In industrial production and quality control, color consistency is one of the core elements determining product quality. Whether it is the metallic paint for automobile coating, the dyeing effect of textile fabrics, or the ink matching in packaging and printing, subtle color deviations may lead to cost waste or damage to brand image.

The LAB color space defines colors with a three-dimensional model:

1. Lightness (L): It indicates the lightness or darkness of a color, ranging from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).

2. Hue and Saturation (a and b):

• The a-axis represents the red-green tendency, with positive values leaning towards red and negative values leaning towards green;

• The b-axis represents the yellow-blue tendency, with positive values leaning towards yellow and negative values leaning towards blue.

It is a globally recognized standard and supported by most modern color measurement equipment. Color is quantitatively analyzed by measuring Lab values with instruments.

A haze meter should be calibrated every 6 months, or more frequently if used for certain quality control processes.

Coating thickness is best measured with a coating thickness gauge specific for the type of substrate. Magnetic and eddy gauges are best for metals while ultrasonic gauges are best for non-metals. These devices provide measurement accuracy and consistency. 

Follow the calibration steps form 3nh. Don’t touch the sample and drop the measurement light to eliminate external light.

The best tool for measuring clear coat thickness is an ultrasonic coating thickness gauge. It is capable of measuring the thickness of each layer of paint on the vehicle, even the clear coat. This is common in automotive refinishing and inspection.

Take L*a*b* readings of two samples using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer and calculate color difference using the 3 formula (Delta E). The difference in 0 is the reported Delta-E, which shows how visible the change is, whereas the thresholds define the acceptability as per the application requirements.

Threenh Technology colorimeters provide a color deviation prompt function according to the Lab value, which can provide a reference for color matching. The handheld colorimeter can only indicate blacker, whiter, redder, greener, yellower or bluer, but it cannot provide accurate color formulas. Only with the help of a spectrophotometer and professional color matching software can fully realized automated color matching.

Accurate readings can be obtained by keeping the sample clean, regular calibration, control of ambient light and appropriate measurement settings.

The Ideal Accurate and User - Friendly Spectrophotometer for Your Needs 

This Spectrophotometer device measures the reflectivity，absorbance, transmittance, and fluorescence of light passing through samples, providing invaluable data for a wide range of applications, provide unrivaled accuracy for reliable results. 

Selecting an appropriate spectrophotometer offers significant advantages for precision color analysis and quality control. When choosing an accurate and user - friendly spectrophotometer, consider factors such as wavelength range, sensitivity, sample handling options, and available software features. By investing in the right spectrophotometer, you can streamline your analytical processes, obtain more accurate results, and enhance the overall efficiency of your laboratory or industrial operations. 

 Choosing the right model—whether portable, benchtop, or inline—aligns technology with specific industry needs, ensuring long-term reliability and optimized color management.

Flickering lamps, color shifts, and uneven lighting are common faults, which can be corrected by changing the tubes, cleaning the interiors, and re calibrating the light system.