The Colour Assessment Cabinet (CAC) is a controlled environment used for the visual evaluation of color wherein the light sources are consistent.

The machine used to measure color is primarily called a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. 

Spectrophotometer: The most common and precise type. It analyzes light reflected/transmitted by an object across the visible spectrum to quantify color accurately. A spectrophotometer can measure colors on smooth or matte surfaces, as well as textured, glossy, mirror-like surfaces, and special effect colors. It measures the reflected light of a sample at a fixed angle (e.g., 45˚) or captures light reflected at all angles to calculate color measurements that closely match what the human eye perceives. Additionally, similar to how humans flip a sample to view colors from different angles, a spectrophotometer is suitable for measuring a variety of materials and surface characteristics. Widely used in industries like paint, textiles, plastics, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and printing. 

Colorimeter: Also called photoelectric integrating colorimeter, a simpler, more cost-effective option. It measures color based on three primary colors (RGB) and is suitable for basic color matching needs. A photoelectric integrating colorimeter is a color measurement device based on the photoelectric integration principle. It directly measures the tristimulus values XYZ of an object's color using three color filters (red, green, blue) and silicon photocells as three sensors. The color measurement principle of this instrument imitates the human eye's mechanism of perceiving the three primary colors (red, green, blue). It corrects the relative spectral sensitivity of the detector through color filters to match the CIE-recommended spectral tristimulus value functions x(λ), y(λ), and z(λ).

Spectrocolorimeter: Combines the functions of spectrophotometers and colorimeters, offering both spectral data and color space values for comprehensive analysis.

Color measurement methods involve visual approximation (against color charts), colorimetry (by means of filters and detectors), spectrophotometry (a more detailed spectral analysis), and image analysis by computer. These are color measurement methods that are applied in the laboratory, production, and quality assessment.

The most common standard measuring gloss is ASTM D523, which covers the procedures of using a gloss meter at 20°, 60°, and 85° angles. The other international standard that is widely used in industrial and laboratory applications is the ISO 2813.

The color measurement test applies a colorimeter or spectrophotometer to evaluate the way a sample reflects or absorbs light. It is given in objective color values (L*a*b*, RGB, or absorbance) and is usually contrasted to a standard in quality control or compliance.

Keep light booths clean, maintain the light source lamps, readjust the calibrated light source, and ensure that dust and fingerprints do not settle on the viewing area.

Powder paint gloss levels are classified as:

● Flat: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 11–40 GU

● Semi-gloss: 41–70 GU

● Gloss: 71–85 GU

● High Gloss: 86+ GU
 

These are measured at a 60° angle for standardization.

Lightbooths come in different dimensions. A typical tabletop model occupies 0.5-1 m². The bigger industrial variants take up 2-4 m².  If you have special requirements, we can customize the product according to your size

You should not attempt measuring on surfaces that are dirty, oily, or rough, as these surfaces will not provide an accurate reading. Always calibrate the paint thickness tester and make sure to select the proper probe for the substrate as well. Proper execution will bring about consistency as well as trustworthiness to the readings.

Make sure the light sources are calibrated, keep extraneous light sources away, have the correct viewing angles, and handle the samples in a clean and uniform manner.