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How to Select a Large-Aperture Colorimeter & Recommended Models

Large-aperture colorimeters are widely used for color measurement of textured, granular and powder samples. Their large measuring aperture covers a bigger sampling area, reducing errors caused by uneven sample surfaces and delivering more representative measurement results. Wondering how to choose a large-aperture colorimeter? This guide covers selection criteria and product recommendations for your reference.

3nh Large-aperture colorimeters

Selection Guidelines for Large-Aperture Colorimeters


The core of selecting a large-aperture colorimeter lies in matching the aperture size with the optical geometry. First, determine the aperture specification based on your sample type. For uneven materials such as sauces, powders, granules and rough fabrics, prioritize models with an aperture of Φ20 mm or above, even Φ50 mm extra-large aperture. A larger sampling area effectively minimizes detection errors from uneven material distribution, so the data better reflects the true overall color of the sample. For non-homogeneous samples like textured surfaces, textiles and food, a 20 mm medium-large aperture balances accuracy and testing efficiency.


For optical structure, D/8 integrating sphere design is preferred, supporting simultaneous SCI (specular component included) and SCE (specular component excluded) measurements. Compliant with CIE international standards, it measures inherent color as well as the influence of surface gloss, offering better versatility than instruments with 45/0 optical geometry.

The second selection dimension is accuracy specifications and application suitability. In terms of precision, focus on repeatability ΔEab. Professional large-aperture models should achieve ΔEab ＜ 0.03 to guarantee stable and reliable data across repeated measurements. Also check inter-instrument agreement to ensure consistent data across multiple workshops and workstations.


Match the instrument to your industry scenario: for meat and moist samples, choose models with an extended aperture to prevent liquid ingress. For granules and powders, a dedicated sample cup or powder compactor is recommended. If cross-department data comparison and traceability are required, select instruments supporting multiple color spaces including CIE LAB, LCh, XYZ and various illuminants such as D65, A and CWF to meet quality control requirements under different standard systems.


Recommended Large-Aperture Colorimeters


1. NR20XE Handheld Large-Aperture Colorimeter

The NR20XE features a Φ20 mm platform measuring aperture and adopts a 45°/0° optical geometry. Compared with integrating sphere instruments, it better captures the interaction between surface texture and color, producing results closer to human visual perception. It is ideal for samples with prominent textures and surface structures, such as orange-peel paint, fabric, leather and food. A single measurement covers multiple uneven textures and automatically calculates the average overall color, avoiding biased readings caused by small apertures targeting only grooves or raised areas.

NR20XE Handheld Large-Aperture Colorimeter


Its vertical structure is a major advantage: the main body sits above the sample during measurement, with only the measuring port touching the material. This prevents internal contamination and cross-contamination from wet or liquid samples like fresh meat and sauces. The ring lighting design accommodates polarized material testing. Inter-instrument agreement is controlled within ΔE*ab 0.4, meeting quality control demands for most production sites.


2. PS809 Benchtop Large-Aperture Spectrocolorimeter

The PS809 is equipped with a Φ50 mm extra-large measuring aperture paired with a Φ120 mm large integrating sphere. It uses standard D/8 diffuse illumination, 8° viewing optical geometry and supports synchronous SCI/SCE dual-mode measurement. It is the top choice for highly uneven samples including powders, granules, sauces, thick plush fabrics and rough building materials.

PS809 Benchtop Large-Aperture Spectrocolorimeter

The oversized sampling area can cover multiple particles or large textured regions in one test and automatically average the color across the whole area, greatly reducing measurement errors stemming from inconsistent particle size, packing density and surface irregularities. It delivers excellent repeatability of ΔE*ab ≤0.03, outperforming conventional colorimeters.


As a spectrophotometric device, the PS809 outputs comprehensive spectral data and color space parameters. The SCI mode is used for laboratory formula development and precise comparison, while the SCE mode matches human vision for finished product appearance inspection. It achieves stable testing for complex pastes and granular samples such as shampoo, conditioner and caviar, making it a professional-grade solution requiring high precision and versatile applications.


Justin Lee

Senior Optical Engineer

15+ years in color measurement R&D, Holds 8 patents in spectrophotometry
This article is edited by Justin Lee, the website content writer of 3nh, who has 15 years working experience in the color management industry and often discusses with colleagues in R&D, marketing and production departments about the professional knowledge and application of color measurement devices, and has a deep understanding of the industry and products.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss more about your color measurement projects
service@3nh.com.

Justin Lee - Senior Optical Engineer

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