HunterLab Agera Spectrophotometric Color Difference Meter
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Agera |
| Product Type | Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | 0°/45° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Full-Spectrum Balanced LED Array |
| Spectral Range | 400 nm – 700 nm |
| Repeatability | < 0.03 ΔE*ab (CIE L*a*b*) |
Overview
The HunterLab Agera is a benchtop spectrophotometric color difference meter engineered for high-precision, repeatable color measurement across industrial and quality control environments. Operating on the CIE 1931 standard observer model, it employs a 0°/45° optical geometry with an integrating sphere to ensure uniform illumination and detection of diffuse reflectance—minimizing directional bias from surface texture or gloss. Its full-spectrum balanced LED array delivers stable, flicker-free illumination across the visible range (400–700 nm), eliminating the spectral drift and thermal instability associated with traditional xenon or tungsten sources. This optical architecture supports accurate quantification of color in CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h, Yxy, and other standardized color spaces, with repeatability certified at < 0.03 ΔE*ab under controlled conditions—meeting stringent requirements for inter-laboratory comparability and long-term instrument stability.
Key Features
- Full-spectrum balanced LED illumination system ensures consistent spectral power distribution and superior photometric stability over time and temperature.
- Dual-mode UV control: configurable UV filter for inclusion or exclusion of ultraviolet energy during measurement—enabling accurate assessment of fluorescent materials per ISO 11664-6 and ASTM E308.
- Integrated 5-megapixel coaxial camera with 45° full-spectrum illumination captures high-fidelity sample images synchronized with spectral data—supporting spatial validation and defect correlation.
- 60° gloss measurement compliant with ASTM D523 and ISO 2813, delivered simultaneously with color data; includes NIST-traceable calibration certificate for gloss sensor.
- Large-format capacitive touchscreen (≥7″) with intuitive GUI enables standalone operation—including real-time pass/fail evaluation, statistical reporting, and batch history review.
- Onboard USB port supports direct data export to FAT32-formatted flash drives; optional Ethernet and Wi-Fi modules enable networked deployment in regulated environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Agera accommodates diverse sample geometries via three interchangeable apertures: 50.8 mm (2″), 25.4 mm (1″), and 15.89 mm (5/8″), supporting flat, curved, granular, and textured surfaces typical in plastics, coatings, textiles, foodstuffs, and automotive finishes. Its optical design conforms to CIE Publication No. 15:2018 and ISO/CIE 11664 series standards for colorimetry. The instrument’s firmware and data handling architecture support audit trails, electronic signatures, and user access controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements when deployed with HunterLab’s QualiTrak software suite. All factory calibrations are traceable to NIST SRM 2010 and 2035 reference standards.
Software & Data Management
HunterLab’s QualiTrak software provides comprehensive data management for the Agera—including method creation, tolerance definition (ΔE*ab, ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*), multi-instrument synchronization, and SPC charting. Raw spectral data (10 nm intervals) and metadata (operator ID, timestamp, aperture, UV mode, gloss value) are stored in vendor-neutral XML format. The software supports automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements and integrates with LIMS platforms via ODBC and RESTful API. Remote diagnostics and secure firmware updates are enabled via TLS-encrypted cloud connectivity—allowing authorized HunterLab service engineers to perform troubleshooting, calibration verification, and operator training without onsite visits.
Applications
The Agera serves as a primary color measurement platform in industries where spectral fidelity and metrological traceability are critical: petroleum product color grading (ASTM D1500), plastic pellet consistency (ISO 22182), coil-coated metal panel qualification (ASTM D7831), textile dye lot matching (AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1), food surface appearance monitoring (e.g., cheese rind, baked goods), and pharmaceutical tablet coating uniformity (USP ). Its simultaneous gloss-color acquisition eliminates sequential measurement error and accelerates QC throughput in high-volume manufacturing lines.
FAQ
Is the Agera compliant with GLP/GMP documentation requirements?
Yes—when used with QualiTrak software and configured with audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and role-based access control, the system meets core GLP and GMP data integrity expectations per FDA guidance and ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.5.
Can the Agera measure fluorescent samples accurately?
Yes—the adjustable UV filter allows users to select between UV-included and UV-excluded modes, enabling traceable measurement of optically brightened materials against certified fluorescent standards.
What calibration standards are supplied with the instrument?
Each Agera ships with a set of NIST-traceable ceramic tiles (white, black, green) and a certified gloss reference standard; annual recalibration services include spectral and geometric verification per ISO 13655.
Does the instrument support custom color tolerancing?
Yes—QualiTrak allows definition of ellipsoidal, rectangular, or user-defined polygonal tolerances in multiple color spaces, with visual overlay on chromaticity diagrams and automatic deviation flagging.
Is remote software update capability available out-of-the-box?
Remote connectivity is enabled by default via optional Ethernet/Wi-Fi hardware; secure cloud access requires activation of HunterLab’s ConnectCare subscription service.
