Spectrophotometers portable

A spectrophotometer, like a colorimeter, is used to measure color. However, it differs in the method of color analysis by using a spectral analyzer – hence the name spectro-photometer rather than color-imeter. A spectrophotometer is considered a more advanced device than colorimeters.

Like a colorimeter, a spectrophotometer converts the properties of light reflected from or transmitted through a sample into numerical values. However, thanks to the use of spectral detectors, it is a higher-class measuring tool.

A spectrophotometer measures the spectrum of light. Depending on its purpose, it is used in many measurement fields. Spectrophotometers for measuring color are quite common, where the measurement of the light spectrum is converted into information about color.

A spectrometer is often confused with a spectrophotometer and vice versa. A spectrometer usually measures a narrow range of the spectrum to perform a specific chemical analysis. A spectrophotometer is a more advanced device and performs a broader range of measurements.

This is a device designed for precise color analysis in the paint industry. Its construction is defined by industry standards. In automotive coatings, spherical spectrophotometers with d/8˚ geometry or multi-angle devices with 3 to 12 measuring angles are most commonly used. Less commonly, directional devices with 45˚/0˚ geometry are used.

This is a dedicated spectrophotometer for color measurements. Its construction is determined by ASTM/ISO/DIN standards. However, before purchase, it is advisable to consult the choice of a suitable device in terms of accuracy and available parameters.

The price of a spectrophotometer ranges from 3000 EUR to 20,000 EUR. This should not be surprising, as these are precision laboratory instruments. However, one should be cautious when choosing a solution, because a high price does not always equal quality, and conversely, one should beware of cheap solutions where manufacturers hide devices that are at best spectro-colorimeters under the name spectrophotometer.

A spectrophotometer for paints, similar to those for automotive coatings, is characterized by specific construction and functionality. Devices with d/8˚ measurement geometry are most commonly used, with the ability to measure opacity, whiteness indices, and gloss. It is also important that it has SCI/SCE measurement modes.

A spectrophotometer essentially measures the spectrum within a given range. A color spectrophotometer operates in the visible light range, i.e., 400–700 nm. All other data are always the result of converting spectral values into colorimetric values.

A spectrophotometer provides spectral data. The user decides what analysis they want to perform. In the case of color spectrophotometers, it is important to precisely define the application of the device. It will be different for a coffee producer than for a car painter. The most common type of analysis is comparative, based on spectrum evaluation.

A good spectrophotometer should have three main characteristics:

• sufficient measurement accuracy

• the best possible measurement repeatability

• functions required to perform the task

When choosing a spectrophotometer, several factors should be considered, such as price, quality, as well as service availability and calibration options. Intermediate solutions should be avoided, since in the case of laboratory instruments, results must not raise doubts.

A spectrophotometer in a printing house serves several essential purposes. It can be used for process control and for print quality control. These are usually two different devices related to the type of printing solutions used. It is important to know that not every spectrophotometer is suitable for a given task in the printing process.