Auniontech Ci4200 / Ci4200UV Benchtop Integrating Sphere Spectrophotometer (Color Measurement Instrument)

Overview

The Auniontech Ci4200 and Ci4200UV are benchtop integrating sphere spectrophotometers engineered for precise, repeatable color measurement in quality control, R&D, and production environments. Based on the d/8° optical geometry with a diffuse illumination and 8° viewing angle—compliant with ISO 7724-1, CIE No. 15, and ASTM E308—the instruments employ a double-beam spectral engine with a diffuse reflectance standard (DRS) to ensure high photometric stability and minimize stray light effects. The Ci4200UV variant integrates tunable UV LEDs to enable accurate quantification of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) commonly present in textiles, paper, plastics, and coatings—addressing a critical gap in conventional visible-range spectrophotometry. Both models deliver simultaneous Specular Component Included (SCI) and Specular Component Excluded (SCE) measurements within approximately two seconds, supporting both colorimetric evaluation under standardized illuminants (e.g., D65, A, F2) and geometrically resolved appearance assessment.

Key Features

• Simultaneous SCI/SCE acquisition in ≤2 seconds—enabling rapid differentiation between total color appearance and surface texture effects
• Integrated 60° gloss sensor—providing concurrent gloss data without requiring separate instrumentation or sample repositioning
• UV calibration capability (Ci4200UV only)—facilitating traceable, routine verification of UV component performance per ISO 105-J03 and AATCC TM183
• NetProfiler-enabled network monitoring—allowing centralized performance tracking, drift analysis, and inter-instrument data harmonization across multi-site facilities
• Transform-compatible architecture—supporting spectral data conversion between different illuminants, observers, and color spaces (e.g., CIE XYZ → L*a*b*, L*C*h°, CMYK)
• LED status panel and remote trigger functionality—streamlining integration into automated test stations or conveyor-based inspection systems
• Positionable, preview-capable sample clamp—ensuring consistent placement and minimizing operator-induced variability
• Flexible mounting options—supporting horizontal and vertical orientation to accommodate diverse sample geometries and workflow layouts
• Cross-platform spectral data compatibility—ensuring seamless correlation with Auniontech’s portable sphere instruments (e.g., Ci4100 series) for lab-to-floor validation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Ci4200/Ci4200UV accommodates flat, rigid, and moderately curved samples up to 14 mm in diameter via its fixed aperture configuration. Its 14 mm illumination and 8 mm measurement apertures conform to ISO 5-4 and ASTM D2244 for color difference reporting. The instrument meets key regulatory and industry requirements for color measurement traceability, including ISO/IEC 17025–aligned calibration protocols and GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with validated software platforms. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its USB interface and deterministic data export structure support integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) where full electronic signature and audit trail capabilities are implemented at the system level.

Software & Data Management

The Ci4200/Ci4200UV operates via Auniontech’s ColorLink™ software suite—compatible with Windows 10/11—and supports direct import/export of spectral data in .csv, .txt, and CIE-standard .cie formats. The software enables full spectral analysis, tolerance setting (ΔE*ab, ΔE00), pass/fail flagging, batch reporting, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. When deployed with NetProfiler, it provides instrument health dashboards, calibration history logs, and deviation alerts based on BCRA Series II reference tiles. All raw spectral acquisitions are timestamped and stored with metadata (operator ID, sample ID, illuminant, geometry), forming an auditable record suitable for internal quality audits and third-party certification reviews.

Applications

• Color formulation and matching in paint, ink, and plastic compound development
• In-line and final-inspection color verification for automotive interior trim, consumer electronics housings, and packaging substrates
• Fluorescence-corrected whiteness evaluation in paper manufacturing and textile finishing
• Quality assurance of coated surfaces where gloss and hue must be jointly controlled (e.g., appliance panels, cosmetic containers)
• Academic and industrial research requiring spectral reflectance curves for material characterization and aging studies
• Supplier qualification programs requiring cross-laboratory color data consistency across global supply chains

FAQ

What is the difference between Ci4200 and Ci4200UV?
The Ci4200UV includes a calibrated UV LED array and dedicated UV calibration standard to quantify fluorescence; the Ci4200 lacks UV excitation and is intended for non-fluorescent samples only.
Can this instrument measure transparent or translucent films?
No—it is optimized for opaque or diffusely reflecting surfaces. Transmission measurements require a dedicated transmission accessory not included with standard configuration.
Is NIST-traceable calibration provided with the instrument?
Yes—a full set of BCRA Series II ceramic tiles and a certified black trap are supplied; optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request.
Does the software support custom tolerancing schemes?
Yes—users may define multi-parameter tolerances (e.g., ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE*ab, gloss) with independent pass/fail thresholds per parameter.
How frequently should recalibration be performed?
Daily zero calibration is recommended; full calibration using white and black standards is advised before each shift or after environmental changes exceeding ±5 °C or 20% RH.