HunterLab ColorFlex EZ User manual

User’s Manual for
ColorFlex®EZ
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-593, Version 2.2
For CFEZ firmware version 1.07 and above

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Copyrights and Trademarks
This documentation contains proprietary information of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. Its
reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Hunter Associates
Laboratory, Inc. is prohibited.
ColorFlex and EasyMatch are registered trademarks of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
SpectraFlect is a registered trademark of Labsphere, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
Sparkleen is a registered trademark of Fisher Scientific.
Safety Notes
For safety when using the ColorFlex EZ, pay particular attention to the following types of
statements in this User’s Guide. Each description is shown in its representative typeface.
Note: General safety instruction that should be observed at all times while operating the
instrument.
CAUTION:
Specific instruction critical to the type of instrument operation being explained in
the area of the manual where the caution appears.
Note: Additional clarification of instructions, not safety-related.

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Contents
INTRODUCTION TO THE COLORFLEX EZ SYSTEM..................................................................... 7
Accessories............................................................................................................................... 7
Installation ............................................................................................................................... 8
THE BASICS OF COLORFLEX EZ OPERATION ............................................................................ 9
The Button Pad and LCD Display ............................................................................................. 9
Menus and Prompts ................................................................................................................ 9
About the Instrument............................................................................................................ 10
Taking a Simple Measurement .............................................................................................. 10
Standardization Process.................................................................................................... 11
Reading Individual Samples .............................................................................................. 13
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances........................................................................... 15
Product Standard.............................................................................................................. 15
Sample............................................................................................................................... 15
Tolerances......................................................................................................................... 15
CONFIGURING OPTIONS AND SETUPS.................................................................................. 17
Product Setups....................................................................................................................... 17
Setup Name................................................................................................................... 19
Standard............................................................................................................................ 19
Averaging .......................................................................................................................... 21
Views............................................................................................................................. 21
Standard Values............................................................................................................ 27
Tolerances..................................................................................................................... 28
AutoSearch........................................................................................................................ 28
GLOBAL OPTIONS ................................................................................................................ 31
Language................................................................................................................................ 31
Display Settings.................................................................................................................. 31
•Screen angle ............................................................................................................... 32
•Backlight ..................................................................................................................... 32
•Contrast ...................................................................................................................... 32
•Display Dim................................................................................................................. 32
•Display Off................................................................................................................... 33
Setups Locked? ...................................................................................................................... 33
AutoSave................................................................................................................................ 33
Stdz Interval........................................................................................................................... 34
AutoSearch......................................................................................................................... 34
•Color Diff..................................................................................................................... 34
•Average....................................................................................................................... 35
Date/Time.......................................................................................................................... 35
SETUP MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 37
•Reset All Setups.......................................................................................................... 37

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•Print All Setups........................................................................................................... 37
•Print One Setup.......................................................................................................... 38
•Clone All Setups.......................................................................................................... 39
READING, STORING AND PRINTING DATA............................................................................ 41
Reading with Datalog............................................................................................................. 41
Reading with Averaging......................................................................................................... 41
Working with Saved Readings ............................................................................................... 43
•Delete All Readings................................................................................................. 43
•Print All Readings.................................................................................................... 44
•View Saved Readings.............................................................................................. 44
•Filter by Setup......................................................................................................... 45
SAMPLE PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION ....................................................................... 47
Selecting Samples .................................................................................................................. 47
Preparing Samples ................................................................................................................. 47
Sample Presentation.............................................................................................................. 47
•Directional Samples.................................................................................................... 48
•Non-opaque Samples ................................................................................................. 48
•Translucent Samples................................................................................................... 48
MAINTAINING AND TESTING COLORFLEX EZ ........................................................................ 49
Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ ...................................................................................................... 49
Maintaining the Instrument Standards ................................................................................. 49
Replacing the Lamp ............................................................................................................... 49
Diagnostics............................................................................................................................. 50
•White Repeatability................................................................................................ 50
•Green Tile Check..................................................................................................... 51
•Signal Levels............................................................................................................ 52
•Self-Test.................................................................................................................. 52
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 55
Operating Conditions............................................................................................................. 55
Physical Characteristics.......................................................................................................... 55
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing ................................................................................ 56
Instrument Performance ....................................................................................................... 56
Measurement ........................................................................................................................ 57
Regulatory Notice .................................................................................................................. 58
Options and Sample Devices ................................................................................................. 59
•External Printer........................................................................................................... 59
•Keyboard..................................................................................................................... 60
•Bar Code Scanner........................................................................................................ 60
•USB Flash Drive for Data Transfer .............................................................................. 60
•Sample Clamp & Port-Forward Stand......................................................................... 61
•Skein Holder................................................................................................................ 61
•Port Inserts ................................................................................................................. 62

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•Glass Port Insert.......................................................................................................... 62
•420 nm UV Port Insert ................................................................................................ 62
•Sample Cup Set for Translucent Liquids ..................................................................... 63
•Sample Cup Port Plate................................................................................................ 63
•64 mm (2.5 in) Glass Sample Cup ............................................................................... 63
•Sample Cup Opaque Cover......................................................................................... 64
•Ring and Disk Set ........................................................................................................ 64
•EasyMatch QC Software ............................................................................................. 64
WHEN YOU NEED ASSISTANCE............................................................................................. 65
INDEX.................................................................................................................................. 67

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CHAPTER ONE
Introduction to the ColorFlex EZ System
The ColorFlex EZ spectrophotometer is a versatile color measurement instrument that can be
used on products of virtually any size, and in industries as diverse as paint, food, and textiles.
The instrument uses a xenon flash lamp to illuminate the sample. The light reflected from the
sample is then separated into its component wavelengths through a dispersion grating. The
relative intensities of the light at different wavelengths along the visible spectrum (400-700 nm)
are then analyzed to produce numeric results indicative of the color of the sample. This is an
objective means of quantifying what was once considered a subjective aspect of a sample’s
appearance—its color.
ColorFlex EZ is available with a large viewing area and a 45°/0° geometry. The label on the
bottom of the instrument provides this information and a unique serial number, which is
outlined below.
Accessories
The following accessories are included with the ColorFlex EZ:
•Calibration tiles - A NIST traceable white calibrated tile is placed at the sample port
during standardization to set the top of scale. The Black Glass is placed at the sample
port during standardization to set the bottom-of-scale, and the Green Check Tile is
used to assess long-term instrument performance during the Diagnostic Green Tile
Test.
•Certificate of traceability for the standard White Tile.
•Tile data sheet - provides NIST-traceable calibrated values for the standard White
Tile and values read at factory for the Green Tile.
•USB cable for connecting the ColorFlex EZ to a computer.
Figure 1. USB Cable
•Standards care card gives instructions on how to clean the standards.
•USB Flash Drive for data transfer
•AC adapter, 12 W/9V.
•ColorFlex EZ User’s Manual on CD.

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Installation
Before operating the ColorFlex EZ, connect the instrument to a power source, a computer or to
an optional component, such as a printer. Instructions are provided below.
1. Unpack the cartons and remove wrappings and cable ties. Inspect for damage and
notify the carrier and HunterLab immediately if any is discovered. Save the packing
materials in case it becomes necessary to return the instrument to the factory.
2. Place the ColorFlex EZ on a flat, stable surface near and electrical outlet.
3. Connect the connector of the AC adapter to the acceptor on the left back of the
ColorFlex EZ.
4. Plug the female end of the power cord into the AC Adapter and the male end into a
wall outlet.
5. If the instrument is to be used connected to a computer, printer, or other USB
device, plug the hexagonal end of the USB cable into the USB port on the ColorFlex
EZ.
6. Plug the flat end of the USB cable into the appropriate USB port on the computer or
device. If connecting to a computer, Windows’ plug and play feature should
automatically find and install the ColorFlex EZ. Let it do so until the FOUND NEW
HARDWARE message disappears. Other devices, such as the printer, bar code
reader, and keyboard, are automatically detected by the ColorFlex EZ.
7. Turn the ColorFlex EZ on by pressing the GO (lightning bolt ) button on the button
pad.

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CHAPTER TWO
The Basics of ColorFlex EZ Operation
Commands are given to the ColorFlex EZ using the five buttons on its button pad, and
instructional prompts and measurements are displayed on the 320 x 240 pixel on color liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen.
When an item is to be measured using the ColorFlex EZ, the area of interest should be placed
flush at the sample port with the side of the sample to be measured toward the instrument.
The sample must completely cover the sample port.
When the read command is given using the button pad, the xenon flash lamp illuminates the
sample, and the light reflected into the detector by the sample is evaluated. The calculated
measurement is then shown in the display. Up to 2000 readings and 250 product setups may be
stored in the ColorFlex EZ’s memory.
The Button Pad and LCD Display
The five buttons on the button pad can be loosely defined as the LEFT,RIGHT,UP, and DOWN
buttons, with the GO (lightning bolt ) button located to the right of the arrows. These buttons
perform slightly different functions depending on the current operation. Consult the miniature
map of the button pad shown at the bottom of the LCD display for the relevant definitions of
the buttons at any particular time.
Figure 2. Main Menu Key Pad
Across the top of each measurement screen are numbers indicating (left to right) the Datalog
number for this reading if it was saved to the ColorFlex EZ’s memory, and the number of hours
and minutes since the instrument was last standardized.
Menus and Prompts
All ColorFlex EZ functions may be accessed through its main menu. The main menu commands
lead to prompts (such as for standardization and reading), setup screens (for product setup and
global options), or an additional menu (such as the Diagnostics, Saved Readings, and Setup
Maintenance choices), depending on the function requested.
When RETURN is shown as an available button command on the MAIN MENU screen, choose
RETURN to go back to the last screen used before the instrument shut down.

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Figure 3. Main Menu
When OFF is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, choose OFF to
immediately turn the instrument off.
About the Instrument
Information specific to the instrument may be viewed on the ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT
screen, which can be obtained by choosing ABOUT from the main menu. The instrument
model, serial number, firmware version, and total flash count for this instrument lamp are
displayed.
Figure 4. About Your Instrument
More details on ColorFlex EZ operation are given in Chapters 2 through 4.
Taking a Simple Measurement
This chapter describes the various steps performed in the course of normal instrument
operations, such as standardizing, reading, storing and printing data.
Standardization sets the top and bottom-of-scale for the neutral axis. During standardization,
the bottom-of-scale (zero) is set first. This is done by placing the Black Glass at the sample port.
The top-of-scale is then set by reading the calibrated White Tile. Messages on the display
prompt through the standardization process as described below. The time elapsed (in minutes)
since the last standardization is shown in the upper right corner of the screen.

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Figure 5. Time Since Last Standardization
It is recommended that the ColorFlex EZ be standardized every four to eight hours. The
instrument will automatically prompt for standardization after the Standardization Interval set
in Global Options has elapsed, so it is a good idea to enter 4 to 8 hours as the Standardization
Interval.
Also standardize the ColorFlex EZ any time there is a significant change (greater than 5°F) in
ambient temperature. For example, if the ColorFlex EZ is moved an air-conditioned office to an
outdoor site that is 90°F, standardization should be repeated once the instrument has had a
chance to stabilize under the new temperature. Also standardize the instrument any time there
is a change in the optical path, such as changing from using the standard port to the sample cup
port.
Figure 6. Set Standardization Interval
Also, it is important that the standards used in standardization be treated carefully. Tiles must
be kept clean and in good condition. If there is any doubt about the standards being clean,
clean them as described in the Maintaining and Testing ColorFlex EZ chapter.
Standardization Process
Standardization of a ColorFlex EZ is performed as follows:Remove the calibration tiles from the
standards box. Check that the tiles are clean and free of dust and scratches. If they are dirty
(including marked with fingerprints), clean them as described in Maintaining and Testing
ColorFlex EZ.
1. Select STANDARDIZE from the ColorFlex EZ’s main menu by moving the cursor
highlight to its position using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons and then pressing
the GO button. The Standardization screen appears, prompting for the Black Glass.

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Figure 7. Standardize
2. Place the Black Glass on the measuring port with the shiny side of the glass against
the port. Check that the Black Glass is flat and in solid contact against the port and
that the white dot is facing forward towards the operator.
Figure 8. Place Black Glass at Port
3. Press the GO button. The ColorFlex EZ reads the glass and sets the instrument zero
or bottom-of-scale. When it is finished, the screen prompts for the calibrated White
Tile.
4. Replace the Black Glass with the calibrated White Tile, which is contained in the
standards box.
Figure 9. White Tile Reading
5. Press the button GO. The ColorFlex EZ reads the White Tile and sets the top of scale.
When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been successfully
standardized.

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Figure 10. Confirmation of Standarization
6. Press MAIN MENU (right arrow) to return to the main menu.
Reading Individual Samples
Complete the following steps to take individual readings using the ColorFlex EZ:
Note: These instructions apply when Average in the product setup is set to OFF.
1. Select READ from the ColorFlex EZ’s main menu. Move the cursor to highlight its
position using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons and then press the GO button.
2. The first Reading screen appears, for setup selection. To read the last product setup
used, press NO (down arrow) and skip to Step 4. To select the setup for use from the
list of setups, press YES (up arrow), and select the setup.
Figure 11. Select Setup
3. Scroll through the list of setups using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons until the
desired setup is highlighted. Then press the GO button to use that setup.
Figure 12. Select Setup

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4. Place the standard or sample at the sample port with the side to be measured
toward the port. Make sure that the item is flat against the port and completely
covers it.
Figure 13. Place Standard at Port
5. Press the GO button to read. The standard or sample is read and its values (as
configured in the product setup) displayed on the screen.
Figure 14. Read
Note: If a bar code reader is installed, scan the bar code now, and the ID will
appear beneath the color measurement.
6. User options are shown on the keypad map at the bottom of the screen. Press
SAVE/PRINT (down arrow) to both save the reading (if AutoSave is not enabled) in
the ColorFlex EZ’s memory and print the reading if a USB printer is connected. The
saved readings counter in the upper left corner of the screen will be incremented to
reflect the newly saved reading. An example of a printout is shown.
Figure 15. Printout

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7. Press BACK (up arrow) to return to the Saved Readings menu or MAIN MENU
(center button) to return to the main menu.
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances
Product Standard
A product standard is an object that represents the ideal target color for the product. This
object is the one to which others will be compared and deemed acceptable or unacceptable.
The product standard may either be a physical item that is measured using the ColorFlex EZ or a
set of color values that is entered into the ColorFlex EZ’s memory.
Sample
A sample is an object that will be measured with the ColorFlex EZ and compared to the product
standard. The color of the sample is generally similar to the color of the product standard.
Tolerances
Tolerances are limits that indicate how different a sample can be from the product standard
and still be acceptable. Positive and negative tolerances may be set for each color scale and
index parameter chosen for display. Then, the ColorFlex EZ can show a pass or fail indicator
after a sample is read.
Samples that differ from the standard by no more than the entered tolerance are said to pass.
Samples that exceed the tolerance for one or more parameter are said to fail.

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CHAPTER THREE
Configuring Options and Setups
Before using the ColorFlex EZ to make measurements, configure the instrument’s various
options, such as the language, screen angle, and the date and time.
A product setup is a set of operating parameters that describe the operation of the ColorFlex EZ
for a specific product. Up to 250 setups may be stored in the instrument’s memory.
The parameters that must be defined for each product include the color scale for display, target
color values for the product (if applicable), and the acceptable tolerances applied to the
standard values (if applicable). Each product setup is saved in the ColorFlex EZ memory with a
setup number and name.
The instrument options and product setups are retained in the ColorFlex EZ’s memory even
when the instrument is turned off.
Maintenance may be performed on the product setups, such as resetting or printing them. This
chapter describes how to configure and maintain the instrument options and product setups.
Product Setups
Product Setup is selected from the main menu by moving the cursor highlight to the Product
Setup position using the up and down arrow buttons and then pressing the GO button.
Figure 16. Product Setup
The Product Setup screen appears. On this screen, choose to select the product setup from a
list (YES) or configure the last setup used (NO).

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Figure 17. Product Setup Selection
Figure 18. Product Setup Confirmation
If YES is chosen, the Select setup to configure screen is shown. Move the cursor highlight to the
desired setup by using the up and down arrow buttons or by scrolling through the pages using
the right arrow button (Page). Then press the GO button to select it.
The screen that allows configuration of the setup selected (or the last setup used ) appears
next.
Configure each desired parameter by moving the cursor highlight to its position using the UP
and DOWN arrow buttons. When the parameter is highlighted, press the RIGHT arrow button
to scroll through the available choices for the parameter. When the choice desired is displayed,
stop scrolling. More parameters may be configured in this same manner.
When all parameters are set, press the GO (Main Menu) button to accept the settings and
return to the main menu or LEFT arrow (Back) to select another setup to configure.
Setups may be saved to a USB drive and uploaded into other instruments of the same model or
to the EasyMatch QC Software. The product setups are saved as ASCII Hex (.stp)
The product setup parameters that may be configured are as follows:

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Setup Name 
Press the RIGHT arrow button to obtain the Product Name screen and enter any descriptive
name for the product setup. Up to 15 characters may be entered using all the letters and
numbers, as well as the space character.
Figure 19. Name the Setup
As shown on the button pad map at the bottom of the screen, use the UP and DOWN arrow
buttons to scroll up (+) and down (-) through the list of available characters. Press the GO
button to add a space character. Press the RIGHT arrow button to move to the next character in
the name. Press the LEFT arrow button when the entire name has been entered.
Standard
Four types of standards are available for selection depending on the measurements and data
needed. Press the RIGHT arrow button to move through the list of available standard types.
Choose WORKING when different samples are measured against a standard in a single session.
A working standard is measured immediately prior to measuring its corresponding samples,
such as comparing the end of one roll to the beginning of another. Its measurement values will
be overwritten the next time the product setup is opened.
Figure 20. Working Standard
Choose PHYSICAL when an actual product specimen is available that represents the target color
to which samples will be compared on a regular basis. A physical standard is measured and
stored in the product setup for as long as desired.

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Figure 21. Physical Standard
Choose NUMERIC when a physical specimen does not exist for measurement, but the target
color values are known from previous measurements. The color values for a numeric standard
are entered and stored in the product setup for as long as desired.
Figure 22. Numeric Standard
Choose HITCH for agreement between two or more instruments. This is helpful when
companies are manufacturing the same product in different plants and need the colors to
match. A standard is measured on a reference instrument and the color values noted. This
Hitch standard is then read on a second instrument such as the ColorFlex EZ and the target
values from the reference instrument are entered manually. The ColorFlex EZ then
mathematically adjusts to match the reference instrument. The modified standard is stored in
the product setup for as long as desired.
Figure 23. Hitch Standard