For most routine reflectance color quality control applications, the ColorFlex® L2 is the preferred HunterLab solution. It combines proven 45°/0° measurement geometry, rugged industrial design, and integrated quality control software in a cost-effective platform designed specifically for production environments and laboratory quality control.
How Much Does It Cost?
The ColorFlex® L2 starts at approximately $13,340.
Available models include:
- ColorFlex® L2
- ColorFlex® L2-Tomato
- ColorFlex® L2-Coffee
- ColorFlex® L2-Citrus
Each model is optimized for specific application requirements while maintaining the same core measurement platform.
What Is the Typical ROI of Using ColorFlex® L2?
Though exact numbers vary significantly by customer and industry, organizations commonly achieve savings through:
- Reduced off-spec production: $5,000–$50,000
- Reduced scrap and rework: $5,000–$25,000
- Reduced customer complaints: $5,000–$25,000
- Improved process consistency: $5,000–$25,000
- Reduced visual inspection variability: $2,500–$10,000
Many organizations achieve payback within 6–18 months.
Note: These estimates are based on typical production scenarios and publicly available industry benchmarks. Actual results will vary depending on production volume, material costs, labor rates, quality requirements, and process capability.
Because color is often one of the most visible indicators of product quality, even modest improvements in color consistency can generate substantial operational and financial benefits.
Why Would I Choose ColorFlex® L2?
ColorFlex® L2 is HunterLab's most widely deployed laboratory color quality control solution and serves as the foundation of many industrial color measurement programs.
Unlike advanced laboratory reference instruments designed for specialized applications, ColorFlex® L2 focuses on:
- Simplicity
- Reliability
- Ease of use
- Production quality control
- Cost-effective operation
For many organizations, ColorFlex® L2 delivers all of the color measurement capability required without the complexity or investment associated with higher-performance laboratory systems.
What Makes ColorFlex® L2 Different?
45°/0° Annular Geometry
ColorFlex® L2 utilizes 45°/0° annular geometry, which closely correlates to human visual evaluation.
This geometry is particularly effective for where visual appearance is often the primary quality concern:
- Powders/Slurries (cement/concrete)
- Granules
- Dry chemicals
- Pigments
- Minerals
- Fertilizers
- Opaque/semi-opaque materials
- Food & Beverage products
Designed for Production Environments
Unlike many laboratory instruments, ColorFlex® L2 was designed specifically for industrial quality control.
Its sealed enclosure and optical system help protect the instrument from:
- Dust
- Powders
- Airborne contaminants
- Harsh manufacturing environments
making it well suited for daily production use.
On-board Software
ColorFlex® L2 includes EasyMatch® Essentials L2 Color QC Software directly on the instrument through a modern touchscreen interface.
This allows users to:
- Create standards
- Measure samples
- Evaluate tolerances
- Analyze trends
- Generate reports
without requiring a dedicated PC.
What Are the Best Practices for Using ColorFlex® L2?
- Establish approved master standards.
- Define objective color tolerances.
- Monitor CIELAB (L*, a*, b*) values routinely.
- Monitor ΔE color difference.
- Standardize the instrument regularly.
- Use consistent sample presentation techniques.
- Trend results over time to identify process drift.
Consistent measurement practices help maximize both repeatability and process control effectiveness.
Are There Any Special Considerations?
ColorFlex® L2 Is a Reflectance Instrument
ColorFlex® L2 is designed for reflectance measurements and is best suited for opaque materials. Applications requiring transmission measurement, haze analysis, or transparent material evaluation may be better served by:
- Vista® L2
- UltraScan® VIS
- UltraScan® PRO
Some Applications May Require Advanced Capabilities
Customers may consider upgrading to Agera® L2 when they require:
- UV Control
- Gloss measurement
- Dark Performance Mode
- Enhanced appearance analysis
- Embedded imaging capabilities
However, for routine reflectance quality control, ColorFlex® L2 often provides the best balance of performance, simplicity, and cost.
ColorFlex® L2 Key Capabilities
- 45°/0° annular reflectance geometry
- Visible-range spectral measurement
- Sealed enclosure and optics for harsh environments
- Embedded hi-resolution camera
- Designed specifically for production QC
- Touchscreen operation
- On-board EasyMatch® Essentials L2 Color QC Software
- Optional EasyMatch® Quality Central Enterprise Software
Key Takeaway
ColorFlex® L2 is HunterLab's preferred solution for general-purpose reflectance color measurement. By combining proven 45°/0° geometry, rugged industrial design, integrated quality control software, and cost-effective operation, it provides a practical and reliable platform for routine color quality control across a wide range of industries.
Would you like to learn more? Contact us and we'll help you find the best solution for your needs.
For support related questions, submit a support ticket and one of our technical support engineers will contact you as soon as possible!
To learn more about Color and Color Science in industrial QC applications, click here: Fundamentals of Color and Appearance