HunterLab ColorFlex EZ CF-EZ Desktop Spectrophotometric Colorimeter
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | CFEZ |
| Product Type | Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | 45°/0° |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon Lamp |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE* ≤ 0.05 (CIE L*a*b*, avg. of 20 measurements on certified white tile) |
Overview
The HunterLab ColorFlex EZ (CF-EZ) is a benchtop spectrophotometric colorimeter engineered for high-precision, repeatable color measurement across diverse sample forms—including opaque solids, powders, granules, liquids, and translucent films. It operates on the 45°/0° optical geometry, compliant with ISO 7724-1, ASTM E1164, and CIE 15:2004, ensuring metrological traceability to NIST via CIE Publication 44 and ASTM E259. Unlike 0°/45° or d/8° instruments, the 45°/0° configuration eliminates interference from surface gloss and specular reflectance, delivering robust color data for quality-critical applications in food, plastics, paint, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Its sealed 256-element diode array spectrometer—coupled with a high-resolution concave holographic grating—provides <3 nm spectral resolution and 10 nm effective bandwidth, enabling accurate spectral reconstruction from 400 to 700 nm at 10 nm reporting intervals.
Key Features
- Benchtop design with upward-facing aperture (φ25.4 mm measurement / φ31.8 mm illumination), optimized for rapid, ergonomic measurement of loose powders, viscous liquids, and irregular solids using optional sample holders.
- Pulsed xenon lamp with >1 million measurement cycles and <3-second total cycle time (including stabilization, acquisition, and calculation), minimizing thermal drift and lamp aging effects.
- 7.1 cm × 5.4 cm backlit LCD display supporting eight languages (English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese) without external software dependency.
- Integrated pass/fail evaluation engine with user-definable tolerances across 99 independent setups; supports simultaneous evaluation against multiple standards and multi-parameter indices (e.g., whiteness, yellowness, opacity, color strength).
- Robust mechanical architecture: aluminum chassis, sealed optical path, and industrial-grade electronics rated for continuous operation at 10–40 °C and 10–90% RH (non-condensing).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ColorFlex EZ accommodates heterogeneous sample states through modular accessories—including liquid cells, powder cups, film clamps, and granule trays—enabling consistent measurement of materials with varying surface topography and light-scattering behavior. It excludes specular component (SCE) by default, meeting requirements for ASTM D523 (gloss), ISO 2813 (specular gloss), and USP (color uniformity of pharmaceutical coatings). All factory calibrations are traceable to NIST-certified standards (white tile, black glass, green tile), and instrument inter-instrument agreement meets ΔE* ≤ 0.15 (avg.) on BCRA Series II tiles per ASTM E2893. The system complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with EasyMatch QC software configured for audit trail, electronic signature, and role-based access control.
Software & Data Management
While fully functional as a standalone instrument, the ColorFlex EZ integrates seamlessly with HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC v5.x software (Windows® only). This validated application supports GLP/GMP workflows, including full audit trail logging, electronic signatures, method locking, and secure data export (CSV, XML, PDF). It enables advanced analysis: spectral difference mapping, metamerism index calculation, batch trend monitoring, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. On-device memory retains up to 250 standard references or 2,000 sample readings. Data export is supported via three USB 2.0 ports—no proprietary drivers required beyond the included USB mass storage mode.
Applications
The instrument serves as a primary color verification tool in regulated manufacturing environments where consistency, repeatability, and regulatory alignment are mandatory. In food processing, it quantifies tomato paste score (TPS), citrus redness, and lyco-pene index per AOAC and USDA methods. In polymer production, it monitors yellowness index (E313), whiteness (457 nm), and gray stain per ASTM D1925 and D6542. For coatings and inks, it validates color strength (single-wavelength absorbance ratio), hue angle deviation, and opacity (contrast ratio). Its dual observer angles (2° and 10°) and 12 illuminants (A, C, D50–D75, F02/F07/F11) ensure compliance with global specification documents—from ISO 11475 (paper) to IEC 62301 (consumer electronics housing).
FAQ
Is the ColorFlex EZ compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when operated with EasyMatch QC v5.5 or later under validated configuration (audit trail enabled, electronic signatures enforced, and user roles defined), it satisfies electronic record and signature requirements.
Can it measure transparent liquids?
Yes—using the optional 10 mm or 50 mm pathlength liquid cells with integrated light trap, enabling transmission-mode measurement while maintaining 45°/0° geometry integrity.
What is the spectral bandwidth and how does it affect accuracy?
Effective bandwidth is 10 nm with <3 nm resolution; this balances signal-to-noise ratio and spectral fidelity, meeting ISO/CIE requirements for colorimetric accuracy without over-sampling noise-prone regions.
How is inter-instrument agreement ensured across a multi-unit fleet?
Each unit undergoes factory calibration against NIST-traceable standards and ships with BCRA II tile validation data; optional annual recalibration services maintain ΔE* ≤ 0.15 inter-unit agreement per ASTM E2893.
Does it support custom color metrics beyond standard CIE indices?
Yes—EasyMatch QC allows creation of user-defined formulas (e.g., pigment concentration ratios, proprietary whiteness equations) using raw spectral data or derived color values, exportable as reusable methods.
