R2 Sealant Systems Brings State-of-the-Art Weathering Technology In-House
R2 Sealants Staff | September 5, 2025
(MASSILLON, OHIO) — R2 Sealant Systems has taken a major step forward in its commitment to quality and innovation with the installation of two pieces of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment: the Q-Lab QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester and the Q-Lab Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber (Model XE-3). These additions allow R2 to conduct advanced UV stability and weathering tests in-house for the first time, reducing turnaround times, improving product development, and giving customers even greater confidence in the durability of R2’s sealants and adhesives.
“High-quality building materials are crafted with the end-user in mind,” says Amy Quinones, R2’s Technical and Systems Director. “Previously, we relied on third-party labs to conduct our accelerated weathering testing. With our exciting growth, we decided it was time to bring this capability in-house, giving us the flexibility to perform high-end UV stability testing as part of our standard quality process and even help customers design the perfect product for their unique application.”
The Q-Lab QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester: Predicting the Future, Faster
The QUV Accelerated Weathering Tester exposes samples to UV light and condensation to simulate real-world damage caused by sunlight and dew, which is actually the main source of outdoor moisture. “Over just weeks to months, we can replicate a year or more of sunlight and dew exposure,” Quinones explains. “That means we can confidently predict how our products will perform in the field, long before they ever leave the factory.”
This accelerated insight is especially critical for sealants and adhesives, which can chalk, crack, yellow, or lose adhesion if they lack proper UV protection. “From roofing applications to concrete crack sealing, we ensure our products are tough enough to stand up to the job,” Quinones adds.
Bringing this capability in-house also provides a competitive edge. “If sealants and adhesives are not UV tested, customers can’t have confidence in how their materials will hold up over time,” says Quinones. “We give our customers peace of mind and save them from costly failures and replacements.”
The Q-Lab Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber: A True Sunlight Simulator
Complementing the QUV tester is the Q-Lab Q-Sun Xenon Test Chamber, which uses Xenon Arc lamps and daylight filters to mimic full-spectrum natural sunlight. It can also cycle through water spray, humidity, condensation, and temperature changes, making it one of the most realistic outdoor aging simulators available.
“The Q-Sun allows us to test to ASTM C920 standards and even go beyond them,” says Quinones. “We can now run full C794 Adhesion-in-Peel testing right here in Massillon, reduce our testing timeframes, and even run extended tests to find the actual hours-to-failure results. That kind of data simply wasn’t possible before.”
This capability opens the door to custom testing. “If a customer has a unique environment or exposure condition, we can replicate it right here in our lab,” Quinones explains. “It’s a world of possibilities that just wasn’t available when we relied solely on third-party labs.”
Strengthening Partnerships and Driving Innovation
These investments underscore R2’s commitment to being a trusted partner for customers across industries. “Our customers can rest easy knowing R2 can test their exact sealant, adhesive, and even substrate combination right here,” says Quinones. “No guesswork, no compromises — just reliable data and superior product performance.”
The new equipment will also accelerate product development. “Having this capability in-house saves us both time and money,” Quinones notes. “We can gather preliminary results before sending anything out for third-party qualification, which shortens our development cycles and allows us to launch products faster.”
On a personal note, Quinones is energized by the potential. “I am excited to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing laboratory,” she says. “I’ve worked with Q-Lab for years and know they are an excellent partner in creating high-quality products. This is just the first step — stay tuned for more exciting lab additions as we continue to build out our capabilities here in Massillon.”
Share this: