HunterLab UltraScan VIS Spectrophotometer
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | UltraScan VIS |
| 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 VIS is a high-precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for rigorous color measurement and spectral analysis in quality control, R&D, and production environments. Operating on the fundamental principle of diffuse/8° (d/8°) geometry with integrated sphere illumination and detection, it conforms to CIE, ASTM E308, ISO 11664, and USP standards for colorimetric accuracy. Its pulsed xenon lamp delivers stable, full-spectrum illumination across the visible range (400–700 nm), eliminating thermal drift and enabling rapid, repeatable measurements without lamp warm-up delays. The instrument implements the foundational L,a,b color space—originally developed by Dr. Richard S. Hunter in 1948—and supports multiple industry-standard color difference metrics including ΔE*ab, ΔE00, ΔEcmc, and proprietary Hunter Lab color scales (e.g., Hunter Whiteness, Yellowness Index). Designed for traceability and regulatory compliance, the UltraScan VIS features hardware-level calibration traceable to NIST-certified standards and supports GLP/GMP audit trails when paired with compliant software.
Key Features
- True d/8° optical geometry with dual-beam compensation and large-diameter integrating sphere (≥150 mm) for uniform diffuse illumination and minimized geometry-related bias
- Pulsed xenon light source providing consistent spectral output over >2 million flashes, eliminating aging-related intensity decay and spectral shift
- High-resolution silicon photodiode array detector with 10-nm nominal bandwidth and real-time dark-current correction
- Automated port shutter and sample compartment interlock to ensure measurement consistency and operator safety
- Integrated UV filter wheel (optional) for controlled UV content assessment in whiteness and fluorescence applications
- Compliance-ready firmware architecture supporting 21 CFR Part 11 user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltraScan VIS accommodates solid, liquid, paste, and powder samples via standardized accessories—including 25-mm and 50-mm transmission cells, reflectance cups, and textured sample holders for irregular surfaces. It meets ASTM D2244 (color difference calculation), ASTM E308 (instrumental colorimetry), ISO 7724-1 (colorimetry fundamentals), and ISO 11664-4 (CIE colorimetric observers). All factory calibrations are traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), and the system supports IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols required for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing under FDA, EU GMP, and ICH Q5E guidelines.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via HunterLab’s proprietary EasyMatch QC software (v5.0+), the UltraScan VIS enables method-driven workflows, multi-instrument synchronization, and automated pass/fail reporting against user-defined tolerances. Data export complies with ASTM E2915 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, supporting CSV, XML, and PDF formats with embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, instrument serial, calibration history). Audit trail functionality records all critical events—including parameter changes, calibration actions, and result modifications—with time-stamped, non-erasable entries. Optional integration with LIMS and MES platforms is supported through OPC UA and RESTful API interfaces.
Applications
- Quality assurance of pigmented polymers, paints, and coatings where batch-to-batch color consistency is governed by AATCC TM173 or ISO 105-J03
- Pharmaceutical tablet and capsule color verification per USP and ICH Q5E stability protocols
- Food and beverage product standardization—e.g., dairy powders, confectionery gels, and fruit juices—against internal color specifications or Codex Alimentarius criteria
- Textile dye lot approval using CMC l:c or DE2000 tolerancing aligned with ISO 105-A02
- Plastics recycling sorting support via spectral fingerprinting and PCA-based classification models
FAQ
What does “d/8° geometry” mean, and why is it critical for industrial color measurement?
d/8° refers to diffuse illumination at all angles incident on the sample, with detection at 8° from the normal. This geometry minimizes directional effects from surface texture and gloss, ensuring robustness across diverse materials—from matte paper to glossy automotive finishes—per ISO 7724-1 and ASTM E1164.
Is the UltraScan VIS compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated industries?
Yes—the instrument’s firmware and EasyMatch QC software provide full electronic signature capability, role-based access control, and tamper-evident audit trails meeting Part 11 requirements for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
How often does the instrument require recalibration, and what standards are used?
Factory calibration is traceable to NIST SRM 2010 (white tile) and SRM 1979 (green ceramic). Routine verification uses certified calibration tiles; annual recalibration by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited service lab is recommended for GxP environments.
