Multi angle spectrophotometer

Introduction

A multi angle spectrophotometer is an analytical instrument used to measure the color and the appearance of the samples, particularly the metallic, the pearlescent, and the special effect coatings, at the multiple viewing angles, and it is used in the automotive, the coating, the plastic, and the many other industries for the color measurement and the quality control. The multi angle spectrophotometer measures the spectral reflectance of the sample at the multiple angles, such as the near-specular angles, the as-specular angles, and the flop angles, with a fixed illumination angle and the measurement at the multiple viewing angles, and it provides the color values and the effect parameters, such as the flop index and the coarseness, which characterize the appearance of the effect coatings; the multi angle spectrophotometer is used for the color matching and the quality control of the metallic and the effect coatings, for the measurement of the color of the automotive body panels and the parts, for the measurement of the color of the plastic parts, for the assessment of the appearance, for the development of the coatings, and for many other applications, and it is available as the benchtop and the portable instruments, with features such as the data management and the software for the analysis; the multi angle spectrophotometer is an essential instrument for the measurement of the effect colors. Multi angle spectrophotometers are used in the automotive industry, in the coating industry, in the plastic industry, in the consumer goods, and for many other applications. With their multi angle measurement, multi angle spectrophotometers are essential for the effect color control.

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2010

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer offers a spectral range of 400nm to 700nm for accurate color analysis across a wide variety of surfaces and materials. It features low instrument error, ens...

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Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2014

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer offers a measurement range of 0 to 200%, accurately handling low and high reflectivity surfaces. It features an integrated microprocessor system, ensuring r...

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Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2013

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer features a wavelength interval of 10nm, balancing spectral accuracy and measurement speed. It has concave grating optics, which accurately split and focus l...

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Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2012

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer features viewing angle of 2° and 10° for accurate color analysis under standard observer conditions. The spectrophotometer has metamerism index detection ...

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Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2011

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer features storage capacity of 1000 standard reference and 4000 sample measurements, enabling efficient data management. It has xenon lamp illumination, provi...

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Multi Angle Spectrophotometer LMASP-T2010

Multi Angle Spectrophotometer features a spectral range of 400 to 700nm, enabling accurate color measurement across all visible wavelengths. The system is integrated with multiple calibr...

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Standards

European Pharmacopoeia 2.2.25-Spectrophotometry, ultraviolet and visible

ASTM E275-08(2022)-Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet, Visible, and Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Multi-angle spectrophotometer for measuring color, gloss and appearance of surfaces at multiple viewing angles.

2. Spectrophotometer with multiple illumination/viewing geometries (e.g., 15, 45, 110 degrees) for effect pigments and coatings.

3. Suitable for coatings, automotive, cosmetics, plastics, printing and quality control color measurement.

4. Includes spectrophotometer unit, calibration standards, power cord, software and operation manual.

5. Supports measurement of metallic, pearlescent, iridescent and gonioapparent materials at multiple angles.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this spectrophotometer mainly applied to?

A: The multi-angle spectrophotometer is used in coatings, automotive, cosmetics, plastics, printing, and quality control for measuring color and appearance of surfaces containing effect pigments (metallic, pearlescent, iridescent, interference) that change color with viewing angle (gonioapparent materials), providing spectral reflectance at multiple illumination/viewing angles to fully characterize these complex materials. It supports automotive coatings (car paint with metallic/pearlescent pigments (aluminum flakes, mica, interference pigments) - color changes with angle (flip-flop, travel); OEM and refinish paint matching (body shop color matching, ensuring repair matches original); quality control of painted parts (bumpers, panels, trim); multi-angle measurement is standard in automotive (ASTM E2194, BMW, Ford, GM, VW specs)), coatings and paints (industrial coatings, powder coatings, effect paints, architectural coatings with special effects; color formulation and quality control; measuring interference pigments, color-shifting paints), cosmetics (nail polish, eyeshadow, lipstick, body shimmer with pearlescent/metallic/iridescent pigments; color consistency in manufacturing; color development), plastics (colored plastic parts with effect pigments (consumer electronics, appliances, automotive interiors), masterbatch quality control, color matching), printing (packaging with metallic/iridescent inks, security printing (color-shifting inks for currency/documents), decorative printing), and general color QC (any gonioapparent material where single-angle measurement is insufficient; color difference (delta E) at multiple angles for pass/fail). Multi-angle principle: Effect pigments (metallic flakes, pearlescent mica, interference layers) reflect light directionally - color appears different depending on illumination and viewing angle (e.g., metallic paint looks lighter at near-specular angle, darker at steep angle). A single-angle (0/45 or d/8) spectrophotometer cannot capture this. Multi-angle spectrophotometer illuminates sample at fixed angle (typically 45 degrees from normal) and measures reflected light at multiple viewing angles (e.g., aspecular angles: -15, 15, 25, 45, 75, 110 degrees from specular, or 15, 45, 110 from normal). By measuring at multiple angles, it captures the "flip-flop" (lightness change) and color travel (hue shift) of effect pigments. Data: spectral reflectance at each angle, L*a*b* or L*C*h at each angle, and specialized indices (e.g., flop index, travel index, XI (X-Rite), difference metrics). Standards: ASTM E2194 (multi-angle color measurement of metallic coatings), DIN 6175-2, ISO/CIE, automotive company specs. Compare to 3256/3257 (benchtop UV-Vis spectrophotometer for liquid samples) - this is for solid surfaces/color, not liquid absorbance. See 3252 (solar simulator) for different optical instrument.

Q2: What standards does the spectrophotometer comply with?

A: The multi-angle spectrophotometer follows relevant ASTM, ISO, CIE, DIN and GB/T standards including ASTM E2194 (standard test method for multi-angle color measurement of metallic coatings), ASTM D2244 (color differences of object colors), ASTM E308 (computing colors of objects), CIE (Commission Internationale de l Eclairage - colorimetry standards: L*a*b*, L*C*h, delta E), ISO 7724 (paints and varnishes - colorimetry), DIN 6175-2 (color differences for automotive coatings), and automotive OEM specifications (BMW, Ford, GM, VW, Mercedes - each has specific multi-angle color tolerances and formulas). The hardware complies with applicable measurement geometry (45/0 or 0/45 with multiple receivers per ASTM E2194), wavelength range (typically 360-740 nm visible), wavelength accuracy (+/- 1-2 nm), reflectance accuracy (+/- 0.01-0.05 reflectance units), repeatability (delta E <0.1-0.2), and EMC/safety (IEC 61010, IEC 61326). For automotive refinish, follow specific OEM color formula systems and multi-angle tolerances (e.g., delta E at 15, 45, 110 degrees). For coatings, follow ASTM D2244/E2194 and ISO 7724. For cosmetics/plastics, follow CIE colorimetry and industry-specific QC standards. For regulated QC, maintain calibration records (calibration with white/black tiles, wavelength calibration, as-found/as-left data, gloss tile if applicable). For color management, use standardized light sources (D65, A, F2) and observer (2 or 10 degree) per CIE. Instrument should be calibrated per manufacturer (white calibration tile, black trap, wavelength standard (Holmium or didymium)).

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole spectrophotometer and key components?

