Marks & Spencer Endorse Q-Sun Lightfastness Testing
Marks & Spencer (M&S) approves the Q-Sun lightfastness tester, "following its successful evaluation at the labs of STR UK Ltd ," confirms Mr. Ian Morris, Product Testing, Safety and Plan A Delivery Manager for M&S.
Q-Lab chose the independent test house STR (UK) Ltd., a M&S accredited laboratory based in Derbyshire, to evaluate the Q-Sun. STR is a leading international provider of testing and inspection quality assurance services to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of softline products.
Results from extensive evaluations concluded that the Q-Sun flat array style tester gives similar lightfastness results as the rotating drum testers that have traditionally been approved by M&S. The tester also has comparable irradiance uniformity and humidity uniformity.
In STR's final report, the Q-Sun also received high accolades for its ease of use.
"Machine operation is straight forward, aided by a clear and simple visual display (This is backed up by a concise operating manual)."
"Burner change is straight forward, aided via good accessibility via a large hinged door and burner housing removal."
"Calibration is conducted using the supplied calibration device and is simply a plug-and-play operation using simple instructions."
"Specimen mounting is quick and easy. The sturdy design of the holders and the fact that the mask is guided on three sides allows precise re-masking therefore reducing the prospect of ghosting."
The "Approved Equipment List" for Marks & Spencer's C9 and C9A lightfastness testing now includes the Q-Sun Xe-3-H and the Xe-3HS. This list is available on their Quality Standards Website. At a time when cost reduction is critical, the Q-Sun approval introduces a new affordable lightfastness tester for use by M&S and their vendors.
For more information about how the Q-Sun Xe-3 can benefit your Marks & Spencer lightfastness testing, contact Q-Lab at info@q-lab.com, or visit www.lightfastness.com
Editorial contact:
Danica Zeise,
dzeise@q-lab.com
Q-Lab Corporation is a global provider of scientific instruments and test services for research and development and quality control. The company's manufacturing facility and headquarters are in Cleveland, Ohio USA and facilities are located in Florida and Arizona, as well as Manchester, England, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Shanghai, China.
The Q-Sun Xe-3 is a lightfastness tester that uses full-spectrum xenon arc lamps (UV, visible light, and infrared). Its purchase price and operating costs are much lower than costs traditionally associated with xenon testers.
Q-Suns are used worldwide for accelerated stability testing and lightfastness testing of products used indoors or outdoors. The testers meet a wide range of ISO, ASTM, AATCC, SAE, DIN and other standards.
Simple and Cost-Effective. The design of every Q-Sun xenon tester is as simple as possible, making it easy to install, operate and maintain. This reduces both the initial purchase price and operating costs for the life of the equipment.
Large Specimen Capacity. Q-Sun Xe-3 features a slide-out specimen tray that can hold unusual shapes and sizes, even large 3-dimensional parts.
Efficient Lamps & Filters. The Q-Sun's air-cooled xenon arc lamps reproduce the full spectrum of sunlight. They cost much less than competitive lamps, are easier to install, and have a long service life. Optical filters realistically reproduce sunlight, sunlight through window glass, or other spectra required by test methods.
Superior Control Systems. Solar Eye(TM) Irradiance Control ensures maximum repeatability and reproducibility. Calibration is quick and easy with the patented AutoCal system.
