Both Colorimeters and Spectrophotometer s are common detection instruments for color management, but they are quite different in terms of working principles and functional characteristics, so they are also different in application.
What are "color difference meter" and "Spectrophotometer "?
"Color difference meter", as the name implies, is used to measure the color difference between two samples. Accuracy Depending on the product, the precision varies greatly. Generally, the absolute value (L, a, b value) of the color coordinate space of the color cannot be accurately given, but the difference between two samples (usually the standard and the sample) can be given. Between) the color difference value (ΔE), this kind of color difference meter does not have the absolute value data of the color, and cannot establish and manage its own color standard database.
The Spectrophotometer has high precision, can measure the absolute data of the color, and establish and manage its own color standard database. The setting of the pre-positioning board is used, which eliminates the need to use standard blackboards and whiteboards during the calibration of traditional Colorimeters and Colorimeters.
Measuring principle
The color difference meter can automatically compare the color difference between the sample and the inspected product, and output three sets of data of CIE L, a, b and four sets of color difference data of △E, △L, △a, △b after color comparison. Spectrophotometers can measure the "reflectance curve" of each color point (10nm or 20nm wavelength interval), while Colorimeters cannot.
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.
The Colorimeter currently uses mostly LED blue light excitation, and the light source includes D50/D65/F11, etc.
Spectrophotometers mostly use combined LEDs, and standard light sources include A/C/D50/D65/D75/F1/F2(CWF)--F10/F11(TL84)/F12(U30) and so on.
Spectrophotometers can simulate a variety of light sources, while Colorimeters generally only have one or two simulated light sources.
To sum up, the Colorimeter is mainly used to compare and measure the color difference between samples. The Spectrophotometer mainly contains all the necessary color equations, standard light sources suitable for different tasks, color quality monitoring and computer color matching. Sufficient for color measurement in quality control in almost all fields of application.
