COLOR DIFFERENCE

MEASUREMENT
INSTRUMENT SELECTION

JANINE EVANGELISTA
EMIRATES INDUSTRIIAL PANEL
18-May-2017
 Introduction

For the past ten (10) years, Emirates Industrial Panel has been checking the differences on
pre-painted metal sheets’ color by visually comparing and matching the received samples of coils to
a reference colored sample of coil. With this kind of procedure, there is no numeric expression that
quantifies the color difference (∆E) observed upon comparing the sample to the standard color and
there’s no way to compare one color to the next, with accuracy and precision.

Since human beings’ color perception and interpretation is highly subjective and varies from
one person to another, visually comparing colors for measuring color difference would compromise
customer satisfaction and could possibly increase the amount of production costs for reworks.
Because of this, an instrumental color measurement that can move beyond the limits of human
perception and can capture color information as an objective data, would be essential for an
accurate and precise color difference measurement.

Color measurement instruments such as colorimeters and spectrophotometers have the

ability to detect differences indiscernible to the human eye and instantly display these differences in
numerical terms. Colorimeters quantify color based on the three-component theory of color vision,
which states that human eye possesses receptors for three primary colors (red, green and blue), and
that all colors are seen as mixtures of these primaries. Based on this, colorimeters employ three
photocells as receptors to see color in much the same way as the human eye. On the other hand,
spectrophotometers use many more sensors (40 or more in some spectrophotometers) to separate
a beam of reflected or transmitted light into its component wavelengths. It measures the spectral
reflectance of an object at each wavelength on the visible spectrum continuum. With this,
spectrophotometer provides higher accuracy and is generally used in research and color formulation
applications while colorimeters are generally used in production and quality control applications.
Both instruments have the ability to measure color difference in terms of delta E. The lower the
delta E* value is, the closer the sample is to the standard.

Several models of spectrophotometers and colorimeters from the market were considered
for the purpose of finding the most appropriate and cost-effective instrument that would be fit for
our application. Their features and specifications were tabulated and compared on the succeeding
pages of this document in order to help us select the best product fit for our requirement.

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 Table 1: Colorimeters' Features and Specifications Comparison
Brand Name X-rite Konica-Minolta Iwave 3nh
Model RM 200 QC Spectrocolorimeter CR-10 Plus Color Reader WF 30 NH 300 NR60CP NR145

Image

Measuring/illumination area:
Measuring/ illumination area: φ4mm & φ8 Measuring/illumination area: φ8 mm; Measuring/illumination area: φ8mm; Measuring/illumination area: Φ8mm flat or Measuring/illumination area: Φ8mm ;
Optical Aperture φ4mm/φ8mm/φ16mm; Geometry: 8 ⁰/d,SCI /
mm; Geometry: 45⁰/0⁰ Geometry: 8 ⁰/d , SCI Geometry: 8 ⁰/d , SCI Φ4mm tip ; Geometry: 8 ⁰/d , SCI Geometry: 45 ⁰/0 , SCE
SCE
Independent tridirectional 25 LED D65/10 LED Light D65,
Light Source Pulsed Xenon lamp, D65 LED blue excitation D50,D65, F11(TL84) LED blue excitation D65 LED blue excitation D65
and A/10 A,C,D50,F2,F6,F7,F8,F10,F11,F12
Measurement time Approx 1.8 sec Approx 1 sec Approx 0.5 Sec Approx 1 sec Approx 0. 4 sec Approx 1 sec

<0.05 ΔE*ab after 30 times measuring the 0.07 ΔE*ab average on 30 measurements on 0. 03 ΔE* ab (Average of 30 measurements of within 0.08 ΔE*ab on average of 30
Short-Term Repeatability 0.10 ΔE*ab on white ceramic 0.10 ΔE*ab on std.white plate
whiteboard std.white plate standard white plate within 5s) measurements of standard white plate

USB2.0- data communication with color

Data Interface USB (Mass Storage Device) USB 2.0 analysis system software RS-232 USB USB/ RS- 232 USB
(115200bps)- connected with micro printer

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Software
Accessories
and manuals CD, lanyard, protective zipper
Provided/Options
carry case, protective pouch with belt clip
Soft case, protective cap, wrist strap, Rechargeable lithium-ion battery 3.7 V @ Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
3000mAH Li-ion battery/AC adapter/USB Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Printer cable, AA size batteries (4), AC 3200mAh, miniature thermal printer, 3.7V@3200mAh,
Data line/CD Color analysis software 3.7V@3200mAh, Miniature thermal printer
Adapter powder test box, CQCS3 software Miniature thermal printer

Approx 2000 measurement at 10-sec Approx 5000 times Measurement before

Battery Performance No data More than 3000 times before recharging More than 3000 times before recharging More than 3000 times before recharging
interval (Al-Mn batteries) recharging
Color difference analysis, color difference Color difference analysis, color difference
Color difference measurement, Pass/Fail Color difference measurement, Average (up Color difference measurement, analysis, cumulative analysis, chromaticity index, Colorimetric Value, Color Difference cumulative analysis, chromaticity index,
Modes/Functions
Judgement to 10 times), Pass/Fail Judgement sampling and online testing color sample database management, Value/Graph, PASS/FAIL Result, Color Offset color sample database management,
simulating object color simulating object color

Operating Temperature / 0⁰C-40⁰C; 20%-80% humidity (non-

0⁰C-40⁰C; < 85% humidity (non-condensing) 0⁰C-40⁰C; < 85% humidity (non-condensing) 10⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 85% humidity (non-condensing) 0⁰C-40⁰C; < 85% humidity (non-condensing) 10⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 85% humidity (non-condensing)
Humidity Range condensing)

stores 20 standard data and 350 Stores 100 standard data and 200 Stores 100 standard data and 20000 Stores 100 standard data and 20000 Stores 100 standard data and 20000
Memory Capacity stores 1000 measurement data
measurement data measurement data measurement data measurement data measurement data
Provides second highest precision and Built-in white plate parameters for easier
Compact, battery operated, lightweight,low Measures the fastest and provides most
shorter time for color measurement, choice Can connect to a PC and print measured calibration, switchable double end face
Advantages Can publish report out of measured data price, can read, save or import measured precised measurement; 10 sources of light,
of 3 aperture sizes for more flexible color data through the printer (convex/concave),can connect to PC and
data from the intrument to a PC can print measured/standard data
measurement print measured data
Indoor use only; low memory
Does not save standard/reference spectral
Disadvantages capacity,cannot accurately measure on Least memory capacity Provides 1 source of illuminant NA Provides 1 source of illuminant
data
textured/glossy surfaces
Warranty 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos
Calibration Certificate Manufacturer Certificate Manufacturer Certificate Manufacturer Certificate Manufacturer Certificate Manufacturer Certificate Manufacturer Certificate
Local Tie-up Vendor Phoenix Technologies in Sharjah,UAE Venktron NA NA NA NA

Yearly calibration cost of $500 (1835 AED) ; Yearly calibration cost, Battery Replacement Yearly calibration cost, Battery Replacement Yearly calibration cost, Battery Replacement Yearly calibration cost, Battery Replacement
Future Maintenance Cost Yearly calibration cost ()
Battery Replacement cost of AED 150 cost (AED 100) cost (AED 100) Cost (AED 100) Cost (AED 100)
Price $1829 (AED 6720) AED 12,927.60 $ 989 (AED 3630) $885 (AED 3250) $1030 (AED 3780) $ 750 ( AED 2800)
Payment Terms Paypal 100% with PO Alipay online payment/bank transfer Paypal Alipay online payment/bank transfer Paypal
Delivery Free shipping (1-4 weeks) Within 7-8 weeks after payment EMS (13-24 days) Free Economy Shipping (11-35 days) DHL Free shipping (7-15 days) Free shipping (25-35 days)
Vendor Amazon Venktron Aliexpress Ebay Aliexpress Ebay

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 Table 2: Spectrophotometers' Features and Specifications Comparison
Brand Name X-Rite Konica-Minolta
Model Ci60 Ci62 Ci64 CM-600d

Image

Measuring/ illumination area: φ8 mm or φ14 mm ; Measuring/ illumination area: φ4 mm or φ8 mm or Measuring/ illumination area: φ4 mm or φ8 mm or φ14 Measuring/ illumination area: φ8 mm or φ11 mm ;
Optical Aperture
Geometry: d /8⁰ φ14 mm ; Geometry: d /8⁰ mm ; Geometry: d /8⁰ Geometry: 8⁰/d ,SCI,SCE

Light Source Ga s fi l l ed Tungs ten l a mp, A,C,D50,D65,F2,F7,F11,F12 Ga s fi l l ed Tungs ten l a mp, A,C,D50,D65,F2,F7,F11,F12 Ga s fi l l ed Tungs ten l a mp, A,C,D50,D65,F2,F7,F11,F12 Pulsed Xenon lamp, A,C,D50,D65,F2,F6,F7,F8,F10,F11,F12

Measurement time Approx 2 s ec Approx 2 s ec Approx 2 s ec Approx 1 sec

Short-Term Repeatability 0.10 ΔE*a b on whi te cera mi c 0.05 ΔE*a b on whi te cera mi c 0.04 ΔE*a b on whi te cera mi c 0.04 ΔE* ab on std. white calibration plate
Data Interface NA USB 2.0, Bl uetooth USB 2.0, Bl uetooth USB 1.1, Bluetooth
Ca l i bra ti on s ta nda rds : Bl a ck tra p, Whi te s ta nda rds , Ca l i bra ti on s ta nda rds : Bl a ck tra p, Whi te & green Ca l i bra ti on s ta nda rds : Bl a ck tra p, Whi te & green Target mask with or without plate,USB cable, AC
Accessories Opera ti ons ma nua l , AC a da pter, Sa mpl e s ta nda rds , Opera ti ons ma nua l , AC a da pter s ta nda rds , Opera ti ons ma nua l , AC a da pter, NetProfi l er, Adapter,white calibration cap,bluetooth wireless
Provided/Options pres enta ti on fi xtures , Spa re ba ttery, Dua l ba y NetProfi l er, Sa mpl e pres enta ti on fi xtures , Benchtop Sa mpl e pres enta ti on fi xtures , Benchtop s ta nd, Spa re adapter, wrist strap, 4 AA Size alkaline dry batteries or
cha rger s ta nd, Spa re ba ttery, Dua l ba y cha rger ba ttery, Dua l ba y cha rger nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries
Battery Performance Approx 1000 mea s urement a t 10-s ec i nterva l Approx 1000 mea s urement a t 10-s ec i nterva l Approx 1000 mea s urement a t 10-s ec i nterva l Approx 2000 measurement at 10-sec interval

Spectral values/graph, colorimteric values, color

Modes/Functions QA, Compa re, Opa ci ty, Strength QA, Compa re, Opa ci ty, Strength, Projects QA, Compa re, Opa ci ty, Strength,Projects & Jobs difference values/graph, PASS/FAIL result, pseudocolor,
color assessment

Operating Temperature /
10⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 85% humidity (non-condensing) 10⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 85% humidity (non-condensing) 10⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 85% humidity (non-condensing) 5⁰C-40⁰C; ≤ 80% humidity (non-condensing)
Humidity Range

stores 1000 standard data and 4000 measurement stores 1000 standard data and 4000 measurement
Memory Capacity stores 1000 standard data and 4000 measurement data stores 1000 standard data and 4000 measurement data
data data
Software compatibility,can download/ send spectral Software compatibility, most precise,can download/ Compact/ lightweight, portable, data can be sent to PC/
Can accurately measure on metallic or uneven
Advantages data, can accurately measure on metallic or uneven send spectral data, can accurately measure on metallic mobile via bluetooth wireless communication, has
surfaces
surfaces or uneven surfaces tapered measuring head
Cannot download/print spectral data measured, no
Disadvantages NA Expensive NA
software compatibility, rechargeable battery
Warranty 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos 12 mos
Calibration Certificate Provided Provided Provided Not included
Local Tie-up Vendor for Repairs Phoenix Technologies in Sharjah,UAE Phoenix Technologies in Sharjah,UAE Phoenix Technologies in Sharjah,UAE Venktron
Yearly calibration cost of $500 (1835 AED) ; Battery Yearly calibration cost of $500 (1835 AED) ; Battery Yearly calibration cost of $500 (1835 AED) ; Battery
Future Maintenance Cost Yearly calibration cost ()
Replacement cost of 150 AED Replacement cost of 150 AED Replacement cost of 150 AED
Price $ 5245 (AED 19250) $9710 (AED 35640) $12335 (AED 45270) AED 34,020.00
Payment Terms Prepayment Prepayment Prepayment 100% with PO
Delivery Urgent Urgent Urgent Within 7-8 weeks after payment
Vendor Xrite Xrite Xrite Venktron

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 Instrument Selection

By comparing the instruments’ measurement geometry (illumination and viewing), 0°/45°

instruments observe sample under conditions similar to those of natural observation by a human.
This means that measurements with the angle geometry (45°/0° or 0°/45°) are always taken with the
gloss excluded, and therefore result in closer equivalence to the eye’s visual impression.
Measurement instruments with sphere geometry (d/8°) illuminate the sample diffusely and measure
the light reflected by the sample in one direction at an angle of 8° to the vertical position of the
sample. When using a sphere instrument, the specular component may be included or excluded
from the measurement. The measuring condition to be chosen depends on the goal regarding
differences in sample surfaces. Specular Component Included (SCI) lighting includes all reflected light
regardless of its angle and obscures surface differences. Specular Component Excluded (SCE) lighting
enhances these surface differences. Equally the eye always perceives the total impression of colour
and surface. For this purpose, measuring geometries excluding gloss offer the desired result. So, for
measuring geometry and price consideration, Xrite’s RM 200, Iwave’s WF30 and 3nh’s NR145
colorimeters are worth considering.

Among these three, 3nh’s NR145 offers the highest memory capacity and lowest price but it
is Iwave’s WF30 that can offer most precise measurements and most flexible optical apertures
(measuring area variants). In terms of illuminants, Xrite’s RM 200 and Iwave’s WF30 possess the
highest, which would beneficial for providing user with more light source options during color
difference measurements. Iwave’s WF30 needs the least time to provide color measurements.

Iwave’s WF30 is therefore found to possess the required features and specifications fit for
color difference measurement of the pre-painted metal sheets. It also has the ability to provide
precise measurements with flexible optical aperture area, measurement geometry and illuminant
options at a very reasonable price.