Full spectrum of sunlight — a single xenon lamp, unlike fluorescent UVA/UVB, also covers the visible and IR regions
- Closed-loop irradiance control — automatically compensates for lamp and filter ageing, repeatable results
- Low purchase and operating cost — an accessible alternative to industrial xenon chambers
- Compact benchtop / floor-standing design — easy integration into the laboratory
- Correlation, acceleration, repeatability and reproducibility
Application Areas & Supported Standards
With 6 different models and a wide range of options (including humidity control), the Solarbox family covers the following industries and standards:
Adhesives & Sealants:
Automotive:
Coatings:
General & Plastics:
Ink / Paper & Packaging:
Rubber & Textiles:
Roofing & Other: