When precision in color measurement is essential, the HunterLab UltraScan series offers some of the most advanced benchtop spectrophotometers on the market. But choosing the right model depends on your specific needs. The UltraScan VIS and UltraScan PRO both provide exceptional accuracy, but their capabilities differ significantly. If you’re wondering which spectrophotometer is best for your industry, here’s everything you need to know.
UltraScan VIS
The UltraScan VIS spectrophotometer is designed for industries that require high-precision visible spectrum color measurement from 400 to 700 nm. This makes it ideal for applications where color perception is based on human vision, such as paints, coatings, plastics, textiles, and food products. With its UV exclusion feature, it ensures that UV interference does not affect color measurement, making it a cost-effective and reliable solution for businesses that need consistent visual color quality without the need for UV or near-infrared analysis.
UltraScan PRO
On the other hand, the UltraScan PRO spectrophotometer offers a full-spectrum wavelength range from 350 to 1050 nm, including UV, visible, and NIR. This makes it an advanced solution for industries that require more than just visible color measurement. If your business deals with optical brighteners, UV degradation, fluorescent materials, or transparent surfaces, the UltraScan PRO provides the detailed spectral data needed for precise analysis. This is especially useful in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and specialty materials, where color, transparency, and reflectance play a critical role in product quality.
Key differences between UltraScan PRO and UltraScan VIS
• Wavelength range: the UltraScan VIS measures only the visible spectrum from 400 to 700 nm, while the UltraScan PRO covers a broader range of 350 to 1050 nm, including UV and NIR.
• UV and NIR measurement: the UltraScan VIS does not measure UV or NIR, making it suitable for standard color analysis. The UltraScan PRO, however, is equipped for UV fluorescence, optical brightener detection, and near-infrared analysis.
• Best for: the UltraScan VIS spectrophotometer is ideal for industries needing visible spectrum color measurement, such as paints, plastics, textiles, and food. The UltraScan PRO spectrophotometer is perfect for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and research applications where full-spectrum analysis is necessary.
• Optical brightener detection: UltraScan VIS lacks UV measurement capabilities, meaning it cannot detect optical brighteners. The UltraScan PRO can measure optical brighteners and UV degradation, crucial for textiles, coatings, and plastics.
• Fluorescent and transparent material analysis: the UltraScan PRO is optimized for fluorescent, reflective, and transparent material measurement, making it superior for industries requiring detailed spectral analysis beyond visible light.
So, which spectrophotometer is the right fit?
If your business only requires visible color measurement, the UltraScan VIS is a high-performance and cost-effective solution. However, if you need UV and NIR capabilities, the UltraScan PRO provides the highest level of precision for full-spectrum analysis. Both models are engineered to deliver exceptional color accuracy and quality control, ensuring your products meet industry standards and customer expectations.
Still unsure? contact us today to find out which UltraScan spectrophotometer best suits your needs.