Colorimeter Instruments

What is a Colorimeter? 

A colorimeter is an optical instrument used to measure the color characteristics of materials, It can measure the reflectance and transmittance of samples. 3nh color difference reader is a portable, battery powered, and hand-held instrument for quick, precise color control.  3nh tristimulus colorimeter is easily operable, economical and portable like never before. With a built-in utility software application, it allows changing of instrument settings, set tolerances, pass/fail judgment and data analysis directly on the instrument. Also includes USB connectivity to a computer for easy data transferring, improve the ability to analyze and process colors,  Moreover, users can search and retrieve various data from the color database of the microcomputer to perform color matching according to their needs.

The relative method is used to test the difference between two colors (i.e., color difference value Deta E) and conduct accurate reflective color measurement for various samples such as flat surfaces, small particles, powders, pastes, and solutions.   

Understanding the Working Principle of a Colorimeter

The working principle of a colorimeter is fundamentally based on Beer-Lambert’s Law, which states that “The quantity of energy absorbed or transmitted by a solution is directly proportional to the molar absorptivity of the solute and its concentration within the solution.” 

In simple words, colored substances absorb specific wavelengths of light. The more concentrated the substance, the more light it will absorb in those wavelengths, and the less light will pass through. This relationship can be mathematically represented as: A=ϵcl, where

A = Absorbance of Solution 

ϵ =  Molar absorptivity of each substance 

c = Concentration of the solute 

l = Path length of the light beam through the solution. 

This formula helps scientists and researchers to accurately determine the concentration of unknown solutions by measuring their absorbance.

Functions and Applications of the colorimetric instrument 

Colorimeters are versatile instruments used for precise color measurement and analysis across various fields. They are utilized in various fields, including priting, paint, ink, textile, chemistry, biology, medicine, food science, and quality control in manufacturing.  The latest portable colorimters developed and manufactured in accordance with international standards such as CIE 1931 and CIE 1976, as well as the national standard JJG 595-2002..

Biochemistry and Clinical Labs 

Colorimeters play a vital role in the analysis of various biological samples such as urine, blood, and plasma. They enable the correct determination and concentration of key analytes like glucose, enzymes, and electrolytes. These measurements are crucial for the diagnosis of diseases, monitoring patient health, and assessing the effectiveness of treatments.  

1. Environmental Testing and Water Quality 

Colorimeters are valuable tools in environmental testing and water quality analysis. They assess various pollutants, chemicals, and minerals present in water and air samples. This ensures adherence to environmental regulations and supports effective pollution control measures.   

2. Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry utilizes food colorimeters to assess the color consistency of different food products. This may include jams, jellies, beverages and oils. Accurate and repeatable color measurements maintain desired visual standards and quality control across production batches. In the food processing field, quality control is achieved by monitoring the linear relationship between the L* value of food and processing time.

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical companies use colorimeters as an indispensable tool for quality control aspects. They are used in active ingredient analysis to quantify the concentration of the drug substance. During dosage formulation, color measurements ensure uniformity and the correct amount of excipients. Also, they help maintain batch-to-batch consistency so that each lot meets the required quality assurance. 

4. Paint, Ink, and Textile 

Color consistency is critical in the paint, ink, and textile production. Colorimeters help in formulating and matching colors accurately. In paints and inks, they ensure uniformity across different cans and applications, control color strength and hue for consistent printing results. Textile industry uses colorimeters to guarantee uniform dyeing and color matching of fabrics and accessories. 

How Much Does a Colorimeter Cost?

Prices for new photo colorimeters range between $500 and $5000, depending on the instrument's model, its level of accuracy, and the array of specialized features it offers. Here is a general breakdown of cost of colorimeter: 

●Basic Handheld Colorimeters: They can range from as low as $50 to $500, often suitable for educational purposes or very basic quality checks. You might find some very basic digital units at the lower end of this range. 

●Portable Digital Colorimeters: Digital colorimeters start from $200 to $2,000+, and offer better accuracy and more features.

●Benchtop Colorimeters: These laboratory-grade instruments can range from $500 to $5,000+, depending on their precision, wavelength range, and advanced functionalities.

In the colorimetry market, we find various instruments for color measurement. At Threenh Technology,  one of the most internationally recognized firms for its extensive experience in the sector and its reputation for technological quality and innovation.

Difference Between a Colorimeter and a Spectrophotometer

While both color meter and spectrophotometer are used for color analysis, their key difference lies in their ability to select and analyze wavelengths of light. Here is a comparison of spectrophotometer vs colorimeter: 

The table highlights the fundamental distinctions between colorimeters and spectrophotometers by focusing on their light handling and analytical capabilities. Colorimeters use filters for broader wavelength selection, yielding less detailed color data. In contrast, spectrophotometers provide you with rich information for complex analyses across a wider range of applications. For those interested in learning more about colorimeters, you can access our article by clicking on this link. We explain the functions of a colorimeter in color measurement and compare it with its spectrophotometer counterparts.

Accurate Color Measurement and Consistency: Explore 3nh Colorimeters

Understanding the different types of colorimeters based on size, filters, and display, alongside the key measurement indicators, empowers users to select the appropriate tool for their specific needs.