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A colorimeter is sufficient for basic, routine color checks, while a spectrophotometer is needed for precise, comprehensive color analysis—here’s the clear breakdown:
Simple color matching needs: Ideal for checking if a sample matches a predefined standard (e.g., basic paint batches, plastic parts with solid colors).
Consistent lighting conditions: Works well when measurements are done under fixed, standard light sources (no need to account for varied light effects).
Cost-sensitive, high-volume tasks: Perfect for production lines requiring fast, low-cost color checks without advanced data analysis.
Precise color quantification: Necessary for measuring Lab values (lightness, red-green, yellow-blue axes) or detecting subtle color deviations (critical for automotive coatings, high-end textiles).
Complex color analysis: Required for metallic/pearlescent finishes, transparent materials, or samples with gloss/texture variations.
Compliance and documentation: Essential when precise color data (spectral curves) is needed for quality audits, regulatory compliance, or brand color standardization.
The main instruments used to detect color are spectrophotometers and colorimeters (including photoelectric integrating colorimeters).
Spectrophotometer: High-precision option. It analyzes the full visible light spectrum to measure color accurately. Suitable for complex scenarios like textured surfaces, special effect colors, or batch consistency checks in industries such as paint and coatings.
Colorimeter (Photoelectric Integrating Colorimeter): Cost-effective and portable. It uses RGB filters to measure tristimulus values directly. Ideal for quick color difference detection in simple applications. Key Selection Tip Choose based on accuracy needs: use a spectrophotometer for high-precision color measurement, and a colorimeter for fast, basic color difference checks.
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.
When detecting color differences, the first factors to consider when selecting a light source include its stability, directionality, lifespan, and the effectiveness of the ultimately obtained spectral curve. The illuminant of a colorimeter is a fixed bulb, such as a tungsten lamp，LED light or a long-life xenon lamp. However, for the same color sample, the results displayed by the instrument vary under different light sources. This is because different light sources cause different absorption and reflection of light on the sample, leading to differences in how both the human eye and the instrument perceive the color.
In general, the D65 light source is used in the application of coil steel inks for construction. The D65 light source is equivalent to average daylight. Most coil steel inks for construction are used outdoors, and sunlight is regarded as the standard light source in outdoor environments. For household appliance coil steel inks, due to their usage characteristics, they are mostly used indoors. Therefore, the A standard light source is adopted for color measurement of samples based on indoor lighting conditions. The A light source is a carefully specified tungsten light source. Other light sources, such as fluorescent light sources, can be used in many types of applications. For example, some textile factories use fluorescent light sources. Therefore, a reasonable light source should be selected as the mutually recognized measurement method based on actual usage conditions and user requirements. Once agreed upon by both parties, color measurement must be conducted under the same conditions. This helps reduce unnecessary systematic errors and human errors, achieving the optimal consistency in color measurement.
The 3nh high-precision spectrophotometric colorimeter adopts a combined LED light source with long lifespan and low power consumption, which includes UV (ultraviolet) and UV-excluded options. This design can meet the color difference detection needs of different users and supports the selection of multiple light source modes.
True color in chemistry is the color seen in a solution or compound in standardized conditions. It depends on electronic transitions in molecules, specifically absorption of a particular wavelength of light, and this depends on the structure of the compound.
Colorimetry is a method that applies color intensity to ascertain the chemical concentrations. It is founded on Beer-Lambert Law, whereby the absorbance at a given wavelength is proportional to the concentration. It is popular in environmental and biochemical testing.
A spectrophotometer and colorimeter are certain instruments used by scientists to measure color by quantifying reflected or transmitted light. The results are presented in color spaces, such as L*a*b*, RGB, or XYZ. This enables the accuracy of comparison and tracking of the changes in color in chemical or material research.
Colorimeters or spectrophotometers are used to measure liquid color. They measure light coming through or reflecting off the liquid. Readings can be reported as Lab*, RGB, or absorbance units. So that objective color analysis can be used to control quality, or to measure chemical concentration.
A colorimeter or spectrophotometer should be used to measure the color of a solution. The instrument directs light through the liquid and quantifies absorbance at certain wavelengths. The values obtained indicate the color intensity of the solution and, by default, the concentration of the solution.
The color of chemical products is measured by using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. The instruments measure the amount of light that gets absorbed or reflected by a substance. It may be used to determine concentration, purity, or compliance with product standards.
SCI&SCE are two method in the color measurement. SCI means Specular Component Include,SCE means Specular Component Exclude.
Under the method of SCE, only test diffuse refection and exclude specular reflection. In that way, the test result is similar to object color was observed by human eyes.
Under the method SCI, both the diffuse refection and specular reflection will be included. In that way, the value about the color is more objective. It will not effect by the environment condition.
When we choose the instrument, those elements should be taking into consideration.
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.
Our machine is packed by standard export wooden box, it won’t be damaged. We’ve delivered many testing machines abroad by sea or by air without damage.
Yes, we warmly welcome and sincerely invite you or your team to visit our factory, we will help to arrange hotel and pick up you from airport.
Yes, we can offer Spectrodensitometer quality certification issued by our lab free of charge, or issued by third-party international inspection Organizations with extra charge, please contact us for confirmation.
Yes, we offer free samples for test, you are welcome to order samples to experience our excellent quality and service.
Spectrophotometer, Colorimeter, Gloss meter, Haze Meters, Coating thickness meter, window tint meter, UV meter, Leeb hardness tester, Light booth, Color Test Chart, Ultrasonic thickness gauge. Threenh Technology company adheres to independent design, research and development, production and sales of various measuring instruments.
Always a pre-production sample before mass production; Always final Inspection before shipment;
Yes. We can supply OEM and make customized design for any specific application. Our MOQ for OEM and ODM service is 5 pcs for one model. We can not only offer standard machines, but also customized machines. Don’t hesitate to tell us your requirement, we will try our best to meet your needs.
D/8°and 45°/0°are two kinds of illumination geometry with different optical geometry design. D/8°illumination geometry is more widely used for the color comparison and measurement of high-gloss materials; 45°/0°illumination geometry is mainly used in printing and packaging industries.
