Introduction to Colorimeter: Working Principle, Usage, Faults, and Repair by Longi Ectromechanical Company

Colorimeter: An Optical Instrument for Color Measurement

1. Introduction to Colorimeter

A colorimeter is an optical measurement instrument that simulates the human eye’s response to red, green, and blue light. It assesses color differences by measuring the intensity of light reflected or transmitted from the surface of an object, based on the concept of color space.

2. Working Principle of Colorimeter

Optical System:

• The colorimeter typically consists of a light source, sample, and detector (or sensor).
• The light source emits light (which can be white light or specific wavelengths, such as the D65 light source, used to simulate natural lighting conditions). The light passes through the sample and is then received by the detector.

Color Detection:

• The detector usually has three channels corresponding to red, green, and blue.
• Each detector is calibrated to respond to specific wavelengths of light associated with its respective color channel.
• The detected light intensity is used to calculate the object’s tristimulus values (X, Y, Z), representing its color in a standardized color space (such as the CIE XYZ color space).

Color Space:

• The colorimeter can convert between different color spaces (such as RGB, Lab, LCH, etc.).
• The Lab color space is one of the commonly used color spaces, consisting of lightness (L), the a-axis (red-green axis), and the b-axis (yellow-blue axis).

Color Difference Calculation:

• The colorimeter assesses color consistency by measuring the color difference between the sample and a standard sample.
• It first measures the color information of the standard sample as a reference, then measures the color information of the sample to be tested, and compares the two.
• The color difference value between the two is calculated using mathematical algorithms (such as ΔE*ab) to evaluate the degree of color difference in the sample.

3. Usage Instructions for Colorimeter

1. Warm-up: Turn on the colorimeter power and preheat for a certain period (such as 30 minutes) to ensure stable instrument performance.
2. Calibration: Calibrate the instrument according to the instructions before measurement, including zero calibration and white board calibration.
3. Select Color Parameters: Choose the appropriate color parameters (such as CIE Lab*, CIE LCh, etc.) based on measurement needs.
4. Place Sample: Place the sample on the measuring platform, ensuring it is flat, without reflection or impurities. For opaque samples, measure on a black background.
5. Set Measurement Mode: Choose the appropriate measurement mode (such as standard mode, quick mode, etc.) based on actual needs, and set parameters such as light source and observation angle.
6. Start Measurement: Follow the instrument instructions to set the measurement mode and press the start button. The instrument will measure automatically.
7. Record Data: After measurement, the instrument will display the results. Record relevant data (such as L, a, b* values, etc.) as needed for further analysis.
8. Clean Instrument: Clean the instrument surface and internal parts after measurement to maintain cleanliness.
9. Shutdown and Storage: Turn off the instrument power after all measurements. Store the instrument in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environments.

Additional Precautions:

• Keep the instrument stable, avoiding severe vibration or collision.
• Regularly inspect and replace easily damaged parts such as light sources and detectors.
• Follow the operation and maintenance requirements in the instrument instructions.

4. Common Faults and Repair Methods

Light Source Issues:

• Fault: Light source damage, failure to illuminate, or insufficient brightness.
• Possible Causes: Damaged light source, poor line connection, insufficient battery power, or damaged battery.
• Repair Methods: Check and replace the light source (such as a pulsed xenon lamp or tungsten bulb), check line connections for good contact, replace or recharge the battery.

Battery Issues:

• Fault: Insufficient battery power, failure to charge, or instrument malfunction due to damaged battery.
• Possible Causes: Battery aging, incorrect battery installation, or poor battery contact.
• Repair Methods: Install the battery correctly, check battery power and recharge or replace as needed.

Display Issues:

• Fault: LCD screen failure or abnormal display.
• Possible Causes: No battery installed, insufficient battery power, incorrect battery installation, or line fault.
• Repair Methods: Install the battery or connect the AC adapter correctly, check and repair line faults.

Button Malfunction:

• Fault: Measurement buttons or body buttons do not function.
• Possible Causes: Damaged buttons, charging in progress, or connection to a PC application.
• Repair Methods: Press the measurement button after charging is complete and the READY indicator is on. Disconnect from the PC application if connected. If the button is damaged, replace it or have it repaired by professionals.

Connection Issues:

• Fault: Unable to connect to PC applications or printers.
• Possible Causes: Incorrect connection method, multiple instruments connected in the PC.
• Repair Methods: Connect to the PC end correctly, ensuring only one instrument is connected. Select the correct connection option from the settings screen (such as “USB Connection” → “PC” or “Printer”).

Indicator and Buzzer Issues:

• Fault: LED indicator does not light up, buzzer does not sound.
• Possible Causes: Settings issue (such as being set to “off”).
• Repair Methods: Connect to the PC application and check or modify relevant settings.

Calibration Issues:

• Fault: The colorimeter cannot complete calibration or the calibration result is inaccurate.
• Possible Causes: Worn, contaminated, or discolored calibration white board, or incorrect execution of the calibration process.
• Repair Methods: Clean or replace the calibration white board. Perform the calibration process correctly according to the instructions.

System Faults:

• Fault: Conventional system errors, instrument malfunction.
• Possible Causes: Aged bulb, aged circuit board, or software issues.
• Repair Methods: Replace the bulb or circuit board. Upgrade or restore software to the latest version. For complex issues or those that cannot be resolved independently, contact Longi Ectromechanical Company’s professional repair team for detection and repair.

5. Brands and Models of Colorimeters Repaired by Longi Ectromechanical Company

Datacolor:

1. Datacolor 600
2. Check 3
3. SpyderX Elite
4. ColorReader Pro
5. SpectraVision Spectro 700
6. SpectraVision Spectro 1000

Konica Minolta:

1. CM-700d
2. CM-600d
3. CM-5
4. CM-3600A
5. CM-3610A
6. CM-25d
7. CM-26dG

X-Rite:

1. Ci64
2. Ci7600
3. Ci7800
4. eXact Standard
5. eXact Advanced
6. RM200QC

HunterLab:

1. UltraScan PRO
2. ColorFlex EZ
3. LabScan XE
4. MiniScan EZ 4500L
5. Vista

BYK-Gardner:

1. spectro2guide
2. spectro-guide
3. micro-gloss
4. color-guide

3NH (ThreeNH):

1. YS6060
2. NH310
3. TS7600
4. NS800
5. NH300

PCE Instruments:

1. PCE-CSM 8
2. PCE-CSM 10
3. PCE-CSM 20
4. PCE-TCD 100

Hach:

1. DR1900
2. DR6000

6. Conclusion

Longi Ectromechanical Company specializes in the repair of colorimeters, with nearly 30 years of experience. We can quickly repair various types of instruments and also offer recycling and sales of used colorimeters. For more information, please contact us.