HunterLab Agera-AGR Yellow Index Instrument
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Agera-AGR |
| Product Type | Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | 0/45° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Full-Spectrum Balanced LED Array |
| Spectral Range | 400 nm – 700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔYI ≤ 0.03 |
| Compliant Standards | ASTM E313-2015, ASTM D1925-70, ASTM D6290-05, ISO 11475, ISO 2813, ASTM D523, HG/T 3862–2006, GB/T 2913–1982, GB/T 2410–2008, GB/T 39822–2021 |
Overview
The HunterLab Agera-AGR Yellow Index Instrument is a precision benchtop color measurement system engineered for quantitative assessment of yellowness in white and near-colorless materials—particularly critical in polymer, petrochemical, and plastic manufacturing quality control. It operates on the principle of spectrophotometric reflectance (or transmittance) measurement using a 0/45° optical geometry with an integrating sphere, ensuring high angular uniformity and minimizing directional bias in diffuse sample surfaces. The instrument calculates Yellow Index (YI) values per two primary ASTM standards: YID1925 (based on CIE 1931 2° observer under C illuminant) and the more widely adopted YIE313 (calculated from CIE XYZ tristimulus values under D65 illuminant, with options for both 2° and 10° standard observers). Its full-spectrum balanced LED array delivers stable, drift-free spectral output across 400–700 nm—eliminating the aging-related intensity decay and arc instability inherent in xenon or tungsten-halogen sources—thereby enabling long-term repeatability of ≤0.03 ΔYI, essential for trending degradation during accelerated aging studies.
Key Features
- Full-spectrum balanced LED illumination with zero warm-up time, calibrated spectral power distribution matching CIE D65 and C illuminants for ASTM-compliant YI computation.
- Integrated 5-megapixel coaxial camera aligned at 45° to capture high-fidelity sample images synchronized with spectral data—enabling visual correlation of surface defects, contamination, or heterogeneity with measured YI deviations.
- Multi-aperture configuration: selectable 50 mm (2″), 25.4 mm (1″), and 16.9 mm (5/8″) measurement ports to accommodate granules, powders, films, sheets, and molded parts per industry sampling protocols.
- Dual-function capability: simultaneous measurement of color coordinates (L*a*b*, YI, WI, ΔE), gloss at 60° (per ASTM D523 and ISO 2813), and UV-adjusted fluorescence compensation—each traceable to NIST-traceable standards with certificate of calibration.
- High-resolution capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven workflow; supports on-device data review, statistical analysis (mean, SD, min/max), pass/fail thresholding, and USB flash drive export in CSV, XML, and HunterLab native formats.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Agera-AGR is validated for use with opaque, translucent, and transparent solid and particulate samples including PET resin pellets, PP homopolymer granules, PTA powder, TiO2 pigments, PVC compounds, polycarbonate sheets, TPU elastomers, PVDF membranes, and acrylic coatings. Its optical design accommodates high-scatter, low-reflectance, and semi-crystalline polymers without requiring external diffusers or auxiliary accessories. Regulatory compliance includes full alignment with ASTM E313-2015 (current revision), ASTM D1925-70 (historical reference), ASTM D6290-05 (for plastic film yellowness), ISO 11475 (paper and board), and Chinese national standards GB/T 2913–1982 (plastic clarity), GB/T 2410–2008 (transparency), and GB/T 39822–2021 (polymer color stability testing). Optional UV filter module enables controlled excitation and suppression of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), supporting method validation per ISO 105-J03 and ASTM D6583.
Software & Data Management
Instrument operation is supported by both embedded firmware and PC-based EasyMatch QC software (v5.0+), which provides GLP/GMP-compliant audit trail logging, user access levels (admin/operator), electronic signature support, and 21 CFR Part 11-ready data integrity controls—including immutable timestamps, operator ID tagging, and change history for all calibration, measurement, and report-generation events. Data synchronization via Ethernet or Wi-Fi enables remote diagnostics and firmware updates through HunterLab’s SecureConnect™ platform—authorized service engineers can initiate secure, read-only remote sessions for real-time troubleshooting and procedural guidance without compromising network security or data sovereignty.
Applications
The Agera-AGR serves as a primary metrology tool in R&D labs and QC departments across industries where thermal, UV, or oxidative yellowing directly correlates with material performance: monitoring hydroperoxide formation in polyolefins during extrusion; quantifying photoyellowing in architectural coatings exposed to QUV accelerated weathering; evaluating FWA efficacy in synthetic fibers; assessing batch-to-batch consistency of titanium dioxide masterbatches; and validating shelf-life stability of pharmaceutical packaging films per ICH Q5C guidelines. Its dual gloss + color capability also streamlines qualification of coil-coated metal substrates in automotive and appliance manufacturing, where surface appearance and durability are jointly specified.
FAQ
What is the difference between YID1925 and YIE313?
YID1925 uses C-illuminant and 2° observer, while YIE313 uses D65 illuminant and allows selection of either 2° or 10° observer—making it more representative of real-world viewing conditions and thus preferred in modern polymer specifications.
Can the Agera-AGR measure yellowness in liquid samples?
Yes—when used with optional transmission cell holders and quartz cuvettes, it supports transmittance-mode YI calculation for clear liquids such as solvents, monomers, or optical resins per ASTM D1209 and ASTM D5386.
Is UV calibration performed at the factory or in-field?
UV calibration is performed at the factory using NIST-traceable fluorescent standards; users may perform verification checks with supplied UV check tiles but should not recalibrate UV response without HunterLab-certified service personnel.
Does the instrument meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited testing labs?
When operated within defined environmental conditions (23 ± 2°C, 50 ± 5% RH), with documented calibration intervals and traceable standards, the Agera-AGR supports ISO/IEC 17025 method validation—particularly when paired with EasyMatch QC’s uncertainty estimation module.
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Annual recalibration against certified ceramic tiles and fluorescent standards is recommended; however, daily verification using the built-in white tile and dark trap ensures ongoing measurement fidelity between formal calibrations.
