How to establish color standards, improve product appearance, color quality control, and then carry out computer color matching? Here we have to mention a color detection tool - color meter.
At present, there are many types, brands, and merchants of color measuring instruments. Some customers do not have a deep understanding of color measuring. When faced with various instruments, there will be a large price gap and different measurement results? Why are some called Colorimeters and others called Spectrophotometer s? What is the difference between these instruments, and what are they used for?
Let's introduce it in detail:
1. What is a "color difference meter" and what is a "Spectrophotometer "
"Color difference meter", as the name implies, is used to measure the color difference between two samples. The accuracy is relatively low. Generally, the absolute value (L, a, b value) of the color coordinate space of the color cannot be accurately given, but the color difference value between two samples (usually between the standard and the sample) can be given ( ΔE), this kind of color difference meter has no absolute value data of color, and there is no way to exchange data with others, nor can it establish and manage its own color standard database.
Colorimeter
The Spectrophotometer has high precision, and the setting of the pre-positioning board is used, which eliminates the need to use standard blackboards and whiteboards in the calibration process of traditional Colorimeters and Colorimeters. The built-in software is powerful and contains all necessary color equations, standard light sources for different tasks, and a large number of industry- and application-specific indicators.
Spectrophotometer
2. Design principle
The Spectrophotometer is designed according to the principle of spectroscopic type, and the ordinary Colorimeter is designed according to the principle of tristimulus value type. Separation Colorimeters offer high precision and ever-increasing versatility. Spectrophotometer can simultaneously measure SCI (a method that includes specular reflection. For this reason, it reduces the influence of the sample surface, especially suitable for color quality monitoring and computer color matching) and SCE (a method that excludes A method of measuring specular reflection. This type of measurement yields results similar to those observed with the naked eye). Because it can measure the reflectance at each wavelength, it is suitable for complex color analysis, and of course the price is relatively expensive. The tristimulus value Colorimeter has the characteristics of relatively low price, small size, outstanding flexibility and easy operation.
3. Measuring principle
The color difference meter can automatically compare the color difference between the sample and the inspected product, and output three sets of CIE L, a, b data and four sets of color difference data of △E, △L, △a, △b after colorimetry. Different from the method of measuring color with a pure Colorimeter, a Spectrophotometer can measure the "reflectance curve" of each color point (10nm or 20nm wavelength interval), while a Colorimeter cannot. Spectrophotometers can simulate a variety of light sources, while Colorimeters generally only have one or two simulated light sources.
4. Light source
In color measuring instruments, the first thing to consider when choosing a light source is stability, light source orientation, life and the validity of the obtained spectral curve. At present, most of the light sources are LED lamps and xenon lamps.
Xenon lamps are generally used for the measurement of ultraviolet light sources. They can emit short-lived high-intensity arcs, but it is difficult to produce repeated equal-intensity arcs. Furthermore, the xenon lamp light source requires a relatively complicated high-voltage oscillation excitation circuit, and the maintenance is also very complicated. When replacing, in addition to replacing the bulb, the entire set of capacitors must be replaced, so the price is relatively expensive.
On the current standard color measuring instruments, it is technically and economically appropriate to use LED lights. Especially portable instruments need to be lightweight, power-saving, easy to maintain and operate. The color spectrum color Measurement Instrument adopts long-life CLEDs (full-band balanced LED light source), so there is no need to worry about changing the light source frequently.
To sum up, the Colorimeter is mainly used to compare and measure the color difference between samples. Spectrophotometer mainly includes all necessary color equations, standard light sources suitable for different tasks, and a large number of indicators for specific industries and applications, especially suitable for color quality monitoring and computer color matching. Sufficient for color measurement in quality control in almost all fields of application.
