FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about our products and services.

 Color is measured using devices such as colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and spectroradiometers. Colorimeters are easier and good for simple color quality tests. Whereas spectrophotometers yield detailed spectral information. Hence, suitable for laboratories and industries.

 A spectrophotometer illuminates a sample with light or passes light through it and records the reflected or transmitted light over the wavelength range. It transforms this data into color coordinates (such as L*a*b*), allowing accurate color assessment as well as color comparison to standards.


You can choose a colorimters depending on the substrate you are measuring the color of, whether it is opaque, translucent or transparent. In short, you can consider the following factors for choosing the right 3NH colorimeter for your needs: Sample Opacity, Physical Form, Optical Properties needed, Measurement Methods required, Scales and Indices needed, Instrument Standards Conformance (ASTM/ISO/Other), Instrument Geometry, Instrument Performance, Location (laboratory, portability, in-process) and Sample Handling requirements.

By systematically addressing these factors, you can select a colorimeter that optimizes accuracy, efficiency, and value for your specific application.Learn more from our ultimate guide on colorimeter selection. If unsure, consult the 3NH manufacturer for personalized recommendations based on your sample and workflow.


A colorimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure and analyze the color characteristics of objects or materials. It quantifies color by evaluating specific parameters related to human visual perception and standardized color spaces.

Threenh colorimters are used across various industries to measure, analyze, and control color accuracy and consistency:

Food and Beverages: Monitor color quality in food products to meet industry standards.

Plastics and Polymers: Ensure color uniformity in plastic components (e.g., casings, buttons, panels) during manufacturing.

Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals,Cosmetics: Industry-specific accessories to attain the highest safety protocols, Ensure uniform color in pharmaceutical products for quality and brand recognition;Develop and match colors for cosmetics (e.g., lipsticks, creams, powders) and ensure batch consistency.

Textiles and Apparel: Monitor color consistency in fabrics during dyeing, printing, or finishing processes; ensure color consistency in fabrics and garments.

Building materials, Paints, and Coatings: Detect color deviations in coatings on metal, wood, or plastic surfaces (e.g., automotive paints, furniture finishes). Maintain color accuracy in building materials, paints, and coatings.

Printing and Packaging: Validate color accuracy in printed materials (e.g., brochures, labels, packaging) against design proofs, maintain consistency across different printing technologies.

By addressing color-related quality control challenges, 3NH colorimeters help industries maintain brand consistency, meet regulatory standards, and enhance customer satisfaction.


High Measurement Accuracy and Stability: Low ΔE fluctuation (e.g., NH300: ΔE < 0.07; NR10QC: ΔE ≤ 0.03 short-term repeatability); Reliable sensors (CMOS dual-beam/silicon photodiode) and long-lasting light sources (1.6M–3M measurements over 5 years).

User-friendly Design and Convenient Operation: Intuitive interfaces (e.g., NH300’s “fool-proof” operation), auto-calibration, and ergonomic grips for extended use; Versatile positioning (light/cross alignment) for precise measurements.

Robust Design: Our colorimter instruments are designed to withstand rigorous use, providing long-term reliability. Rechargeable lithium batteries enable 5,000–6,000 measurements per charge (e.g., NH300/TS7030), ensuring cost-effective durability.

PC Software Support for Functionality Expansion: PC software (e.g., CQCS3) supports color difference analysis, chromaticity indexing, and sample library management.

Global customer support: Our global presence across regions ensures you get the service and maintenance support you need to keep your instrument at peak performance. 

Multiple Measurement Apertures and Application Scenarios: Multiple measurement apertures, different models have different measurement apertures and some models offer multiple optional apertures. Applicable to plastic electronics, paint and ink, textile and garment printing and dyeing, printing, ceramics, automotive, food, medicine and other industries for color quality control and color difference detection.


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.

Our professional team will give you the best suggestion as long as you tell us what kind of test you need to do and the required specification.


Yes, we can offer 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.

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.

Depending on the scale of the manufacturer, its matte, low-sheen finish can be called gloss level 3. Overall, gloss levels in certain standards go between 1 (flat) to 7 (high gloss). Level 3 is considered low-gloss or satin-like.


Gloss levels are usually of five types, namely, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. These categories are of rising levels of reflectivity of the surface and are utilized to characterize the completion of paints, coatings, and other substances.


Gloss level is not given out in percentage but in gloss units (GU). In practice, however, 100 GU is considered 100 percent reflective. To contrast visually, the 20-40 GU is a low-gloss surface, and 85 or more is almost 100 percent mirror-like reflection.


An 80 gloss surface will reflect less light as compared to a 100 gloss surface. Both are said to be high gloss, although 100 GU (or higher) reflects almost as much as a mirror. The distinction can be slight in graphic terms, but major in specific uses.


The gloss meter is used to measure the gloss level: it is a device that directs the light at a fixed angle and reads the intensity of the reflected light. The angles, such as 60°, 20°, or 85°, are applied depending on the type of surface and the range of gloss.


Powder paint gloss levels are classified as:

● Flat: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 11–40 GU

● Semi-gloss: 41–70 GU

● Gloss: 71–85 GU

● High Gloss: 86+ GU
 

These are measured at a 60° angle for standardization.


Gloss is the general reflectivity of a surface, which encompasses a variety of degrees. One particular type of finish is high gloss, which has the maximum shine and reflectance. It increases the richness but emphasizes flaws as compared to satin or matte.


The gloss meter is used to measure gloss at typical angles (typically 20°, 60°, or 85°). The instrument illuminates the material and measures the amount of light reflected and states the outcome in gloss units (GU), which is related to perceived brilliance.


Powder paint gloss levels are commonly classified as:

● Flat/Matte: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 10–40 GU

● Semi-Gloss: 40–70 GU

● Gloss: 70–85 GU

High Gloss: 85+ GU
These ranges can vary by manufacturer and application angle.


Gloss is a broad term to describe the reflectivity of a surface. Whereas high gloss is a specific term that has the highest reflectance (usually more than 70 GU). High gloss finishes are shiny, mirror-like, and exhibit more surface blemishes than lower gloss finishes.


Record the L*a*b values of the sample and the reference with a calibrated spectrophotometer or colorimeter. Compute the difference in the color by use of ΔE. The lower the Delta E, the more accurate the result. The difference in energy, ΔE < 1, is generally assumed to be invisible to the eye.


The accuracy of colors is determined by comparing the values of the colors (L*a*b*) of a sample with a standard reference sample using tools such as spectrophotometers. The variation is measured as ΔE. The smaller the value of ΔE, the more accurate, the nearer to the target color.


To quantify color change, take the original L*a*b* values of a sample, and reread after exposure or processing. Compute the difference as 1/2(Emut1 Emut2). The larger the value of ΔE, the more obvious the change of color is, which can be used in quality or stability testing.


The most important equation is A = 2εcl, where A is the absorbance, 2 is a constant, ε is the molar absorptivity (L/mol cm), c is the concentration (molL-11), and l is the path length (cm). This can be used to relate the absorbance to the concentration, allowing quantification through colorimetric assays.


The principle of colorimetry is the law of Beer-Lambert, which says that the intensity of light absorbed by a colored solution is proportional to the concentration of the absorbing species and the path length. It measures the extent of light that is absorbed at certain wavelengths.


Take L*a*b* readings of two samples using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer and calculate color difference using the 3 formula (Delta E). The difference in 0 is the reported Delta-E, which shows how visible the change is, whereas the thresholds define the acceptability as per the application requirements.


The various colors can be measured by the way a surface reflects, absorbs, or transmits light at different wavelengths. These responses may be measured using instruments such as colorimeters or spectrophotometers to give numeric values in a standardized color space such as L *a*b*.


The ΔE (Delta E) formula of the CIELAB color space is usually used to measure color difference. The difference is measured in a colorimeter or spectrophotometer to gauge the level of perceptibility of the difference between two samples in terms of L*a*b*.


A calorimeter is used to measure heat that is gained or lost during a chemical or physical reaction. A sample is taken in an insulated container, and a temperature change is measured. This assists in computing the alterations in energy by the equation Q = mcΔT, where Q is heat.


L*a*b* is an L*a*b* color space. The L* is a measure of lightness (as 0 = black, 100 = white), a* indicates the green to red axis, and b* indicates the blue to yellow axis. It is also common in color measurement in terms of precision and reliability.


The color measurement test applies a colorimeter or spectrophotometer to evaluate the way a sample reflects or absorbs light. It is given in objective color values (L*a*b*, RGB, or absorbance) and is usually contrasted to a standard in quality control or compliance.

The color measurement theory is the quantification of the interaction of materials with light, either absorption, transmission, or reflection. It employs standard colour spaces (such as CIELAB) and devices (colorimeters, spectrophotometers) to code the visual colour into objective and reproducible data.

Color is a qualitative and quantitative measure. Qualitatively, it can be characterized by the hue, the saturation, and the brightness. It is quantified in terms of color spaces, such as L*a*b* or RGB, in terms of numerical values based on devices such as colorimeters or spectrophotometers.

CIELAB L*a*b* values are the most standardized units in the use of color measurement. These determine values of lightness (L*), red-green (a*), and blue-yellow (b*). The color differences between the two samples can be measured through ΔE.

The color may be quantified in L*a*b* (CIELAB units), RGB values, CMYK (printing), and ΔE (color difference). Colorimetric assessment measures also apply spectral reflectance and absorbance (A), particularly in liquids and solutions.

Color measurement methods involve visual approximation (against color charts), colorimetry (by means of filters and detectors), spectrophotometry (a more detailed spectral analysis), and image analysis by computer. These are color measurement methods that are applied in the laboratory, production, and quality assessment.

The measurement of color varies according to context in several units. Such common units are L*a*b* (CIELAB), RGB (Red-Green-Blue), and color difference (Delta E). In light absorption, there are no units assigned to absorbance. But the quantitative analysis of absorbance obeys Beer's Law in colorimetry.

Techniques of measuring color are visual color comparison, colorimetry (with colorimeters) and spectrophotometry (measuring spectral reflectance), and image analysis. Both techniques measure the reflection or absorption of light by materials and are commonly quantified. Therefore standardized in color spaces such as CIELAB or RGB.

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