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Color measurement questions and answers

 

What is spectrophotometer, what is colorimeter, what are their differences?

A. The color measurement instrument came from its measurement principle only two types, one is the tri-stimulus values, and one is spectral type. Tri-stimulus-type apparatus is mainly composed of three silicon solar cell as a filter with three sensors, this structure is relatively simple, but its accuracy is not high, generally suitable for measuring the color difference between difference samples, so it is called colorimeter as well. Spectral-type instruments are commonly used diffraction grating or refraction grating, separated the light by a certain wavelength at interval, and carried out to sensitization analysis with several sensors array. Spectral-type instruments generally are more precise, and more sensitive to the colors, these instruments not only for measuring chromatic aberration, but also more suitable for measuring the absolute color value of sample.

Can their data compare each others if they are different structures of optical instruments?

A. Different color measurement instruments may be have differences of directions of illumination and light receiving, in fact, it is the method of color observation in our real life, generally we call optical structures, and common we see are d/8, d/0, 45/0, and so on. Structure d is majority used in illumination, the representative is diffuse illumination, this is quite similar to the condition we observe color in real life. Measuring data of optical instruments with different structures could not compare each others directly, and there is no conversion formula between them. After all, when we observe color practically, there will be a different sense of color view obtained because we used different methods.

What is the function of calibration whiteboard? How do I know the instrument is needed to calibrate?

A. The calibration whiteboard in fact significantly affects measuring instrument current accuracy is good or bad. This is why it must use calibration whiteboard to calibrate when turn on the instrument for measuring, and this is the reason why calibration whiteboard must be kept in good condition. When there is wear and tear, pollution, discoloration, etc., it must to clean and calibrate it again, or purchase a new one. User when he (or she) brought a new instrument, he (or she) calibrated with calibration whiteboard for this instrument, then measured a standard color board which could not easy change color, recorded their measuring data and preserved in good condition. User may measure this standard color board periodically. When there is an evidence error showed in the instrument, it means the instrument accuracy is out of scope, the instrument is needed for repair and re-calibrated.

Why chromatic aberration will continue to increase when we measure a same color board?

A. When using a portable color measurement instrument, because you can not external power supply, you often use battery power. When the batter power is low, it causes built-in light source voltage is low as well, and the measuring data will deviate, so in this occasion, it is needed to replace the battery or to connect an external power supply.

What is the difference between Data Management PCQC and Spectramagic NX?

A. PCQC and Spectramagic NX are Data Management Software developed for Konica Minolta series of color measuring instrument, all can connect with different types of instruments, for measure color, data management, and transfer download or upload, or other operations. Relatively, PCQC is simple in operation and function, and the interface is Chinese in order to do principle operation for users. There are more strong extended features in Spectramagic NX, in addition to the basic operations, there are self-editing, set the software to display, print format and more flexible features to meet the needs of different users.

Are there any requirements of measured sample material and shape for color measuring instrument?

A. As users continue to enrich the variety of the sample, we are constantly developing, designing, and updating our color measurement instruments or accessories. Now, both in blocks, pellets, powders, liquid, or the surface with flat, with curved, with texture, we have adapted model to meet the measure. For some special metallic paint or opalescent lacquers (isinglass paint) used in the car surface, their color will be different, because the color are reflected from different angles. We have a spectral color measurement instrument with three angels （20º, 60º, 85º） to measure and analysis.

How should we do when color measure instrument can not connect with data management software?

A. Ensure hardware such as the connection lines, computer ports are in good conditions, and confirm software ports settings whether is to match the computer display or not (my computer…attribute…hardware…device manager…port). In addition, if it is using a portable instrument (such as the CM-2600d, CM

How should we do when there is not consistent result between measuring data and visual?

A. Even measure the same color, because there are differences in instrument structures, and differences in light source selections and other settings as well, there will be obtained different color data. Generally it is recommended that the users use the instrument measuring method is similar to visual, for example, select SCE mode in d/8 structure instrument, color difference formula can be used the latest △ E00, etc..

What is the difference between SCI and SEC? Where each of them is suitable for use?

A. SCI and SCE are generally only appeared in settings option of the d/8 structure color measurement instrument. There is mirror optical light mode included in SCI, and generally is used in the factories that they research color attribute itself, and do not regard sample surface gloss which is attached color itself, such as paint factory, etc.. There is no mirror optical light mode included in SCE, and generally is applied to the sample that is directly observed, and required the measurement results close to visual, such as household appliances shell, etc..

How to set an appropriate value of Tolerance (△ E * ab)?

A. Different users, different products, different materials, different industries may be required not the same final color tolerance. Therefore, we can not say which specific △ E * ab value is more appropriate, it must be depended on characteristic and requirement of product itself at last, and then to carry out color tolerance control.

What are the terms of instruments warranty?

A. We warrant all industrial instrumental products imported fromin limited liability, and this period is 1 year.

  Specific warranty as follows:

1. Warranty service is only applicable to Mainland, Hong Kong and.

2. Users should bear the cost of all packaging materials and transportation costs.

3. Warranty does not include the following:

  a. All man-made, natural disasters or accidents causing the damage;

  b. Artificial appearance damage, such as body panels, keyboards, shells, lenses, lens, brackets and connecting lines;

  c. Not use in accordance with the manual instructions;

  d. Non-authorized and non-approved by Konica Minolta company for repairs;

  e. Improper use of power supply or negligence in operation;

  f. Due to improper storage (such as rodents, liquid penetration, etc.);

  g. Transport damage.

4. Accuracy of product is depended on the proper use of operators and products are needed to keep and operate in a clean environmental condition and at a proper temperature, otherwise, we do not give any fee calibration.

5. Konica Minolta products are adapted to the Japanese National Standard industrial instrument manufacturing, as any differences measured by the Chinese Institute of Metrology & Measurement, our items do not suitable to these differences.

6. Konica Minolta company reserves the right to change these terms and conditions, and has the final explanation.