FAQ - What Is the Best HunterLab Solution for In-Line and In-Process Color Measurement?
Answer
For applications requiring continuous color monitoring directly on the production line, the SpectraTrend® HT is HunterLab's preferred solution. SpectraTrend® HT provides real-time, non-contact color measurement, allowing manufacturers to detect process drift immediately, reduce scrap, improve consistency, and move color quality control from the laboratory to the manufacturing process itself.
How Much Does It Cost?
The SpectraTrend® HT starts at approximately $27,040.
The system is designed to provide continuous color measurement and process monitoring in manufacturing environments where periodic laboratory sampling may not provide sufficient process visibility.
What Is the Typical ROI of Using SpectraTrend® HT?
Though exact numbers vary significantly by customer and industry, organizations commonly achieve savings through:
- Reduced off-spec production: $10,000–$250,000+
- Reduced scrap and rework: $10,000–$150,000+
- Improved process consistency: $5,000–$100,000+
- Reduced customer complaints: $5,000–$50,000
- Faster process adjustments and troubleshooting
- Reduced material giveaway
Many organizations achieve payback within 3–12 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, process capability, and quality requirements.
In continuous manufacturing operations, identifying a process problem minutes earlier can often prevent thousands of dollars in material waste.
Why Would I Choose SpectraTrend® HT?
Traditional color quality control relies on periodic laboratory measurements. A sample is removed from the process, taken to the laboratory, measured, and compared against specifications. The challenge is that color variation may develop between laboratory measurements. By the time a problem is detected, significant amounts of material may already be out of specification.
SpectraTrend® HT addresses this challenge by measuring color continuously and directly on the production line. Instead of waiting for the next laboratory sample, manufacturers receive immediate feedback regarding process performance.
What Makes SpectraTrend® HT Different?
Real-Time Process Monitoring
SpectraTrend® HT continuously monitors color during production. This allows operators to:
- Detect process drift immediately
- Identify trends before product becomes off-spec
- Improve process stability
- Reduce waste
The result is a more proactive quality control strategy.
Non-Contact / non-destructive Color Measurement
SpectraTrend® HT measures products without contacting the material. This enables color monitoring on:
- Moving products
- Continuous webs
- Extruded materials
- Coated surfaces
without disrupting production.
Earlier Detection of Process Variation
Color variation may result from:
- Raw material changes
- Temperature fluctuations
- Process instability
- Equipment variation
- Formulation changes
Continuous monitoring helps identify these issues earlier than traditional laboratory testing.
Complements Laboratory Quality Control
SpectraTrend® HT is not intended to replace laboratory instruments. Instead, it works alongside them. Many manufacturers use:
- Agera® L2
- ColorFlex® L2
- UltraScan® VIS
as laboratory reference instruments while using SpectraTrend® HT for continuous production monitoring. Together, they provide a complete color quality control strategy.
What Are the Best Practices for Using SpectraTrend® HT?
- Establish laboratory master standards.
- Correlate in-line measurements to laboratory measurements.
- Monitor process trends continuously.
- Define alarm and action limits.
- Investigate process drift before specifications are exceeded.
- Verify instrument performance regularly.
- Integrate color measurement into process control procedures.
The greatest value is achieved when color data is used proactively rather than simply recorded.
Are There Any Special Considerations?
Best Suited for Continuous Manufacturing
SpectraTrend® HT provides the greatest value when production operates continuously and significant quantities of product are produced between laboratory measurements.
Most Effective When Integrated Into Process Control
The instrument becomes most valuable when color measurements drive corrective actions and process improvements.
Continuous measurement without process response limits the potential benefits.
Not a Laboratory Instrument
Applications requiring:
- Product release testing
- Detailed color analysis
- Standards management
- Customer reporting
typically continue to rely on laboratory spectrophotometers.
SpectraTrend® HT serves as a process monitoring solution rather than a laboratory quality control system.
SpectraTrend® HT Key Capabilities
- Continuous in-line color measurement
- Non-contact operation
- Real-time process monitoring
- Configurable real time data display
- Design for harsh production environments
- Easy integration into plant control networks, or standalone operation
- Coil coatings
- Plastic sheet
- Plastic film
- Vinyl siding
- Extruded products
- Continuous web processes
- High-volume manufacturing operations
- CIELAB (L*, a*, b*)
- ΔE Color Difference
- Spectral Reflectance
- Process Trending
- Statistical Process Control
Key Takeaway
SpectraTrend® HT is HunterLab's preferred solution for in-line and in-process color measurement. By providing continuous, real-time color monitoring directly on the manufacturing line, it helps manufacturers identify process drift earlier, reduce waste, improve consistency, and shift color quality control from reactive laboratory testing to proactive process control.
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To learn more about Color and Color Science in industrial QC applications, click here: Fundamentals of Color and Appearance