Simultaneous colour and gloss measurement in one instrument

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials

ISSN: 0003-5599

Article publication date: 1 April 2001

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Keywords

Citation

(2001), "Simultaneous colour and gloss measurement in one instrument", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 48 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2001.12848bad.010

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited


Simultaneous colour and gloss measurement in one instrument

Simultaneous colour and gloss measurement in one instrument

Keywords: Sheen Instruments, Colour, Gloss, Measurement, Quality control

The overall appearance of a product is influenced by colour and gloss. Two parts finished in the same colour, but with different gloss levels do not look alike – the one with the higher gloss is perceived visually as darker and more saturated than the other. Up to now, two instruments were needed to measure complete appearance – one for colour and one for gloss – increasing inspection times.

This is believed to be no longer the case. The new "Color-Guide Gloss" instrument, now available in the UK from Sheen Instruments, Kingston, Surrey, is reported to simultaneously measure colour and 60° gloss, in compliance with ISO, DIN and ASTM specifications. According to Sheen; using the instrument will improve the efficiency of component colour quality control procedures and significantly cut pass/fail inspection times.

Sheen explains that colour and gloss values are displayed together so that mismatches can be quickly and clearly identified, and the instrument saves up to 200 standards and 999 samples, together with the associated colour and gloss values. The batch mode function with averaging is also said to make sample identification very easy. The company also points out that the "QC- Link" software, supplied with the Color-Guide Gloss, allows direct transfer of measurement results to MicroSoft Excel, and will produce QC reports, in line with ISO 9000 audit requirements.

Spectral range is stated to be 400nm to 700nm, with a spectral interval of 20nm; gloss range is 0 to 180GU3, with repeatability of 0.5GU3.

The Color-Guide Gloss (Plate 6) is described as rugged, compact and light-weight (0.5kg) and can also be used outside for weathering studies. Up to 10,000 readings per battery (4 x "AA") can reportedly be achieved and calibration is required only every three months. The instrument is said to be extremely temperature-stable so can take measurements in virtually any inside or outside environment. There is a three-year warranty on the instrument itself and a ten-year warranty on the illumination system. The instrument comes in a tough carrying case with full operating instructions and a "colour theory" folder.

Plate 6 The Color-Guide Gloss from Sheen Instruments

The BYK-Gardner "Color-Guide" family also includes the "45/0" for colour "as you see it" and the "Sphere" to control colour hue – each is said to be a highly precise and affordable portable spectrophotometer.

Details available from: Sheen Instruments Ltd. Tel. +44 (0)20 8541 4333; Fax: +44 (0)20 8549 3374; E-mail: info@sheeninstruments.com Web site: www.sheeninstruments.com

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