A: The whole multi-angle spectrophotometer is covered by a 12-24 month warranty (color measurement instruments often 1-2 years; some 3 years). The unit (optics, multiple detectors, light source, electronics, housing) and software are covered, while light source lamp (wear - xenon flash or tungsten; lifespan varies: xenon flash ~10+ years (long life due to flash), tungsten ~2000-5000 h), calibration tiles (wear - can scratch/dirty; handle carefully, recalibrate if damaged), and batteries (if portable - wear) are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, dropping/impact (portable units - optics can misalign), calibration tile damage (scratches, dirt - affects calibration; use case), sample contamination (dust, fingerprints on measurement aperture - clean), using wrong calibration (wrong tile, expired), liquid spills on instrument, power surges, or unauthorized repair (optics alignment - only qualified service) is excluded. Extended warranty and service contracts (annual calibration, lamp replacement, optics alignment) are common for color QC instruments. Xenon flash lamp lasts 5-10+ years (flash technology, long life); tungsten 2-5 years; detectors 5-10 years; calibration tiles should be replaced if scratched (or sent for recalibration). Multi-angle instruments have multiple detectors/receivers - more complex than single-angle, so professional service is important.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation is straightforward for QC personnel (calibrate, place on sample, read color). No professional training required for basic measurement, but color theory, effect pigment behavior, and QC procedures are important for proper use. We provide operation manuals, installation, and training (1-2 days, including color management and automotive matching if applicable). Proper setup (place on stable bench (benchtop) or use portable on flat sample; ensure sample is flat, clean, large enough for measurement aperture (typically 5-15 mm diameter; small parts may need backing or averaging), connect power (or charge batteries for portable), turn on and warm up (xenon flash: ready quickly; tungsten: 15-30 min), calibrate (white calibration tile (standard - set to 100% reflectance), black trap (0% reflectance), sometimes wavelength calibration (holmium/didymium); follow manufacturer procedure; calibrate daily or per shift), operation (prepare sample (clean surface, no fingerprints/dust; for textured/effect surfaces, measure multiple positions and average (effect pigments can be non-uniform; metallic flake orientation varies), select measurement mode (single or average of multiple readings; for effect pigments, 3-5 readings at different positions/rotations to capture variability), place aperture on sample (flat contact, no light leakage; for curved surfaces, use small aperture or backing), trigger measurement (xenon flash or continuous), read results (L*a*b*, L*C*h, delta E vs standard at each angle (15, 45, 110 etc.), spectral reflectance curves, specialized indices (flop, travel)), record/save (to software, database; for automotive, compare to formula/standard), post-measurement (clean aperture (soft brush/lint-free cloth), store calibration tile in case, turn off or standby), maintenance (daily: calibrate (white/black), clean aperture, check tile; weekly: clean exterior, inspect tile, verify battery; monthly: wavelength verification (if applicable), deep clean, check lamp; semi-annually/annually: professional calibration (wavelength, reflectance, geometry), lamp replacement (if needed), optics alignment, software update), troubleshooting (inconsistent readings (sample non-uniform (measure multiple positions/rotations, average), aperture not flat (use backing/small aperture), calibration drift (recalibrate), dirty aperture (clean), sample too small (back with white/black, use small aperture), high delta E / color mismatch (wrong standard/formula, sample variation, calibration error, lighting/observer settings, measurement geometry (verify angles), instrument needs calibration), no reading / error (lamp failed (replace), calibration error (recalibrate), sample too dark/transparent (backing), battery low (charge), and safety (OPTICAL (xenon flash can be bright - do not stare directly at flash; measurement aperture may emit bright light; not harmful but avoid direct eye exposure; some instruments use UV (for optical brighteners) - UV is low power but avoid prolonged direct exposure), ELECTRICAL (proper grounding, do not spill liquid, unplug before service, do not use with wet hands), CALIBRATION TILE (white reference tile is precision optical surface - do not touch, do not scratch, store in case; dirty tile causes calibration error; clean with mild detergent/water or manufacturer-recommended method; if scratched, replace/recalibrate), SAMPLE HANDLING (effect pigments are directional - sample orientation matters; always measure with same orientation (e.g., grain direction) or rotate and average; for automotive panels, measure in standard orientation per OEM spec), do not measure wet samples (wait for cure/dry - wet color differs from dry; uncured coatings can contaminate aperture), do not use for transparent samples without proper backing (backing with white or black standard per method; transparency affects readings), for automotive refinish: follow OEM formula system and multi-angle tolerances; visual assessment under standard light sources (light booth) is still needed (instrument does not replace visual evaluation; metamerism), for QC: establish pass/fail delta E tolerances per product/industry (automotive typically delta E <1-2 at each angle; cosmetics <1; general <2-3), dispose of lamp properly (xenon lamps may contain small amount of mercury - recycle), for portable units: calibrate on stable surface, do not measure while moving, use proper aperture for curved surfaces) are important for accurate multi-angle color measurement.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Calibration recommended: white/black calibration before each use or daily (per shift) - user-performed with supplied tiles; full wavelength/reflectance calibration every 6-12 months by manufacturer or certified service (with traceable standards). Routine checks: white tile verification (daily), repeatability check (weekly - measure same tile multiple times, delta E <0.1-0.2), and tile condition (daily). If instrument is dropped, lamp replaced, aperture changed, or readings seem off, recalibrate immediately. For ISO 17025/automotive QC regulated labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records (calibration certificates, tile ID, as-found/as-left data, wavelength verification, lamp hours, maintenance logs). For automotive refinish, calibrate per formula system requirements (often daily). Calibration tiles should be sent for recalibration/replacement annually or if scratched. Wavelength calibration (holmium/didymium) during professional service. Multi-angle instruments should verify each angle channel separately during service.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Calibration tiles (white, black, gloss - specific to instrument brand/model; use OEM or certified compatible; tiles are precision references - do not substitute), light source lamp (specific to instrument - use OEM or certified compatible), batteries (if portable - standard Li-ion or NiMH, universal but use recommended), and cleaning supplies (lint-free cloth, mild detergent - universal) are available from color measurement supply companies, though tiles and lamps are instrument-specific (use OEM or certified compatible to maintain accuracy and warranty). Long-term consumable cost includes calibration tile recalibration/replacement (annual, $100-$500), lamp replacement (every 2-10 years depending on type, $100-$500), and batteries (portable, every 2-3 years). Xenon flash instruments have very low lamp replacement cost (long life).

