HunterLab Agera Spectrophotometer
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Status | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Agera |
| Product Type | Spectrophotometer |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Light Source | Full-Spectrum LED |
| Spectral Range | 360–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE₀₀ < 0.03 (CIE L*a*b*, maximum) |
| Optical Geometry | 0°/45° annular illumination with 15-point fiber-optic averaging |
| Gloss Measurement | Integrated 60° glossmeter compliant with ASTM D2457, ASTM D523, and ISO 2813 |
| Image Capture | Built-in 5 MP camera at 45° angle under full-spectrum LED illumination |
| Display | 7-inch 1280×800 industrial capacitive touchscreen |
| Software | Embedded EasyMatch Essentials QC software with optional FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature capability |
| Calibration Standards | NIST-traceable white tile, certified green tile, and ASTM/ISO-traceable black glass gloss standard |
| Measurement Apertures | XL (51 mm), L (25.4 mm), M (16.9 mm), and optional 30 mm custom aperture |
| UV Control | Adjustable UV component with factory calibration and user-defined fluorescent standard alignment |
| Spectral Resolution | 256-element diode array with high-resolution concave holographic grating |
| Optical Architecture | Sealed dual-beam spectrophotometric design |
| Environmental Robustness | Fanless, filterless, sealed optical path for low maintenance and high long-term stability |
Overview
The HunterLab Agera Spectrophotometer is a benchtop, dual-function color and gloss measurement system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance in demanding industrial quality control environments. Utilizing a rigorously validated 0°/45° annular illumination geometry—designed to emulate human visual perception—the Agera captures reflectance data from 15 spatially distributed points around the sample perimeter via fiber-optic coupling. This geometry eliminates directional bias caused by surface texture, particle orientation, or micro-roughness, ensuring measurement consistency across heterogeneous samples such as granules, flakes, powders, and molded thermoplastics. Its full-spectrum LED source spans 360–700 nm with traceable UV output control, enabling accurate quantification of fluorescent and optically brightened materials per ASTM E308 and CIE 15:2018. The instrument integrates spectral colorimetry, 60° specular gloss measurement (per ASTM D523 and ISO 2813), and high-fidelity image capture within a single, self-contained platform—eliminating inter-device correlation errors and streamlining multi-parameter release testing.
Key Features
- Annular 0°/45° optical geometry with 15-point spatial averaging for texture-invariant color measurement
- Full-spectrum LED illumination (360–700 nm) with factory-calibrated and user-adjustable UV component
- Integrated 60° gloss sensor with NIST-traceable calibration certificate and compliance to ASTM D2457/D523 and ISO 2813
- 5-megapixel coaxial imaging system with real-time preview, RGB histogram analysis, and image metadata tagging
- 7-inch industrial capacitive touchscreen interface running embedded EasyMatch Essentials QC software
- Sealed dual-beam optical architecture featuring a 256-element diode array and concave holographic grating
- Fanless, filterless design ensuring silent operation, minimal drift, and reduced maintenance intervals
- Multiple aperture options: XL (51 mm), L (25.4 mm), M (16.9 mm), and customizable 30 mm for specialized applications
- Onboard data management with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SMTP email export capabilities
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Agera accommodates diverse physical forms—including pellets, chips, films, sheets, powders, and irregular solids—without requiring sample reconfiguration or auxiliary fixtures. Its upward- and forward-facing port design enables direct placement of bulk or containerized specimens. All measurements adhere to internationally recognized standards: color metrics conform to ASTM D1925 (Yellowness Index), ASTM E313 (Whiteness/Yellowness), ASTM E308 (color computation), and ISO/CIE 11664; gloss measurements satisfy ASTM D523 and ISO 2813 with documented metrological traceability. The instrument’s calibration suite includes NIST-traceable white and green tiles, plus an ASTM/ISO-certified black glass standard—ensuring that deviations are attributable to sample variation rather than instrument drift. For regulated industries, the system supports audit-ready workflows compliant with GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when equipped with optional electronic signature modules.
Software & Data Management
Embedded EasyMatch Essentials provides a complete, standalone QC environment with no external PC dependency. It delivers over 40 industry-standard color indices—including CIE L*a*b*, ΔE₀₀, YI E313/D1925, WI E313, and whiteness metrics—and allows configurable pass/fail tolerancing, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and batch reporting. Data integrity is enforced through time-stamped audit trails, user access controls, and optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures. Raw spectral data, images, and metadata are stored internally and exportable in CSV, XML, or PDF formats. Optional EZMQC Windows-based software extends functionality with advanced SPC dashboards, multi-instrument fleet management, and integration into LIMS or MES platforms via OPC UA or RESTful API.
Applications
The Agera serves critical QC roles across polymer, pigment, pharmaceutical, food, and coatings manufacturing. In polyolefin and polyester production (PP, PE, PET), it monitors yellowness index drift during extrusion and thermal aging. For titanium dioxide and carbon black formulations, it validates batch-to-batch color consistency and dispersion uniformity. In pharmaceutical solid dosage manufacturing, it verifies appearance attributes per USP and supports stability-indicating assays for photodegradation. Its ability to co-measure color and gloss makes it indispensable for evaluating surface finish in automotive interiors, appliance housings, and packaging films—where aesthetic conformity directly impacts brand perception and customer acceptance.
FAQ
Does the Agera require external PC connectivity to operate?
No. All core measurement, analysis, and reporting functions run natively on the instrument’s embedded Linux OS and 7-inch touchscreen interface.
How is UV contribution handled during fluorescent sample measurement?
The instrument includes both UV-included and UV-excluded measurement modes, with factory calibration traceable to NIST SRM 2035 and optional user-specific UV standard alignment.
What standards does the built-in gloss sensor meet?
The integrated 60° gloss sensor complies with ASTM D523, ASTM D2457, and ISO 2813, and ships with a manufacturer-issued traceability certificate.
Can the Agera measure transparent or translucent samples?
Yes—when configured with the optional Transparent Sample Test Kit, which includes transmission accessories and dedicated measurement protocols.
Is remote technical support available?
Yes. HunterLab Remote Service enables secure, encrypted technician access for diagnostics, firmware updates, and live operator training without onsite visits.
