HunterLab UltraScan PRO Accessory Kit

Overview

The HunterLab UltraScan PRO Accessory Kit is a comprehensive, application-optimized set of modular components engineered to extend the measurement versatility of the UltraScan PRO benchtop spectrophotometer—a high-precision d/8° integrating sphere spectrophotometer designed for rigorous color and appearance analysis in R&D, quality control, and regulatory-compliant environments. Built upon a foundation of NIST-traceable calibration and ISO 17025-aligned optical architecture, the UltraScan PRO system measures reflectance and transmittance across the full visible and near-infrared spectrum (350–1050 nm) with exceptional photometric stability and spectral resolution. This accessory kit enables robust, repeatable measurements across heterogeneous sample forms—including opaque solids, translucent films, viscous semi-solids, low-volume powders, and micro-volume liquids—without compromising geometric conformity or spectral fidelity. Each component is mechanically and optically validated to maintain the instrument’s inherent repeatability specification (ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03) under routine operational conditions.

Key Features

• Modular design ensures seamless integration with the UltraScan PRO’s standardized port geometry and firmware-controlled illumination path.
• All mechanical fixtures—including adjustable reflectance stands, transmission cells, and compression clamps—are CNC-machined from anodized aluminum for dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and long-term repeatability.
• Optical components (e.g., flow cells, cuvette holders, powder columns) utilize certified optical-grade fused silica or borosilicate glass meeting ASTM E275 and ISO 9001 material specifications.
• Pulsed xenon lamp compatibility ensures consistent spectral output across all accessories, eliminating lamp aging drift during extended measurement campaigns.
• Zero-calibration interference: each accessory maintains the instrument’s factory-set 0% and 100% reflectance/transmittance baselines without requiring recalibration or user-defined reference offsets.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The accessory kit supports compliance-critical workflows across pharmaceutical, food, polymer, and cosmetic industries. It facilitates measurements aligned with ASTM D2244 (color difference), ASTM E308 (computing CIE tristimulus values), ISO 11664 (CIE colorimetry standards), and USP (appearance testing of drug products). The adjustable reflectance and transmission stands accommodate cylindrical samples per ASTM D3134 (plastic bottle color), while the micro-powder kit enables compliant evaluation of pigment dispersion in coatings per ISO 15739. All liquid-handling components—including flow cells and micro-cuvette holders—are compatible with GLP/GMP documentation requirements when used with HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC software featuring 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails and electronic signature support.

Software & Data Management

All accessories operate natively within HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC v5.x software platform. The software auto-detects installed accessories via mechanical ID pins and configures measurement protocols—including aperture selection, illuminant/observer settings (D65/10°, A/2°, etc.), and pass/fail tolerancing—based on preloaded method templates. Raw spectral data (350–1050 nm at 10 nm intervals) is stored in vendor-neutral .qtx format and exportable to CSV, XML, or L*a*b* reports. Batch reporting, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and cross-instrument data harmonization are supported through optional Enterprise Server modules, enabling centralized validation and multi-site data governance.

Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Quantitative color assessment of tablet coatings, lyophilized powders (≥0.4 cc), and liquid injectables using micro-cuvettes with path lengths of 10–50 mm.
• Plastics & Packaging: Measurement of PET preforms, blow-molded containers, and multilayer films using adjustable reflectance stands and film clamps—ensuring full port coverage and eliminating edge diffraction artifacts.
• Food & Beverage: Consistent evaluation of ground spices, dairy powders, and fruit purees via compression clamp and powder column assemblies; liquid transparency and haze analysis using overflow trays and flow cells.
• Paints & Coatings: Pigment dispersion uniformity testing via micro-powder reflectance and spectral transmittance of resin solutions in standardized cuvettes.
• Academic Research: Multi-modal optical characterization (reflectance + transmittance + absorbance) of novel nanocomposites, hydrogels, and biomaterials across UV-VIS-NIR bands.

FAQ

Are all accessories calibrated individually before shipment?
No—calibration is performed at the system level (UltraScan PRO + accessory combination) during factory acceptance testing. Individual accessories do not require separate calibration but must be used with their designated mounting interfaces to preserve optical alignment.
Can the micro-powder kit be used with non-HunterLab sample containers?
Only HunterLab-certified powder vessels and white piston assemblies are validated for ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 repeatability. Third-party containers may introduce scatter artifacts or spectral deviation.
Is the flow cell compatible with corrosive solvents?
Standard flow cells use borosilicate glass (resistant to aqueous solutions, alcohols, and mild organics). For aggressive solvents (e.g., THF, DMF, concentrated acids), optional quartz flow cells are available under part number FLOW-QUARTZ-PRO.
Does the software support automated pass/fail logic for incoming raw material inspection?
Yes—EasyMatch QC allows definition of multi-parameter tolerances (e.g., L*, a*, b*, Yellowness Index, Haze %) with configurable alerts, auto-rejection flags, and integration into MES/QMS platforms via OPC UA or REST API.
What is the maximum sample thickness accommodated by the film clamp?
The standard film clamp accepts substrates up to 3.2 mm thick, including laminated films, safety glass, and coated acrylic sheets—maintaining parallel alignment within ±0.1° across the 25.4 mm measurement aperture.