HunterLab Agera PC Color Measurement Instrument for Polycarbonate

Overview

The HunterLab Agera PC is a high-precision benchtop color measurement instrument engineered specifically for consistent, traceable color evaluation of polycarbonate (PC) and other optically demanding thermoplastic materials. Utilizing a 0/45° integrating sphere optical geometry, the Agera PC conforms to CIE standard observer conditions and ensures minimal influence from surface texture, gloss, or directional reflectance anomalies common in molded, extruded, or coated PC parts. Its full-spectrum balanced LED array provides stable, repeatable irradiance across the visible range (400–700 nm), eliminating the spectral drift and intensity decay associated with xenon or tungsten-halogen sources. This photometric stability directly underpins its exceptional repeatability—ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03—enabling detection of sub-perceptible color shifts critical for automotive interior trim, medical device housings, and optical-grade PC lenses.

Key Features

• 0/45° optical geometry with large-area integrating sphere (≥150 mm diameter) for uniform illumination and diffuse collection, minimizing edge effects on irregular or curved PC samples.
• Full-spectrum LED light source with real-time spectral monitoring and automatic intensity compensation, delivering <1% hour-to-hour irradiance variation over instrument lifetime.
• Dual-mode UV control: user-selectable inclusion or exclusion of UV component during measurement, with optional factory UV calibration using NIST-traceable fluorescent standards (e.g., USP compliant references).
• Simultaneous color + 60° gloss measurement per ASTM D523 and ISO 2813, with individual calibration certificates traceable to NIST and PTB.
• Integrated 5-megapixel coaxial camera with 45° ring illumination enables precise ROI selection, automated sample centering, and image-based defect correlation (e.g., haze, flow lines, contamination).
• 10.1-inch high-brightness capacitive touchscreen with glove-compatible interface; supports multi-language UI (English, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and on-device pass/fail judgment with configurable tolerances.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Agera PC accommodates diverse PC forms—including injection-molded plaques, extruded sheets, blow-molded containers, and metallized or matte-finished substrates—via three interchangeable apertures (15.89 mm, 25.4 mm, 50.8 mm). Its robust mechanical design meets IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility requirements and operates reliably in ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 35 °C (50–95 °F) at ≤80% non-condensing RH. All firmware and measurement algorithms comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 calibration traceability frameworks. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages support GMP-regulated environments, including audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic records and signatures when used with EasyMatch QC™ software.

Software & Data Management

Instrument operation and data analysis are fully supported by HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC™ v5.x software suite, which provides statistical process control (SPC) charts, batch trending, multi-instrument network synchronization, and automated report generation (PDF, CSV, XML). Raw spectral data (10-nm intervals) and tristimulus values (CIE XYZ, L*a*b*, L*C*h°, ΔE*ab, ΔE00) are stored with full metadata: operator ID, timestamp, aperture, UV mode, gloss value, and image thumbnail. Audit trails record all parameter changes, calibration events, and user logins—fully compliant with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with electronic signatures and role-based access control.

Applications

The Agera PC is deployed across industries where PC color consistency directly impacts functional performance and regulatory acceptance: automotive (dashboard bezels, headlamp lenses), medical devices (IV connectors, diagnostic housings), electronics (smartphone frames, AR/VR optics), and packaging (food-contact trays, reusable containers). It supports formulation validation, incoming raw material inspection, in-process quality gate checks, and supplier certification against master standards defined in AATCC TM179, ISO 11664, or internal color tolerance ellipsoids (e.g., CMC(2:1), BFD, or customer-specific DE2000 limits).

FAQ

Does the Agera PC support measurement of translucent or backlit PC samples?
Yes—the 0/45° geometry combined with adjustable UV control and optional transmission mode accessories (e.g., transmittance port with integrating sphere backing) enables accurate color assessment of semi-crystalline or pigmented translucent PC films and sheets.
Can the instrument be validated for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
Yes—HunterLab provides documented uncertainty budgets, metrological traceability statements, and IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ILAC-G8:2022 requirements for colorimetric instrumentation.
Is remote support limited to firmware updates, or does it include real-time troubleshooting?
Remote sessions enable live screen sharing, diagnostic log retrieval, sensor health assessment, and guided recalibration—all conducted under end-user consent and encrypted TLS 1.2+ session security.
How is gloss measurement calibrated and verified?
Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable ceramic gloss standard (60°, 100 GU); annual verification is supported via HunterLab’s certified calibration service (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited).