Colour measurement & spectrophotometry

Colour is created in the eye and therefore depends on illumination, observer and surroundings. A spectrophotometer instead measures the reflectance spectrum and calculates colour values that are independent of the observer. The colour difference between sample and reference becomes a number — and thus something that can be written into a specification and compared across sites.

For solid shades a single-geometry instrument is usually enough. Effect finishes with metallic or pearlescent pigments change their appearance with the viewing angle; they call for a multi-angle instrument, and for grain size and sparkle additionally an image-based evaluation. Anyone adjusting formulations also needs the link to colour matching software — which is where the software co-determines the instrument.

What matters when choosing

• Solid shade or effect finish — this decides single- or multi-angle measurement
• Choose measuring geometry and gloss inclusion to match the test standard
• Check sample size, curvature and surface texture
• Connection to colour matching or a QC database
• Comparability between several sites and instruments
• White standard, calibration interval and storage of the references

Instruments in this category

Trade names from our range. Click a name to ask Corvus — he knows the technical data and helps you narrow things down.

Data sheets, operating manuals and quotations are available on request. We quote prices individually, because configuration, accessories and the scope of calibration decide the figure.

After the purchase

An instrument is only worth something once its readings hold up. Calibration, adjustment, repair and operator training are handled from Aesch — the same contact, the same language.