HunterLab MiniScan EZ Portable Colorimeter
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | MiniScan EZ |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The HunterLab MiniScan EZ Portable Colorimeter is a high-precision, field-deployable spectrophotometric instrument engineered for reliable color measurement across diverse industrial environments. Operating on the principle of diffuse reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy, it employs a pulsed xenon light source and a precision optical bench with a 400–700 nm spectral range to capture full-spectrum reflectance data at 10 nm reporting intervals. Its dual optical geometries—45°/0° (for surface appearance assessment) and d/8° (integrating sphere for diffuse measurement)—enable compliance with ASTM E308, ISO 7724, CIE No. 15, and USP colorimetric standards. Designed for traceable, repeatable color evaluation under variable ambient conditions, the MiniScan EZ delivers metrological stability through dual calibration references: certified white and green ceramic tiles—enhancing correction for spectral drift and improving long-term repeatability in production line or lab-based quality control workflows.
Key Features
- Triple optical configuration support: 45°/0° LAV (31.8 mm aperture), 45°/0° SAV (6.0 mm), and d/8° integrating sphere (LAV 25.0 mm / SAV 14.3 mm / VSAV 6.0 mm)
- Dual-reference calibration system using NIST-traceable white and green ceramic standards for enhanced spectral accuracy and reduced inter-instrument variability
- Pulsed xenon lamp with >500,000 flashes lifetime—eliminates thermal drift and ensures consistent illumination across extended measurement sessions
- High-resolution 6.4 cm × 6.4 cm LCD display with four rotational orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) for ergonomic operation in confined or overhead sampling locations
- Flexible power architecture: rechargeable NiCd battery pack or universal AC adapter (120/220 VAC), enabling uninterrupted use in factory floors, warehouses, or remote field sites
- Robust mechanical design (10.2 × 12.7 × 25.4 cm; 1.3 kg) with tactile grip and intuitive button layout optimized for gloved-hand operation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MiniScan EZ accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types without requiring destructive preparation: opaque solids, translucent films, powders, pastes, granular materials, metallic surfaces, and fluorescent specimens—including those compliant with ISO 11475 (paper), ASTM D2244 (paints), and AATCC TM173 (textiles). Its d/8° geometry supports both reflectance and transmittance modes, making it suitable for clear liquids, gels, and coated substrates per ASTM D1209 and ISO 6271. All measurement modes adhere to GLP-compliant data integrity requirements, with optional audit trail logging and user-access controls available via companion software. Instrument performance is validated against BCRA Series II ceramic tile sets, with repeatability specified as ΔE* ≤ 0.05 (45°/0° LAV), ≤ 0.25 (45°/0° SAV), and ≤ 0.15 (d/8° configurations).
Software & Data Management
The MiniScan EZ interfaces seamlessly with HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC software (Windows-based), supporting automated pass/fail evaluation against stored standards, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and export to CSV, Excel, or PDF formats. Data files include full spectral reflectance curves (31 points from 400–700 nm), CIELAB (L*a*b*), CMC, ΔE00, and Yellowness Index (YI E313) calculations. Software modules comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with electronic signatures, role-based permissions, and immutable audit trails—ensuring suitability for regulated industries including pharmaceutical excipient color verification and food packaging quality assurance.
Applications
This instrument serves as a primary color verification tool across multiple QC-critical domains: incoming raw material inspection in polymer compounding; batch-to-batch consistency checks for pigment dispersions in coatings formulation; shade matching in textile dye houses; color release testing for medical device housings; and regulatory-compliant color monitoring in food-grade packaging films. Its portability enables real-time measurement at extrusion lines, spray booths, printing presses, and warehouse receiving docks—reducing turnaround time versus lab-based benchtop spectrophotometers while maintaining metrological equivalence.
FAQ
Does the MiniScan EZ support fluorescence compensation?
Yes—its xenon-based full-spectrum illumination and 10 nm reporting interval enable accurate measurement of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) and optically brightened samples per ISO 11475 Annex B.
Can it measure transparent liquids?
Yes—when used with the optional liquid cell holder and d/8° geometry, it meets ASTM D1209 and ISO 6271 specifications for APHA/Pt-Co/Hazen color units.
Is firmware upgradable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are delivered via USB connection and EasyMatch QC software, ensuring continued alignment with evolving color science standards.
What calibration standards are included?
Each unit ships with NIST-traceable white and green ceramic calibration tiles, plus a black trap for dark current verification.
Does it meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited labs?
When operated within documented procedures—including daily calibration verification, environmental monitoring, and technician competency records—the MiniScan EZ supports ISO/IEC 17025 method validation for colorimetric testing.
