Design Improvements in the HunterLab Sample Cup Follow

To improve functionality and ease of use, HunterLab has made some small improvements in the design of our classic sample cup.

New style sample cup (HL# 04-7209-00)

The height has been increased from 44 mm to 50 mm to conform to ASTM D6290.

In response to customer demand, fill lines have been added at 25 mm and 45 mm to provide fill guidance for users with different types of translucent samples.

A label, “HunterLab 04-7209-00”, has been added along the top fill line to clearly identify our product and help users in ordering new sample cups when needed.

The purpose of the sample cup is to contain and make translucent samples effectively opaque for reflectance color measurement.

The increased 50 mm height allows the design of our sample cup to fully conform toASTM D6290 Standard Test Method for Color Determination of Plastic Pelletswhich specifies a cup with a 50 mm height for measuring the color of plastic pellets. This is not critical for concentrate pellets which will be effectively opaque at a height of 25 mm. However, for more translucent and transparent pellets and cut fiber, filling the cup to a 50 mm thickness is best practice.

If the sample is a high solids translucent liquid like tomato juice, filling past the 25 mm fill line should be sufficient. This would also apply to powders and other near opaque granules and liquids.

When using our Ring-and-Disk set (HL# 02-4579-00) to measure a translucent liquid with low solids such as mango or pineapple juice, filling above the 12 mm ring height is all that is required.

FAQ: “Will the new style sample cup read differently from the old style cup?”

New (R) and old (L) style sample cups.

No, there should be no difference in measured values. The two designs are exactly the same fabrication and glass type made by the same HunterLab supplier. The only physical change is an increase in the cylinder height by 6 mm. This increased height makes the cup a little easier to grasp and may minimize breakage. The fill lines are for user guidance and will not affect performance. The new sample cup will fit in all existing sample cup ports.

No, there should be no difference in measured values. The two designs are exactly the same fabrication and glass type made by the same HunterLab supplier. The only physical change is an increase in the cylinder height by 6 mm. This increased height makes the cup a little easier to grasp and may minimize breakage. The fill lines are for user guidance and will not affect performance. The new sample cup will fit in all existing sample cup ports.

FAQ: “Does the current black cover still fit over the new cup?”

Yes, there’s more than enough headroom in our black cover (HL# 04-4000-00) such that existing covers will fit over the new style cups.

FAQ: “Was there an increase in the cost of the sample cup with these new changes?”

HunterLab did not raise the price of the sample cup with these changes – it’s a product improvement. The part number (HL# 04-7209-00) remains optically the same, it’s the same cup.

FAQ: “When you say that the new and old style sample cups are ‘optically the same’ – what do you mean by that?”

The HunterLab sample cup is a rugged 2-piece construction consisting of a glass cylinder melted at the seam to a round glass window. The glass used in all parts is optically clear and colorless borosilicate. Every element of the cup – the round glass window and cylinder; as well as our cup manufacturer, are the same for old and new sample cup styles. The only difference is that the glass cylinder is 6 mm higher making the cup easier to hold. The critical part optically is the glass round in the bottom of the cup as the sample measurement is made through this window. This remains the same.