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes number of angles (3-angle (15, 45, 110 - standard automotive), 5-angle (-15, 15, 45, 75, 110 - more detailed effect characterization), 6+ angles (research)), form factor (benchtop (lab/QC, high accuracy, larger aperture) or portable/handheld (field, refinish, plant floor, battery operated)), measurement geometry (45/0 (illumination 45, viewing 0 + angles) or 0/45, per ASTM E2194), aperture size (2-15 mm diameter; small aperture for small/curved parts, large for uniform/averaging), wavelength range (360-740 nm visible standard; extended UV (for optical brighteners) or NIR), light source (xenon flash (fast, long life, UV included) or tungsten (continuous, stable)), features (simultaneous gloss measurement (multi-angle gloss), UV source (optical brightener measurement), color matching software (formulation, correction), QC software (pass/fail, database, reports), automotive formula databases (BMW, Ford, GM, etc.), touchscreen/PC, data export (USB, Bluetooth, WiFi), accessories (calibration tiles (white, black, gloss), sample holders/backing (for transparent/curved samples), small aperture kits, stand (for benchtop), software license, spare lamp, validation package (IQ/OQ/PQ for automotive/pharma), certifications (CE, ISO 9001, IEC 61010, ASTM E2194 compliance), language and accessories. Additional tiles, software, and accessories can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes multi-angle spectrophotometer, calibration tiles (white/black), power cord, software (if included), and instruction manual. On-site installation, calibration, and operator training ARE typically included or strongly recommended for multi-angle spectrophotometers (requires professional calibration (white/black/wavelength), software setup (color database, QC parameters, automotive formulas), and user training on color theory, effect pigment measurement, sample preparation, QC procedures, and automotive matching; installation by manufacturer or certified technician is standard, especially for automotive/QC labs). For basic portable units: self-setup is feasible (unbox, calibrate, use) but training on color management is recommended. Always calibrate with supplied tiles and verify with standard before first use.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The multi-angle spectrophotometer measures color of various solid/flat surfaces including coatings (automotive paint (metallic, pearlescent, solid), industrial coatings, powder coatings, effect paints), plastics (colored/in-mold pigment parts, effect pigment plastics), cosmetics (nail polish, eyeshadow, lipstick, powders - may need specific sample prep), printing (metallic/iridescent inks, packaging, security inks), textiles (with effect fibers/coatings - may need specific backing), and other gonioapparent surfaces. NOT compatible with: Liquids (this is for solid surfaces; use benchtop UV-Vis (3256/3257) for liquids), very small samples below aperture size (use small aperture or backing; minimum ~2-5 mm), highly curved/irregular surfaces (use small aperture, flexible aperture, or sample preparation (flatten); large curvature causes light leakage), transparent samples without backing (back with white/black standard per method; transparency affects reflectance), samples with high gloss mirror finish (may need gloss correction or specific geometry; specular component included/excluded per method), powders/granules without sample holder (use powder cell/compacted sample; loose powder gives variable readings), and samples requiring UV-Vis absorbance (use transmission spectrophotometer, not reflectance colorimeter). For effect pigments: measure multiple positions/rotations and average (non-uniform flake orientation); always record measurement orientation. For automotive: follow OEM sample prep and orientation standards. For wet/unstable samples: wait for cure/dry. For textured surfaces: use averaging and appropriate aperture. IMPORTANT: Multi-angle spectrophotometer fundamentals: (1) What is it? A color measurement instrument that measures reflectance at multiple viewing angles to characterize gonioapparent materials (metallic, pearlescent, iridescent) that change color with angle. Unlike single-angle spectrophotometer/colorimeter. (2) Why multi-angle? Effect pigments (metallic flakes, mica, interference layers) reflect light directionally: - Near specular angle: light, bright (flakes reflect directly). - Steep angle: dark, saturated (less direct reflection). - This "flip-flop" or "travel" cannot be captured by single angle. (3) Geometry: - Illuminate at 45 degrees (typical). - View at multiple aspecular angles: e.g., 15, 45, 110 degrees (3-angle), or -15, 15, 45, 75, 110 (5-angle). - Aspecular = angle from specular reflection direction. (4) Data output: - Spectral reflectance at each angle. - L*a*b* or L*C*h at each angle. - Delta E (color difference) vs standard at each angle. - Specialized indices: flop index (lightness change), travel (hue shift), XI (X-Rite effect index). (5) Key standards: - ASTM E2194: multi-angle metallic coating measurement. - DIN 6175-2: automotive color differences. - ISO 7724: paint colorimetry. - CIE: L*a*b*, delta E. - Automotive OEM specs (BMW, Ford, GM, VW). (6) Applications: - Automotive: OEM and refinish paint matching (primary use). - Coatings: effect paint QC. - Cosmetics: pearlescent/metallic products. - Plastics: effect pigment parts. - Printing: metallic/iridescent inks, security. (7) Key parameters: - Angles: 3 (standard) to 5+. - Aperture: 2-15 mm. - Wavelength: 360-740 nm (visible). - Repeatability: delta E <0.1-0.2. - Light source: xenon flash (common) or tungsten. (8) Calibration: - Daily: white tile + black trap. - Annual: professional (wavelength, reflectance, each angle). - Tiles: precision, handle carefully, replace if scratched. (9) Common errors: - Single orientation measurement (effect pigments vary - rotate/avg). - Dirty aperture/tile (calibration error). - Wet samples (color changes). - Transparent without backing. - Small/curved samples (light leakage). - Wrong standard/formula. - Ignoring visual assessment (metamerism, light booth still needed). (10) Choosing: - Automotive refinish: 3-angle portable, automotive formula software. - Lab/QC: benchtop, 5-angle, high accuracy, gloss. - Cosmetics: small aperture, UV (for optical brighteners), portable. - Budget: 3-angle basic vs 5-angle advanced. This is different from 3256/3257 (benchtop UV-Vis spectrophotometer for liquid absorbance) - multi-angle is for solid surface color/effect pigments, not liquid analysis.