HunterLab STOL-S2 Online Fabric Color Measurement System
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | STOL-S2 |
| Product Type | Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | In-Line |
| Optical Geometry | 0/45° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Full-Spectrum LED |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 |
Overview
The HunterLab STOL-S2 Online Fabric Color Measurement System is an industrial-grade, in-line spectrophotometer engineered for continuous, non-contact color monitoring of woven, knitted, and nonwoven textile substrates during high-speed production. Unlike benchtop or handheld colorimeters, the STOL-S2 integrates directly into web-based manufacturing lines—enabling real-time spectral acquisition at line speeds up to 100 m/min. Its measurement principle is based on 0/45° geometry with a calibrated integrating sphere, ensuring compliance with CIE 15:2018 and ASTM D2244 for reflectance-based colorimetry. The full-spectrum LED illuminant provides stable, flicker-free output across the visible range (400–700 nm), eliminating spectral drift associated with xenon or tungsten sources. Designed specifically for textile mills, dye houses, and finishing plants, the STOL-S2 delivers traceable, laboratory-grade color data—directly synchronized with QC lab instruments using HunterLab’s unified calibration protocol.
Key Features
- In-line integration architecture with IP65-rated enclosure for harsh factory environments including humidity, lint, and thermal fluctuations
- Automated transverse scanning system with motorized probe carriage covering full fabric width (customizable up to 3.2 m)
- Intelligent probe retraction and acoustic-visual alarm for emergency avoidance during roll changes or web breaks
- Self-calibrating optical path with programmable auto-zero and reference tile validation intervals (configurable from 1 min to 24 h)
- Embedded spectral engine performing real-time CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h*, ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and whiteness/yellowness index calculations
- RS-485 Modbus TCP and OPC UA interfaces for seamless integration with MES, SCADA, and ERP platforms (e.g., Siemens SIMATIC, Rockwell FactoryTalk)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STOL-S2 accommodates a broad spectrum of textile materials—including cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex blends, coated fabrics, and technical textiles—with variable surface textures and finishes. Its 0/45° optical design minimizes directional bias from yarn orientation or nap, while the large-area measurement aperture (25 mm diameter) ensures representative sampling across heterogeneous structures. All firmware and data handling comply with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing laboratories, and raw spectral data export supports audit-ready traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in GMP-regulated textile applications (e.g., medical gowns, filtration media). Calibration traceability is maintained to NIST-traceable standards via HunterLab’s certified ceramic tiles and annual verification kits.
Software & Data Management
The system operates with HunterVision™ Industrial Edition—a dedicated SCADA-level software suite supporting multi-station fleet management, statistical process control (SPC), and deviation mapping. Each measurement event is time-stamped, geotagged to machine position (via encoder input), and archived with full spectral reflectance curves (.qtx format). Trend analysis includes moving average charts, control limit alerts (±2σ, ±3σ), and automatic flagging of out-of-spec zones for downstream inspection routing. Audit trails record all user actions, parameter modifications, and calibration events with immutable timestamps—meeting GLP/GMP documentation rigor. Data exports support CSV, XML, and SQL Server integration for enterprise analytics platforms.
Applications
- Real-time shade consistency monitoring during continuous dyeing (pad-dry-cure, exhaust, jet dyeing)
- Color matching validation pre- and post-finishing (softening, flame retardancy, water repellency)
- Batch-to-batch color deviation tracking across spinning, weaving, and knitting stages
- Supplier quality gate checks at receiving docks using synchronized pass/fail thresholds
- Root cause analysis of color drift linked to temperature, pH, or chemical concentration variances
FAQ
Does the STOL-S2 require manual calibration during operation?
No. It performs scheduled or event-triggered auto-calibration using internal reference tiles; manual intervention is only required during annual verification.
Can it interface with existing PLC systems?
Yes—native Modbus RTU/TCP and optional OPC UA drivers enable bidirectional communication with major industrial controllers without middleware.
How is spectral data synchronized with lab instruments?
All STOL-S2 units share the same spectral engine and calibration matrix as HunterLab’s LabScan EZ and UltraScan VIS, ensuring <0.1 ΔE*ab inter-instrument agreement under identical conditions.
Is the system suitable for dark or highly absorptive fabrics?
Yes—the high-output full-spectrum LED and low-noise CMOS detector array maintain signal integrity down to 1% reflectance, validated per ASTM E308 Annex A3.
What maintenance is required beyond calibration?
Annual optical path inspection and sphere coating verification are recommended; no consumables or lamp replacements are needed over the 10-year design life.
