Instruments for Color Measurement

These instruments measure the color of solid and liquid samples using either a fiber optic reflectance probe, fixture, dip probe, or cuvette holder. The StellarNet BLACK-Comet-CXR colorimeter has consistent resolution throughout 280-900nm and is a perfect low cost instrument for any color measurement application. As one of StellarNet's concave grating models it has low stray light levels because there are no mirrors in its optical bench. It is engineered with no moving parts which results in shock proof durability, permanent alignment, and a ruggedness unmatched by any spectrometer in its field. The BLACK-Comet-CXR reliably measures CIELAB & Delta E* values. StellarNet's BLACK-Comet-CXR colorimeter is applicable for color measurements of food, beverages, industrial and home liquids, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials.

A fiber optic sample probe is illuminated using a fiber optic light source (see options below). For measuring the color of solid samples an integrating sphere, such as the IC2, can be used in place of the fiber optic reflectance probe to improve measurement consistency. The IC2 act as a cosine receptor for irradiance measurements. In addition, a reflectance fixture with an integrated light source may be used to measure the color of solid and powder samples. A white reflectance standard, such as the RS50 listed below, is required to generate a reference for subsequent measurement of solid samples. For liquid sample measurements cuvettes, dip probes, and flow cells are used.

Software is included to provide CIE 1976 L* a* b* (CIELAB) color coordinate data for measurement and tolerancing. The L* (L star) is a measure of Brightness. The a* and b* are the color coordinates that range from -90 to +90 in the CIELAB color space "circle". For a* (a star), -90=green and +90=red. For b* (b star), -90=blue and +90=yellow. To perform color tolerancing, a standard sample is measured and saved for future comparisons. A Delta E* value is then calculated to show the color differences with other samples. Double beam and multi-beam color monitors for continuous industrial process monitoring are configurable by adding additional channels.

SpectraWiz Software

CIELAB Color Measurement Application and Data Log work with live spectra

Integrated portable case system includes interior mounting of spectrometer instrumentation pre-configured for “Open & Measure” application with no additional setup required. The system includes a top mounted tablet with pre-installed Real-time spectrometer operating software for CIELAB colorimetry & dE color difference measurement. Internal main power control system with ON, OFF, & Charge buttons. The pre-configured spectrometer equipment is covered with an acrylic sampling surface and the sampling fixture head for easy measurement & clean-up. The system battery has 8 hour lifetime for field and portable application. StellarCASE-NIR also available for NIR applications.

BLACK-Comet-CXR SpectroColorimeter

- Reliably measure CIELAB & Delta E* values

- Fiber optic Interface for sampling accessories

- Concave grating provides high sensitivity

- Consistent resolution throughout 280-900nm range

- No mirrors for lowest possible stray light

- Extremely rugged with no moving parts

- Shock-proof durability and permanent alignment

- Miniature size, low cost, portable instrumentation

- Battery pack options for field measurements

- Simple USB2 interface to notebook & desktop PCs

RFX-3D for Color Measurement Applications

Reflectance fixture has integrated light source to enable simple color measurement of solids and powders by placing sample on directly on top. Additionally the RFX-3D has 3 fiber connectors to the spectrometer each positioned 120 degrees in a circle thus eliminating the need to rotate coarse grain samples. Reflectance from 3 positions is combined using special 3-to-1 fiber for spectrometer.