Color Spectrophotometer: Basic Knowledge You Must Know Before Buying The Instrument

You can’t only measure the strength of a specific material but also its color. The measurement result will be more accurate if you are using a specific device known as a color spectrophotometer. 

Companies use this device to specify and determine the exact color of a specific material. The information below will talk about everything about spectrophotometer color analysis. 

Color Spectrophotometer Components 

1. Light Source 

This component is about to give light to the material you want to test. Different spectrophotometer often has a different light source feature. Some spectrophotometers may use a tungsten or deuterium light source, whereas other spectrophotometers use an LED light source. 

2. Sample Holder 

As per the name of the component, the sample holder will hold the material where the color you want to test. It ensures that the material will not move during the test. 

3. Monochromator

The function of a monochromator in a spectrophotometer is to separate the light into specific colors. The result of this separation is in the form of wavelength as you can see on the spectrophotometer color chart.  

4. Detector

A detector in a spectrophotometer works to measure the intensity of the light. This component will do its task when the light passes through the tested material.  

5. Display or Output Device 

The display component helps the spectrophotometer to show the measurement result. This component is about to show the result in the form of a graph of intensity and wavelength.

6. Optical System 

The optical system in this device varies, such as lenses, mirrors, and others. The function of this component is to direct the light from the light source component through the tested material and detector. 

7. Digital Processor

The digital processor will process the data once this component receives it from the detector. It transforms the signal into a standard data display. 

8. Reference Cell 

The reference Cell has an important role since this component ensures that the measurement result is accurate. It is also useful for the calibration process.  

9. Filter

Filter helps to select specific wavelengths of light you need to use to pass through the tested material. 

10. Software

The software helps you to operate the spectrophotometer easier and faster. The more sophisticated the software, the more complex points you can do with the device. For example, you can directly set the parameters, control the instrument, and analyze the data from the device.  

The Color Spectrophotometers Available in the Market 

1. The 0/45 or 45/0 Geometry Spectrophotometers

The number on the spectrophotometers shows the angle of the light to the surface of the tested material. In this case, it means that the spectrophotometers are about to direct the light at a 45-degree angle. 

The zero (0) on the spectrophotometer shows the reflected degree angle. It means that the device will measure the reflected light at a 0-degree angle. This spectrophotometer is commonly used in the printing and packaging industries. 

2. D/80Spherical Spectrophotometer 

The special thing about the D/80 Spherical Spectrophotometer is that it can direct and diffuse light from all angles. The 8-degree on this device explains that the device will measure the reflected light at an 8-degree angle. 

It is also known as a spectrophotometer for paint color matching because paint companies often use this device to test the color of their paint products. You can also use the spectrophotometer for textile color matching and plastic color measurement. 

3. Portable Color Spectrophotometer

Portable spectrophotometers are more compact compared to traditional spectrophotometers, enabling users to perform color tests directly, regardless of their location, and obtain results immediately. For example, the Portable Color Spectrophotometer – ToronSpec 700D  from Torontech is an excellent 4. choice for professionals who need precise color measurements on the go.

4. Benchtop Color Spectrophotometer

Benchtop spectrophotometers are designed for laboratory use, offering extreme precision for color evaluation processes. ToronTech offers high-quality options such as the Benchtop Color Spectrophotometer and the High Precision Benchtop Color Spectrophotometer, both ideal for rigorous laboratory applications requiring accurate and reliable color measurement.

5. Transmission Spectrophotometer 

Just because the material looks transparent or translucent doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a color. In this case, you need to use a transmission spectrophotometer. 

Steps to Test the Color of a Specific Material Using a Color Spectrophotometer 

1. Calibration Process 

The first thing to do before testing the color of a specific material using a color spectrophotometer is to calibrate the device first. It is a critical step because calibration keeps the result accurate. 

2. Prepare the Tested Material 

Prepare the material you are about to test on a spectrophotometer. Using a portable color spectrophotometer will be much easier if you do not get used to it yet. The tested material varies, including paint, plastic, paper, metal, fabric, and paint materials. 

3. Set the Parameters 

Check on the instrument and set the parameters based on the tested material and data you want to get. Some points you must set before applying a spectrophotometer for color analysis include the type of the light source, the angle, and the mode. 

4. Measurement Process 

Now, put the material you are about to test on the sample holder and activate the device to measure the color. In this process, the light source is about to shine a light on the tested material and start the measurement process. 

5. Analyze the Result 

You don’t have to analyze the result manually. The data color spectrophotometer has a feature that can help you to analyze the result. 

The analysis result can be in the form of colors the device gets from the tested material. The device may get more than one color in one tested material.

6. Clean the Spectrophotometer 

Remember to clean the spectrophotometer anytime you finish using it. Ensure that the tested material is removed from the sample holder and nothing is left there. The leftover from the previous material will affect the result of the next material you are about to test. 

Important Tips Before Using a Color Spectrophotometer 

The first thing you must know before using a spectrophotometer for color matching is whether the sample holder is clean or not. You must clean the holder regularly or at least before using the device.

Calibrating the spectrophotometer is also a must thing to do before using the device. The calibration reset all the instruments, so you get a more accurate color measurement for the newly tested material. 

Ensure the color spectrophotometer price because it varies in the market. The more expensive the price, the more sophisticated the color spectrophotometer.

If you’re interested in learning more about color spectrophotometers or are looking for reliable color test equipment, we highly recommend visiting the Torontech website. There, you’ll find an extensive range of products designed to meet your specific needs and ensure accurate color measurement and analysis.