HunterLab UltraScan PRO Spectrophotometer

Overview

The HunterLab UltraScan PRO is a high-precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for rigorous color measurement and analysis in quality control, R&D, and regulatory-compliant environments. Utilizing pulsed xenon illumination and a double-beam optical architecture with 8°/diffuse (8/d) geometry, it conforms to CIE and ASTM standards for diffuse reflectance and transmittance measurements. Its spectral acquisition spans the full visible range (400–700 nm) at 10 nm intervals, enabling accurate calculation of CIELAB (L*, a*, b*), CMC, ΔE00, and other industry-standard color difference metrics. Each instrument is individually calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards—certified by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL)—and assigned a unique serial number with full factory calibration history archived in HunterLab’s secure database. This ensures long-term measurement integrity, audit readiness, and compliance with GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where electronic records and signature controls are mandated.

Key Features

• Double-beam optical design with real-time reference correction, minimizing drift from lamp aging or thermal fluctuation
• Pulsed xenon light source providing stable, flash-based illumination without warm-up delay or UV degradation of samples
• High-resolution silicon photodiode array detector delivering consistent signal-to-noise ratio across the visible spectrum
• Integrated 8°/diffuse sphere geometry compliant with ISO 7724-1 and ASTM D2244 for both opaque and translucent materials
• Motorized sample port with programmable aperture selection (e.g., 25 mm, 18 mm, 8 mm) for flexible specimen handling
• Onboard touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation, real-time spectral graphing, and embedded pass/fail tolerance checking
• Full spectral data export (ASCII, CSV, XML) supporting third-party statistical process control (SPC) platforms

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UltraScan PRO accommodates solid, liquid, powder, and gelatinous specimens via interchangeable accessories—including transmission cells, powder cups, and liquid holders with temperature-stabilized cuvette mounts. It supports measurements on textured, glossy, metallic, and pearlescent surfaces through optional specular component included/excluded (SCI/SCE) modes. Regulatory alignment includes full traceability to NIST SRM 2035 and NPL-certified white tiles; all calibrations adhere to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures. Instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) templates are provided for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturers operating under USP , ISO 9001, or ICH Q5E guidelines.

Software & Data Management

EasyMatch QC software serves as the primary desktop interface, offering multi-user role-based access, customizable reporting (PDF, Excel), and automated batch analysis workflows. Audit trail functionality logs every parameter change, calibration event, and result modification with timestamp, operator ID, and reason code—meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements. The software supports network deployment, LIMS integration via ODBC, and cloud backup of spectral libraries. Optional modules include EasyMatch Coatings (for film thickness-corrected color on substrates) and EasyMatch OL (for online spectral comparison against master batches).

Applications

• Color formulation validation in paint, ink, and plastic compound development
• Batch-to-batch consistency monitoring for food packaging films and confectionery coatings
• Whiteness and yellowness index quantification per ASTM E313 and ISO 2470-1
• Transparency, haze, and clarity assessment of PET bottles and medical tubing using integrated Haze module
• Regulatory submission support for FDA colorant approvals in cosmetics and pharmaceutical excipients
• Long-term stability studies tracking chromatic shift under accelerated aging (UV, heat, humidity)

FAQ

Is the UltraScan PRO compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?

Yes—when used with validated EasyMatch QC software configured for electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls.
What is the spectral resolution and bandwidth of the instrument?

It acquires spectra at 10 nm intervals over 400–700 nm; effective optical bandwidth is ≤ 10 nm FWHM per channel.
Can it measure transparent liquids and powders without reconfiguration?

Yes—via dedicated liquid transmission cells and powder view ports; no hardware recalibration is required between modes.
How is calibration traceability documented?

Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance listing NPL-traceable standard tile values and factory spectral verification data.
Does it support non-CIELAB color spaces such as Hunter L,a,b or Yellowness Index?

Yes—EasyMatch QC includes built-in conversion engines for Hunter L,a,b, YI E313, WI CIE, and custom user-defined indices.