HunterLab UltraScan PRO Spectrophotometer
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported |
| Model | UltraScan PRO |
| Product Type | Benchtop Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon Lamp |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 |
Overview
The HunterLab UltraScan PRO is a high-precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for absolute color measurement consistency across research, quality control, and production environments. Operating on the fundamental principles of diffuse/8° (d/8°) geometry with integrated sphere illumination and detection, the instrument conforms to CIE, ASTM E308, ISO 11664, and USP standards for spectral colorimetry. Its pulsed xenon lamp delivers stable, full-spectrum illumination without thermal drift or lamp aging effects—ensuring long-term photometric stability critical for GLP- and GMP-compliant laboratories. The device measures reflectance and transmittance across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) at 10-nm intervals, computing CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h*, Yellowness Index (YI), Whiteness Index (WI), and proprietary Hunter Lab color scales—including the original Hunter L, a, b scale developed by Dr. Richard S. Hunter in 1948. As the foundational innovator of modern color science, HunterLab’s metrological heritage informs every optical alignment, calibration protocol, and software algorithm embedded in the UltraScan PRO.
Key Features
- Optical architecture compliant with CIE No. 15:2018 and ASTM D2244 for inter-instrument agreement and cross-laboratory reproducibility
- Double-beam referencing system with real-time correction for lamp intensity fluctuations and detector drift
- Motorized port shutter and sample compartment door for automated measurement sequences and ambient light exclusion
- Standard 25.4-mm (1-inch) aperture with optional 12.7-mm, 6.35-mm, and 3-mm apertures for small-part or textured surface analysis
- UV-filtered and UV-included measurement modes supporting fluorescence compensation for optical brighteners in paper, textiles, and plastics
- Compliance-ready firmware with audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and user access levels per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltraScan PRO accommodates solid, liquid, and translucent samples via configurable accessories including transmission cells (10-mm, 20-mm, 50-mm path lengths), powder holders, granule trays, and liquid cuvette holders with temperature-stabilized mounts. It supports measurement of opaque solids (painted panels, plastic pellets), clear liquids (beverages, solvents), and semi-transparent films (packaging, coatings). All hardware and calibration workflows meet ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when used with NIST-traceable ceramic tile standards (e.g., HunterLab Calibration Tiles, Lot-coded and certified annually). The instrument is routinely validated against ASTM D6290 (plastics), ASTM E308 (color computation), ISO 2813 (gloss-corrected color), and TAPPI T485 (paper brightness and whiteness).
Software & Data Management
Equipped with Universal Software v7.x, the UltraScan PRO enables method-driven workflows with customizable pass/fail tolerances, multi-standard comparison, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. Data export supports CSV, XML, and PDF formats compatible with LIMS and ERP systems. Version-controlled method libraries allow secure sharing across global sites while maintaining revision history and change logs. Instrument calibration records—including date, operator ID, standard lot number, and deviation reports—are automatically archived with time-stamped digital signatures. Optional ConnectIQ™ integration provides RESTful API access for automated data ingestion into MES platforms and real-time dashboard visualization.
Applications
The UltraScan PRO serves as the reference-grade color measurement platform in regulated and high-volume industries: pharmaceutical tablet coating uniformity (USP ), food and beverage color consistency (e.g., tomato paste, dairy powders, fruit juices), automotive paint batch verification (SAE J1545), polymer compound validation (ISO 11475), and cosmetic formulation QC (ISO 8781-3). Its ability to resolve subtle metamerism and quantify yellowness index (ASTM E313) makes it indispensable for polymer degradation studies, while its high repeatability (ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03) supports ISO 13655 M1/M2 spectral matching in packaging print verification.
FAQ
What calibration standards are required for daily verification?
NIST-traceable white and black ceramic tiles (provided with instrument) must be used for daily zero and gain calibration; annual recalibration by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab is recommended.
Does the UltraScan PRO support measurement of fluorescent materials?
Yes—UV-included mode with adjustable UV energy level enables accurate YI, WI, and CIE XYZ computation for optically brightened substrates.
Can the instrument be integrated into an automated production line?
Via optional Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP interface modules, the UltraScan PRO supports PLC-triggered measurements and real-time pass/fail output signals.
Is software validation documentation available for regulated environments?
Yes—IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, URS templates, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance reports are provided upon request for pharmaceutical and medical device customers.
What is the typical service interval for preventive maintenance?
Annual PM is recommended, including sphere coating inspection, lamp output verification, and spectral calibration check using factory reference standards.
