Colorimeter
Portable precision colorimeter with 8/d geometry and D65 illuminant for quantitative color analysis in laboratory and field applications.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
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The ConductScience Colorimeter is a precision handheld color measurement instrument designed for quantitative color analysis in laboratory and field applications. This portable device employs an 8/d illuminating/viewing geometry with a 4mm measuring aperture to provide accurate colorimetric measurements using the D65 standard illuminant. The instrument utilizes a silicon photoelectric diode detector system with LED blue light excitation to generate measurements in multiple color spaces including CIEL*a*b*C*h* and CIEXYZ.
Built for professional use, the colorimeter features a TFT LCD display and offers storage capacity for 100 standards and 20,000 sample measurements. The rechargeable battery system provides up to 3,000 measurements per 8-hour charge cycle, while the LED light source is rated for over 1.6 million measurements across a 5-year operational life. Inter-instrument error is maintained at ≤0.80ΔE*ab to ensure measurement consistency across multiple units.
How It Works
The colorimeter operates on the principle of tristimulus colorimetry, measuring the spectral response of a sample under controlled illumination conditions. The instrument uses an 8/d illuminating/viewing geometry, where the sample is illuminated at 8° from normal and viewed at 0° (diffuse viewing), which minimizes the effects of surface texture and gloss on color measurements.
Light from the D65 standard illuminant LED source is directed onto the sample through the 4mm measuring aperture. The reflected light is captured by a silicon photoelectric diode detector system that measures the tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) according to the CIE standard observer functions. These values are then mathematically converted to various color spaces including CIEL*a*b* for perceptual uniformity and CIEXYZ for colorimetric accuracy.
The instrument calculates color differences using established formulas (ΔE*ab, ΔL*a*b, ΔE*C*h) that quantify the perceptual differences between measured samples and stored standards. This approach provides objective, repeatable color measurements that eliminate subjective visual assessment variability.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Illuminating/Viewing Geometry
- 8/d
Measuring Aperture
- φ4mm
Detector
- Silicon photoelectric diode
Color Space
- CIEL*a*b*C*h* CIEL*a*b*CIEXYZ
Color Difference Formula
- ΔE*ab ΔL*a*b ΔE*C*h
Light Source
- D65
Light Source Device
- LED blue light excitation
Display Type
- TFT LCD
Errors Between Each Equipment
- ≤0.80ΔE*ab
Storage
- 100pcs standards, 20000pcs samples
Lamp Life
- 5 years, more than 1.6 million time
Charging Time
- 8 hours-100% electricity
Measurement Times Before Recharging
- 3000 times in 8 hours
Ambient Temp./Humidity Range
- -10~40°C, relative humidity 0~85% without condensation
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food Science
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical QC
Weight
- 0.45 kg
Dimensions
- L: 8.0 mm
- W: 20.5 mm
- H: 6.7 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring Aperture Size | 4mm aperture diameter | Entry-level models often feature larger apertures (8-10mm) with reduced precision | Smaller aperture enables precise measurement of localized color variations and small sample areas. |
| Illuminant Type | D65 standard illuminant with LED excitation | Some models use non-standard illuminants or tungsten sources | D65 illuminant matches CIE daylight standard for internationally recognized color measurement protocols. |
| Battery Performance | 3,000 measurements per 8-hour charge | Basic models typically offer fewer measurements per charge cycle | Extended battery life supports high-throughput applications and field work without frequent recharging. |
| Data Storage Capacity | 100 standards and 20,000 sample measurements | Limited models often store fewer standards and samples | Large memory capacity accommodates extensive measurement databases and reduces data transfer frequency. |
| Color Space Support | CIEL*a*b*C*h* and CIEXYZ color spaces | Basic colorimeters may support fewer color space options | Multiple color spaces enable comprehensive colorimetric analysis suitable for diverse applications and reporting requirements. |
| Inter-instrument Precision | ≤0.80ΔE*ab error between instruments | Lower-cost models often have higher inter-instrument variation | Tight inter-instrument tolerance ensures consistent results across multiple units in quality control programs. |
This colorimeter combines laboratory-grade measurement precision with portable operation, featuring standardized D65 illumination, multiple color space support, and extensive data storage capacity. The instrument's tight inter-instrument tolerance and extended battery performance make it suitable for both field applications and high-throughput laboratory quality control.
Practical Tips
Perform white calibration before each measurement session and whenever ambient temperature changes by more than 10°C.
Why: Temperature variations can affect detector response and LED output, impacting measurement accuracy.
Clean the measurement aperture with a soft, lint-free cloth and avoid touching the aperture glass with fingers.
Why: Contamination of the aperture affects light transmission and can introduce systematic measurement errors.
Position samples flush against the measuring aperture without gaps or air spaces between sample and instrument.
Why: Air gaps allow stray light to enter the optical path and can significantly affect color measurement accuracy.
If measurements appear inconsistent, verify the sample surface is larger than the 4mm aperture and has uniform color across the measurement area.
Why: Edge effects from small samples or color variations within the aperture area can cause measurement instability.
Take multiple measurements at different locations on uniform samples and average the results to improve measurement precision.
Why: Multiple measurements reduce the impact of minor sample variations and instrument noise on final color values.
Avoid operating the instrument in condensing humidity environments or exposing it to rapid temperature changes.
Why: Condensation can damage internal electronics and optical components, while thermal shock affects calibration stability.
Store reference standards in a clean, stable environment and verify their color values periodically against certified reference materials.
Why: Standard degradation over time can introduce systematic bias into all subsequent measurements using those references.
Record ambient lighting conditions and sample temperature when taking field measurements for traceability and quality documentation.
Why: Environmental conditions can affect sample appearance and provide important context for interpreting measurement results.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Colorimeter main unit
- Power adapter and charging cable
- White calibration standard tile
- Protective carrying case (typical)
- User manual and quick start guide
- Calibration certificate (typical)
- USB data cable (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for instrument operation and troubleshooting.
Compliance
What color difference formulas does the instrument calculate?
The colorimeter calculates ΔE*ab, ΔL*a*b, and ΔE*C*h color difference formulas, providing comprehensive assessment of total color difference, lightness difference, and hue/chroma differences between samples and standards.
How many calibration standards can be stored in the instrument memory?
The instrument stores up to 100 reference standards and 20,000 sample measurements in internal memory, eliminating the need for frequent data transfer during extended measurement sessions.
What is the measurement repeatability between different instruments?
Inter-instrument error is maintained at ≤0.80ΔE*ab, ensuring consistent results when using multiple colorimeters across different locations or operators in quality control applications.
What environmental conditions affect instrument performance?
The colorimeter operates reliably from -10°C to 40°C with relative humidity up to 85% without condensation. Extreme temperatures or condensation may affect measurement accuracy and should be avoided.
How is the LED light source lifespan specified?
The LED light source is rated for over 1.6 million measurements across a 5-year operational period, providing consistent D65 illumination throughout the instrument's service life without replacement.
What sample size limitations apply with the 4mm aperture?
The 4mm measuring aperture requires samples larger than the aperture diameter for accurate measurement. Smaller samples may produce edge effects or incomplete illumination that affects color measurement accuracy.
How does the 8/d geometry compare to other measurement configurations?
The 8/d geometry (8° illumination, diffuse viewing) minimizes surface texture and gloss effects compared to 0/45° geometry, making it suitable for textured samples but may not capture appearance attributes important in gloss-sensitive applications.
What data export formats are available for measurement results?
Consult the product datasheet for specific data export formats and connectivity options. The instrument includes storage for extensive datasets that require transfer for analysis and reporting.
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