HunterLab UltraScan VIS Spectrophotometer
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported |
| Model | UltraScan VIS |
| Product Type | Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° (Diffuse/8°) Integrating Sphere |
| Illuminant | Full-Spectrum LED |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Wavelength Interval | 10 nm |
| Repeatability (ΔE*ab) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Data Output | CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h°, ΔE*ab, ΔE00, Whiteness (CIE, Ganz, ASTM E313), Yellowness (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313), Haze, Opacity, Transmittance, Reflectance |
| Compliance | ISO 7724, ISO 11664, ASTM E308, ASTM D2244, ASTM E2539, CIE No. 15 |
Overview
The HunterLab UltraScan VIS is a high-precision benchtop spectrophotometer engineered for rigorous color measurement, spectral analysis, and quantitative assessment of optical properties across industrial, research, and quality control environments. Operating on the principle of diffuse illumination at 8° viewing geometry (d/8°) with integrated sphere technology, it conforms to international standards for colorimetric consistency and inter-instrument agreement. Its full-spectrum LED light source delivers stable, xenon-free illumination across the visible range (400–700 nm) with 10 nm data interval resolution, enabling accurate calculation of CIE tristimulus values, chromaticity coordinates, and derived indices including whiteness, yellowness, haze, opacity, and transmittance. Designed for traceable metrology, the UltraScan VIS supports NIST-traceable calibration and maintains long-term photometric stability—critical for laboratories operating under GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Key Features
- Optical architecture compliant with CIE d/8° geometry (with specular component included or excluded via software toggle)
- Full-spectrum LED illuminant with >100,000-hour lifetime, eliminating lamp replacement cycles and spectral drift associated with tungsten-halogen or xenon sources
- High signal-to-noise ratio CCD array detector ensuring robust spectral data acquisition even at low reflectance/transmittance levels
- Integrated thermal stabilization system to minimize wavelength shift due to ambient temperature fluctuations
- Motorized sample port with programmable aperture selection (e.g., 25 mm, 15 mm, 8 mm) for flexible specimen handling
- Onboard calibration validation using certified ceramic tiles (STD-1, STD-2) with automated pass/fail reporting per ASTM E2539
- Compliance-ready audit trail functionality supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with Vision software
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltraScan VIS accommodates opaque solids, translucent films, liquids in cuvettes, powders in sample cups, and textured surfaces—including metallics and pearlescents—via optional accessories such as liquid holders, powder cells, and texture-compensating apertures. All measurements adhere to ISO 7724-1 (colorimetry fundamentals), ISO 11664 (CIE colorimetric observers), ASTM E308 (computation of color coordinates), and ASTM D2244 (color difference evaluation). For regulated industries, the instrument’s firmware and Vision software support electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable audit logs required for pharmaceutical (USP ), food (ISO 8601), and paint/coating (ASTM D313, D1209) applications.
Software & Data Management
Vision software—HunterLab’s proprietary platform—provides comprehensive instrument control, method development, statistical process monitoring (SPC), and report generation. It enables creation of multi-parameter test methods (e.g., simultaneous L*a*b*, haze, and YI), batch comparison against master standards, tolerance zone mapping, and trend analysis with control charting (X-bar/R, Cp/Cpk). Raw spectral data (.spc files) are exportable in ASCII format for third-party integration with LIMS or ERP systems. The software supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and validates instrument performance per ASTM E2539 Annex A2.
Applications
- Plastics & Polymers: Quantification of batch-to-batch color consistency, thermal degradation effects, and pigment dispersion uniformity
- Paints & Coatings: Development and release testing of automotive OEM finishes, architectural coatings, and powder coatings per AAMA 2605 and SAE J2527
- Food & Beverage: Objective evaluation of fruit ripeness, dairy product yellowness (ASTM D1925), and beverage clarity (turbidity/haze correlation)
- Pharmaceuticals: Solid dosage form color verification per USP , excipient compatibility studies, and stability-indicating assays
- Paper & Textiles: Whiteness index tracking (CIE, Ganz), brightness (ISO 2470), and metamerism assessment across illuminants D65, A, F2
FAQ
What is the difference between d/8° and 0/45° geometries, and why choose UltraScan VIS over 0/45° instruments?
The d/8° geometry provides superior repeatability for textured, matte, or irregular surfaces by averaging diffuse reflectance; 0/45° is more sensitive to surface directionality and gloss, making it less suitable for QC across heterogeneous materials.
Does the UltraScan VIS support compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when operated with Vision software v7.0 or later, it provides role-based user authentication, electronic signatures, and tamper-evident audit trails meeting Part 11 requirements.
Can spectral data be exported for external analysis?
Yes—raw reflectance/transmittance spectra are saved in standardized .spc format and can be imported into MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or R for custom modeling and multivariate analysis.
Is NIST-traceable calibration available?
HunterLab supplies factory-calibrated standards traceable to NIST SRM 2010, SRM 2035, and SRM 930e, with documented uncertainty budgets provided upon request.
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Annual verification against certified standards is recommended; daily calibration checks using the onboard white tile are mandatory for GLP/GMP environments.
