HunterLab ColorQuest XE Benchtop Spectrophotometer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | ColorQuest XE |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The HunterLab ColorQuest XE is a high-precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for rigorous color measurement across reflective, translucent, and transparent solid and liquid samples. Operating on the principle of dual-beam spectral photometry with a d/8° (diffuse/8°) optical geometry, it delivers metrologically traceable color data compliant with CIE, ISO, ASTM, DIN, and JIS standards. Its 256-element diode array detector coupled with a high-resolution concave holographic grating enables full-spectrum acquisition from 400 nm to 700 nm at <3 nm wavelength resolution and ±0.1 nm wavelength accuracy. The 15.2 cm (6″) integrating sphere—coated with proprietary Spectraflect™—ensures uniform illumination and high signal-to-noise ratio, while the pulse xenon lamp simulates D65 illumination without thermal drift or filament aging. Designed for both quality control and color formulation workflows, the ColorQuest XE supports simultaneous evaluation of reflectance color, transmittance color, haze, APHA yellowness index, opacity, lightness (L*), chroma (C*), and hue angle (h°) in a single measurement cycle.
Key Features
- Dual-beam spectral architecture with real-time reference compensation for enhanced photometric stability and long-term repeatability
- Automated LAV/SAV/MAV aperture switching via motorized lens assembly—no manual alignment required
- Integrated specular component included/excluded (SCI/SCE) mode selection for accurate gloss-invariant color assessment
- Three-sided open transmission chamber accommodating standard cuvettes (10–50 mm pathlength), flow cells, and custom holders
- Pulse xenon light source with >1,000,000 flashes lifetime; user-replaceable without recalibration
- Measurement time <1 second per reading; minimum inter-measurement interval of 3 seconds for thermal equilibrium
- Full compliance with CIE Publication No. 15, ISO 7724-1, ASTM E1164, DIN 5033-7, and JIS Z 8722 Condition C
- Instrument-to-instrument agreement ≤0.15 ΔE*ab (average), ≤0.25 ΔE*ab (maximum) across calibrated units—critical for multi-site production consistency
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ColorQuest XE accommodates diverse sample forms including powders, granules, films, molded plastics, textiles, coatings, beverages, pharmaceutical solutions, and paper. Its large-area viewing (LAV: 25.4 mm illumination / 19.0 mm measurement) ensures representative sampling of heterogeneous surfaces, while optional SAV (9.5 mm / 6.3 mm) and MAV (4 mm) apertures enable precise analysis of small features or patterned substrates. For transmission measurements, the instrument supports directional (direct) and total transmittance modes, with automatic UV correction available via selectable 420 nm and 460 nm filters—essential for fluorescent or optically brightened materials. All calibration standards are NPL-traceable, and instrument validation adheres to GLP/GMP requirements, supporting audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with EasyMatch QC software.
Software & Data Management
The ColorQuest XE ships with Universal® software (included at no additional cost), providing intuitive instrument control, method setup, and basic reporting. For regulated environments, EasyMatch® QC software offers advanced functionality including statistical process control (SPC), tolerance mapping, batch trending, and electronic signature support aligned with 21 CFR Part 11. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF; all measurement logs retain full spectral data (10 nm intervals), instrument configuration metadata, operator ID, timestamp, and environmental conditions. Audit trails record every parameter change, calibration event, and user login—enabling full traceability from raw spectra to final pass/fail decision.
Applications
This spectrophotometer serves as a foundational tool in R&D and QA/QC laboratories across industries requiring objective, repeatable color specification. In polymer manufacturing, it verifies pigment dispersion homogeneity and batch-to-batch hue consistency. In food and beverage labs, it quantifies yellowness index (APHA), turbidity, and browning kinetics in clear liquids and emulsions. Paint and coating formulators rely on its SCI/SCE flexibility to decouple surface texture effects from intrinsic color. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it for solution clarity assessment per USP and excipient color qualification. Textile mills apply it to shade matching across fiber types (cotton, polyester, nylon) under standardized illuminants, while paper producers monitor brightness (ISO 2470-1) and whiteness (CIE Whiteness).
FAQ
What is the difference between SCI and SCE measurement modes?
SCI (Specular Component Included) captures total reflectance—including gloss effects—for formulation matching; SCE (Specular Component Excluded) excludes specular reflection to assess perceived color independent of surface finish.
Can the ColorQuest XE measure fluorescent samples?
Yes—when equipped with the optional UV control module, it provides automatic UV energy adjustment and correction for optical brighteners and fluorescent dyes.
Is the instrument suitable for regulatory submissions?
Yes—when used with EasyMatch QC software and configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, it supports electronic records, audit trails, and role-based access control required by FDA and EMA.
How often does the instrument require calibration verification?
Daily white tile verification is recommended; full recalibration using NPL-traceable standards is advised every 6–12 months depending on usage frequency and environmental conditions.
Does it support custom color scales beyond CIELAB?
Yes—Universal and EasyMatch software allow user-defined indices, such as Yellowness Index (ASTM E313), Whiteness (Tappi T452), and Delta E metrics (ΔE00, ΔE94, ΔE76).
