Atlas Ci3000+ Xenon Arc Weathering Test Chamber
| Brand | ATLAS |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Ci3000+ |
| Xenon Lamp Power | 4500 W |
| Illumination Cycle | Programmable Light Exposure Duration |
| Humidity Range | 10–95% RH during Light Phase |
| Total Exposure Area | 2,188 cm² (339 in²) |
| Control Interface | 12-inch TFT Color Touchscreen |
| Predefined Test Methods | 14 (Weather-Ometer), 6 (Fade-Ometer) |
| Custom Program Slots | 12 |
| Compliance | CE, UL, CSA, ISO 9001, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-4, ASTM G155, ISO 4892-2, ISO 11341, AATCC TM16, SAE J2527, JIS D0205 |
| Optional Features | Smart Damper™, SmartLight Monitor™, VibraSonic™ Ultrasonic Humidification, CS-7 Lamp Cooling System, Dust-Filtered Air Intake, Water Quality Indicator |
Overview
The Atlas Ci3000+ Xenon Arc Weathering Test Chamber is a high-precision, digitally controlled laboratory instrument engineered for accelerated weathering and light stability evaluation of materials under simulated solar radiation. Utilizing a 4500 W water-cooled xenon arc lamp as its spectral source, the Ci3000+ replicates full-spectrum sunlight—including UV, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths—with spectral power distribution closely aligned to terrestrial solar irradiance (CIE 85:1989, ISO 4892-2). Its optical architecture incorporates interchangeable filter systems (e.g., Daylight-Q/B, Window Glass-Q/B, Extended UV) to meet method-specific requirements across ASTM, ISO, SAE, AATCC, and JIS standards. Designed for long-term operational stability and inter-laboratory reproducibility, the Ci3000+ integrates real-time environmental control of irradiance, black panel temperature (BPT or BST), chamber air temperature, and relative humidity—enabling rigorous correlation between laboratory exposure and real-world service life prediction.
Key Features
- 12-inch full-color TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation, multilingual support (English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Turkish), and real-time display of all critical test parameters
- Rotating drum sample holder ensuring uniform irradiance distribution across the entire 2,188 cm² (339 in²) exposure area
- Smart Damper™ technology dynamically compensates for ambient lab fluctuations in temperature and humidity, minimizing test variability
- SmartLight Monitor™ continuously verifies spectral output integrity and confirms correct placement of radiometric sensors (e.g., UV or TUV sensors)
- VibraSonic™ ultrasonic humidification system delivers precise, particle-free moisture delivery without mineral deposits or nozzle clogging
- Dust-filtered air intake (CS-7 filtration grade) maintains optical path cleanliness and extends lamp and filter service life
- Integrated diagnostic engine provides on-screen fault logging, maintenance alerts, and calibration status tracking
- Comprehensive safety architecture compliant with CE, UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, and EN 61000 electromagnetic compatibility directives
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Ci3000+ accommodates diverse specimen geometries—including flat panels, 3D parts, textiles, coatings, automotive trim, and polymer films—via modular sample clamps and adjustable mounting fixtures. Its environmental control fidelity supports strict adherence to globally recognized test protocols: ASTM G155 (non-filtered and filtered xenon arc exposure), ISO 4892-2 (xenon arc methods for plastics), ISO 11341 (paints and varnishes), AATCC TM16 (textile colorfastness), SAE J2527 (automotive interior materials), and JIS D0205 (Japanese automotive standards). All control loops—including irradiance regulation via closed-loop feedback, BPT/BST monitoring per ASTM D7892, and humidity control per ISO 4892-2 Annex B—are traceable to NIST-traceable reference instruments. The system supports GLP-compliant data integrity through audit-trail-enabled firmware and optional 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software extensions.
Software & Data Management
Test execution and data acquisition are managed through the embedded controller’s native firmware, supporting direct parameter entry, cycle sequencing, and real-time graphing of irradiance, temperature, and RH profiles. Data export is enabled via Ethernet (TCP/IP) or USB 2.0 interfaces, compatible with CSV and XML formats for integration into LIMS or statistical analysis platforms (e.g., JMP, Minitab). Preloaded test methods include 14 Weather-Ometer configurations (e.g., ISO 4892-2 Cycle 1, ASTM G155 Cycle 1A) and 6 Fade-Ometer protocols optimized for textile fading kinetics. Twelve user-defined program slots allow storage of custom irradiance ramps, humidity step profiles, and dark/light transition logic. Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS download and validated checksum verification.
Applications
The Ci3000+ serves as a core qualification tool in R&D, QC, and regulatory submission workflows across multiple sectors. In automotive engineering, it validates UV resistance of interior trims, dashboard polymers, and headlamp lenses per SAE J2412 and J2527. For architectural coatings and exterior plastics, it supports durability claims under ISO 16474-2 and ASTM D4329. Textile manufacturers employ it for AATCC TM16-2016 colorfastness grading, while pharmaceutical packaging developers use it to assess photostability of HDPE and PET containers per ICH Q1B guidance. Its reproducible spectral output and tightly controlled environmental variables make it suitable for comparative aging studies, material benchmarking, and failure mode analysis under controlled stress conditions.
FAQ
What spectral filters are available for the Ci3000+?
Standard filter sets include Daylight-Q/B (for general outdoor simulation), Window Glass-Q/B (for indoor/automotive glazing transmission), and Extended UV-Q/B (for accelerated UV degradation studies). Filter selection is method-dependent and must be validated against the target standard.
Does the Ci3000+ support automated irradiance calibration?
Yes—the SmartLight Monitor™ system enables in-situ verification of sensor positioning and spectral output stability. Full irradiance calibration requires periodic use of a NIST-traceable reference radiometer, which is supported by the instrument’s calibration port and firmware routines.
Can the Ci3000+ operate continuously for extended exposure cycles?
Yes—designed for unattended operation up to 1,000 hours per test sequence, with automatic lamp hour logging, coolant level monitoring, and predictive maintenance alerts integrated into the control interface.
Is remote monitoring possible?
Remote status viewing and basic parameter adjustment are supported via Ethernet-connected network access using standard web browsers. Full remote control and data download require optional ATLAS WebConnect software license.
How is humidity controlled during dark cycles?
The VibraSonic™ ultrasonic humidifier operates independently of light phase, enabling precise RH control up to 100% during dark periods—critical for simulating dew formation and condensation effects per ISO 4892-2 Annex B.
