The portable spectrophotometers are instruments for color analysis on paints, plastics, textiles, printed materials, industrial components, painted surfaces and colored materials. They are suitable when color control must go beyond simple color difference and requires a more complete assessment of sample behaviour in the visible range.
Unlike a colorimeter, a spectrophotometer analyses the light reflected by the sample at different wavelengths, making it possible to display the spectral reflectance curve from 400 to 700 nm. This provides a more in-depth evaluation of color, supports comparison between different materials and helps identify differences that may not always emerge from a single numerical value.
The D/8 measurement geometry uses diffuse illumination and an 8° viewing angle, with an integrated sphere. This configuration differs from the 45°/0° geometry used by other spectrophotometers in the range and is suitable when color control requires a more structured management of reflected light, with the option to work in SCI and SCE modes.
In SCI mode, the specular component of reflection is included; in SCE mode, it is excluded. This function is useful when surface finish can influence color perception and it is necessary to distinguish between the color of the material and the effect of the surface.
The SAGT559 / SAGT560 range includes a single-aperture version and a more complete version with dual aperture and a UV source. Both models integrate a positioning camera, useful for checking the measurement area more reliably. The dual aperture allows measurement to be adapted to larger surfaces or smaller areas, while the UV source is useful when fluorescent samples or materials requiring this type of assessment must be checked.
The positioning camera makes it easier to identify the area on which the measurement will be performed, helping the operator control the actual reading point. It is useful when working on parts with defined color areas, non-uniform surfaces or samples where measurements need to be repeated in the same position.
The instruments can work with several color spaces, including CIE Lab, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE Luv and HunterLab, together with color-difference formulas such as ΔEab, ΔEuv, ΔE94, ΔEcmc and ΔE00. This makes it possible to compare samples and standards using criteria consistent with the quality-control procedures adopted.
Several illuminants are available, including D65, D50, A, C, D55, D75 and fluorescent illuminants, together with the option to select the 2° or 10° observer. This flexibility allows color to be assessed under different observation conditions according to the required control.
One of the most important aspects of color analysis is the assessment of metamerism. Two samples may appear similar under one light source but different under another illuminant. The spectrophotometer makes it possible to evaluate this behaviour, providing more complete control than visual inspection alone or a simpler colorimetric measurement.
Displayed information includes color values, color differences, graphs, reflectance curves, PASS/FAIL result and color offset. The comparison function between standard and sample allows rapid verification of whether the sample falls within the set tolerance.
The included software enables connection to a PC and management of color data. The data output enables connection to software for collecting measurements, improving traceability and reducing transcription errors in quality-control processes.
Dedicated optional accessories are available for non-solid samples. The powder-measurement accessory allows suitably prepared powder samples to be checked, while the liquid accessory extends instrument use to liquid samples compatible with this type of measurement.
Calibration report available on request, useful when the instrument must be included in documented quality procedures or when an initial metrological verification is required.
These spectrophotometers are suitable when more advanced color control is required than with a colorimeter. A colorimeter remains appropriate for rapid checks and operational comparisons between sample and standard; a spectrophotometer is preferable when reflectance curves, spectral color analysis, metamerism, multiple illuminants and a more in-depth comparison between materials are required.
Applications
- Color analysis on paints, plastics, textiles, printed materials and industrial materials
- Color control with spectral reflectance curve in the 400–700 nm range
- Comparison between sample and standard using ΔE formulas
- Verification of color consistency between production batches
- Metamerism assessment under different illuminants
- Color control with SCI/SCE modes according to the surface finish
- Measurement on larger surfaces or smaller areas with the dual-aperture version
- Assessment of fluorescent samples with the UV-source version
- Color control in automotive, coating, plastics, printing, textile and cosmetic applications
- Analysis of opacity, color strength, whiteness and yellowness when required by the test
- Data management through included software
- Spot measurements supported by the positioning camera
- Color measurement on powders with a dedicated optional accessory
- Color measurement on compatible liquids with a dedicated optional accessory
FAQ – Portable spectrophotometers
What is a portable spectrophotometer used for?
It is used to analyse the color of a sample, compare it with a standard and display the spectral reflectance curve in the visible range.
What is the difference between a colorimeter and a spectrophotometer?
A colorimeter is suitable for rapid checks and operational color comparisons. A spectrophotometer provides a more in-depth analysis because it evaluates reflectance at different wavelengths and makes it possible to assess metamerism, illuminants and color differences more effectively.
What is the difference compared with a 45°/0° spectrophotometer?
The main difference is the measurement geometry. These models use D/8 geometry with an integrated sphere, whereas a 45°/0° spectrophotometer uses a different configuration, closer to the visual perception of the surface.
What does D/8 geometry mean?
D/8 geometry indicates measurement with diffuse illumination and 8° observation. It is used for color control where more structured management of reflected light from the sample is required.
What are SCI and SCE modes used for?
SCI includes the specular component of reflection, whereas SCE excludes it. This choice makes it possible to assess color while considering or reducing the effect of surface finish.
What is the difference between the two available models?
The range includes a single-aperture version and a more complete version with dual aperture and a UV source. Dual aperture helps adapt measurement to different surface sizes, while the UV source is useful for fluorescent samples or materials requiring this assessment.
Can the spectrophotometer assess metamerism?
Yes. It can assess metamerism, the condition in which two colors appear similar under one illuminant but different under another light source.
Which color values can it display?
It can display values including CIE Lab, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE Luv and HunterLab, together with color-difference formulas such as ΔEab, ΔE94, ΔEcmc and ΔE00.
Is the software included?
Yes. The PC software is included and allows measurements to be managed, color data to be analysed and traceability to be improved in quality-control processes.
What is the positioning camera used for?
It helps display and check the point where the measurement is taken. It is useful when the sample has different areas, smaller zones or specific points that need to be inspected.
Can powders or liquids be measured?
Yes. Dedicated optional accessories are available for powder measurement and compatible liquids. The sample must be prepared suitably to obtain stable and repeatable 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.
Find out more in our complete guide to spectrophotometers.
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