The multi-illuminant colorimeter is an instrument for color control on painted surfaces, plastics, textiles, metals, printed materials, industrial materials and samples prepared for measurement. It is suitable when a sample must be compared with a reference standard, color difference evaluated and color control managed under several lighting conditions.
Compared with a simpler portable colorimeter, this model provides more comprehensive management of illuminants and measurement modes. Different light sources can be selected, including D65, D50, A, C and fluorescent illuminants, allowing color to be assessed under conditions more consistent with the application or the internal control method.
SA230 remains a professional colorimeter, designed to measure and compare color values quickly in routine control activities. It does not perform spectral analysis as a spectrophotometer does, but provides advanced color control through multiple illuminants, SCI/SCE management, interchangeable measurement apertures and a positioning camera.
The SCI/SCE mode makes it possible to include or exclude the specular component of reflection. SCI includes the glossy component in the measurement, whereas SCE excludes it, making the assessment closer to the visual perception of the surface. This function is useful when the sample finish can influence the color reading.
The instrument can work with Ø 8 mm and Ø 4 mm apertures, adapting measurement to larger surfaces or smaller parts. The reduced aperture is useful when the inspection point is limited or when the geometry of the part requires a more localised measurement.
The positioning camera helps the operator view on the display the point where the measurement will be taken. This function is particularly useful for spot measurements, when a precise area of the sample must be checked, non-representative areas need to be avoided or measurements must be repeated at clearly defined points.
The colorimeter displays color values including CIE Lab, CIE LCh, CIE XYZ, CIE RGB and CIE Luv, as well as parameters such as whiteness, yellowness and color strength. Differential values including ΔEab, ΔLab, ΔECh, ΔECIE94 and ΔE Hunter are available for comparing samples with standards and assessing color deviation numerically.
The internal memory can manage up to 100 reference standards and a large number of measurements, making it possible to compare different samples, production batches or repeated checks over time. Tolerance settings also allow rapid verification of whether the sample falls within the limits defined by quality control.
The included software enables data management on a PC and makes the instrument suitable for documented color-control activities. The data output enables connection to software for collecting measurements, improving traceability and reducing transcription errors in quality-control processes.
For applications involving non-solid materials, dedicated optional accessories are available. The powder-measurement accessory allows suitably prepared powder samples to be checked, while the general measurement adaptor can be used for measurements on liquids compatible with this type of control.
A calibration report is available on request, useful when the instrument must be included in documented quality procedures or when an initial metrological verification is required.
SA230 is suitable when a more complete digital colorimeter is required than a basic model, particularly for color checks involving multiple illuminants, standard-to-sample comparison, tolerance management and spot measurements. When reflectance curves, spectral analysis or more in-depth metamerism assessments are required, a spectrophotometer is the more appropriate choice.
Applications
- Color control on paints, plastics, textiles, metals, printed materials and industrial materials
- Color measurement with several selectable illuminants
- Comparison between standard and sample using ΔE values
- Verification of color consistency between production batches
- Color control with SCI/SCE modes according to the surface finish
- Spot measurements using the positioning camera
- Measurement on larger surfaces or limited areas through Ø 8 mm and Ø 4 mm apertures
- Measurement and data management through included software
- Color measurement on powders using a dedicated optional accessory
- Color measurement on compatible liquids using a dedicated optional accessory
FAQ – Multi-illuminant colorimeter
What is a multi-illuminant colorimeter used for?
It is used to measure the color of a sample and compare it with a reference standard under different illuminants. It is useful when color control must consider several lighting conditions.
Is SA230 a spectrophotometer?
No. SA230 is a multi-illuminant colorimeter. It is more advanced than a basic colorimeter in terms of available functions and illuminants, but it does not perform spectral analysis as a spectrophotometer does.
When should SA230 be selected instead of SA130?
SA230 is more suitable when multiple illuminants, SCI/SCE modes, a positioning camera and more comprehensive management of color values are required. SA130 is suitable for more straightforward and immediate color checks.
When is it better to select a spectrophotometer?
A spectrophotometer is preferable when spectral analysis, reflectance curves, more in-depth color assessments or advanced metamerism checks are required. SA230 remains a multi-illuminant colorimetric solution.
What is the SCI/SCE mode used for?
SCI includes the specular component of reflection, whereas SCE excludes it. This choice helps adapt measurement to the type of surface and to how color needs to be assessed.
What is the positioning camera used for?
The camera displays the measurement point on the screen. It is useful when spot checks are required or when measurements need to be repeated on specific areas of the sample.
Which color values can the instrument display?
The instrument can display values including CIE Lab, CIE LCh, CIE XYZ, CIE RGB and CIE Luv, as well as differential values for comparison between the standard and sample.
Is the software included?
Yes. The PC software is included and allows measurements to be managed, data to be collected and traceability to be supported in quality-control processes.
Can the colorimeter measure powders or liquids?
Yes. Dedicated optional accessories are available for powder measurement and general measurements, for example on compatible liquids. The sample must be prepared correctly to obtain a stable measurement.
Is a calibration report available?
Yes. A calibration report is available on request and is useful when the instrument must be managed within documented quality procedures.
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