HunterLab Aeros Accessory Kit

Overview

The HunterLab Aeros Accessory Kit is a purpose-engineered set of sample handling components designed exclusively for integration with the HunterLab Aeros series of benchtop color measurement instruments. Built to support high-precision, repeatable color evaluation across diverse sample formats—including liquid, paste, powder, and solid specimens—the kit extends the operational flexibility and metrological integrity of the base Aeros platform. The system operates on CIE-compliant 0/45° optical geometry, utilizing a calibrated LED cold light source spanning the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) and an integrating sphere detector to ensure uniform illumination and diffuse reflectance capture. This configuration meets ASTM E308, ISO 11664-4, and CIE Publication No. 15 requirements for colorimetric measurement under standardized illuminants (e.g., D65, A, C). The accessory kit does not modify the instrument’s core photometric architecture but enables consistent sample presentation—critical for achieving the stated repeatability of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 under controlled laboratory conditions.

Key Features

• Dual-format cuvette holder accommodating both 145 mm and 90 mm path-length cuvettes, featuring molded alignment spindles for rapid, concentric positioning on the Aeros rotating sample stage
• Two precision-machined sample trays: a 6″ × 1″ rectangular tray optimized for narrow-profile solids or strip samples, and a 12″ × 1″ extended tray supporting larger-area or multi-position evaluations
• Interchangeable mounting interface compatible with standard Aeros sample stage kinematics—no tools or recalibration required
• Non-reflective, matte-black anodized aluminum construction to minimize stray light contribution and thermal drift
• Traceable dimensional tolerances (±0.05 mm) ensuring mechanical reproducibility across repeated insertions and operator shifts

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Aeros Accessory Kit supports routine compliance with GLP and GMP workflows in pharmaceutical, food, paint, and polymer quality control laboratories. Its cuvette holders are validated for use with standard optical-grade quartz and acrylic cuvettes conforming to ISO 3664:2009 geometrical specifications. The 6″ and 12″ trays accommodate ASTM D2244-compliant sample substrates—including coated panels, plastic plaques, and textile swatches—while maintaining consistent 0/45° viewing angle and field-of-view (FOV) coverage. All components are manufactured in the United States under ISO 9001-certified processes and undergo incoming inspection per HunterLab’s internal metrology protocol. No component introduces spectral interference; material reflectance below 0.5% across 400–700 nm has been verified via NIST-traceable spectrophotometric characterization.

Software & Data Management

Accessory usage is fully integrated into the HunterLab EasyMatch QC software environment. When a cuvette or tray is selected via the instrument’s touchscreen or remote interface, the software automatically applies corresponding measurement protocols—including auto-zeroing routines, aperture compensation factors, and batch ID tagging. Audit trails record accessory type, insertion timestamp, and operator ID—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access control. Measurement data export supports CSV, XML, and PDF report formats aligned with LIMS integration standards (ASTM E1482, ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.2). No firmware update is required for accessory recognition; plug-and-play detection occurs at system initialization.

Applications

• Quantitative color matching of liquid dyes and inks in packaging and inkjet R&D labs
• Batch-to-batch consistency verification of opaque coatings on metal or plastic substrates
• Stability monitoring of photochromic and thermochromic materials under accelerated aging protocols
• Raw material qualification for food-grade pigments and cosmetic colorants per USP and EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex IV
• Calibration verification using NIST-traceable ceramic tiles and liquid standards (e.g., NIST SRM 2035)

FAQ

Are these accessories compatible with older Aeros models (e.g., Aeros 1.0 or Aeros 2.0)?
Yes—the mechanical and electrical interfaces remain unchanged across all Aeros generations released since 2018. Firmware version 4.2.1 or later is required for full software recognition.
Can the 145 mm cuvette holder be used with non-standard cuvettes (e.g., tapered or square cross-section)?
No—it is dimensionally optimized for cylindrical, round-bottom cuvettes meeting ASTM E179-22 geometric tolerances. Non-conforming shapes may compromise optical axis alignment and repeatability.
Is the 12″ × 1″ tray suitable for measuring textured or irregular surfaces?
It supports such samples only when paired with the optional Aeros Texture Mode firmware module, which applies localized ROI averaging and surface-normal correction algorithms.
Do these accessories require periodic recalibration?
No—they are passive mechanical components with no active electronics or optical elements. However, annual mechanical verification against HunterLab’s Alignment Gauge Kit (P/N AGK-001) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10.
Can I order individual components (e.g., only the 6″ tray) without purchasing the full kit?
Yes—each item carries a unique HunterLab part number and is available as a standalone replacement through authorized distributors.