Colour measurement knowledge base
Approachable guides to colorimetry — measurement geometry, SCI/SCE modes, ΔE colour difference, liquid colour and industry standards. Knowledge that helps you choose the right instrument.
Colorimeter vs spectrophotometer
How the two instruments differ and which one to choose for your application.
Measurement geometry 45°/0° vs d/8°
When to use directional geometry and when a sphere with SCI/SCE modes.
Observer angle 2° vs 10°
How the colorimetric observer affects results and how to choose it.
Transmittance vs reflectance
How to choose the measurement method for transparent, hazy and opaque materials.
APHA/Hazen/Pt-Co method
Liquid-colour scales in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.
What is a colorimeter
Operating principle, benefits and typical quality-control applications.
Cotton colour grading
Differences between the world's cotton-fibre colour grading standards.
Where to start
Choosing a colour-measurement instrument starts with three questions: what material you measure (opaque, transparent, liquid), which geometry best reproduces its visual assessment, and what accuracy your standard or customer requires.
If you need fast batch-consistency control, a colorimeter is usually enough. For recipe formulation, difficult colours and the highest accuracy, use a spectrophotometer with a full reflectance curve. Transparent materials are assessed with a haze meter, and liquid colour with a dedicated transmission spectrophotometer.
Not sure which instrument to choose? Ask us — we will match a solution to your material and the applicable standard.