MS3012 Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer
A portable multi-angle spectrophotometer with 12 measurement angles for metallic, pearlescent and effect finishes — with Sparkle, Coarseness and Color Variation effect grading, compliant with DIN 6175 and SAE J1545.
- 12 measurement angles (7 sources, 2 receivers) for reliable metallic and pearlescent finish control
- Visual-effect grading — Sparkle Grade (SG), Diffuse Coarseness (DC) and Color Variation (CV)
- Compliant with automotive standards DIN 6175, ASTM D2244, ISO 7724 and SAE J1545
- ΔE*ab 0.02 repeatability, camera preview, lightweight approx. 1 kg body for on-site use
The MS3012 is a 3nh portable multi-angle spectrophotometer built to measure metallic, pearlescent and effect finishes — where colour shifts with the viewing angle and a single sphere reading is not enough. It uses 12 measurement angles (7 light sources and 2 receivers), compliant with the automotive standards DIN 6175, ASTM D2244 and SAE J1545.
Beyond colour, the MS3012 grades visual-effect parameters: Sparkle Grade (SG), Diffuse Coarseness (DC) and Color Variation (CV) — the sparkle, graininess and colour travel typical of effect pigments. A full-spectrum blue-enhanced LED source, camera preview and a light, handy body (approx. 1 kg) enable reliable measurement directly on bodywork and parts.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement geometry | 12 angles: 45° receiver (−15/15/25/45/75/110°) and 15°; compliant with ASTM D2244, DIN 5033/6174/6175, ISO 7724, SAE J1545 |
| Effect parameters | Sparkle Grade (SG), Diffuse Coarseness (DC), Color Variation (CV) |
| Light source | full-spectrum blue-enhanced LED |
| Monochromator / sensor | concave grating / dual CMOS sensor (256-element) |
| Range / resolution | 400–700 nm, 10 nm interval, 10 nm half-bandwidth |
| Measuring aperture | illumination Φ23 mm / spot 9 × 12 mm (optional Φ10 mm / 6 × 8 mm) |
| Colour spaces | CIE L*a*b*, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, βxy, DIN Lab99 |
| Colour-difference formulas | ΔE*ab, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc(2:1), ΔE*cmc(1:1), ΔE*00, DIN ΔE99, ΔE DIN6175 |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab 0.02 (white tile, 30 measurements) |
| Inter-instrument agreement | 0.18 ΔE*00 (BCRA series II tiles) |
| Measuring time | approx. 1 s for one angle, approx. 12 s for all angles |
| Positioning / power | camera preview / Li-ion battery 5000 mAh (6,000 measurements) |
| Dimensions / weight | 195 × 83 × 128 mm / approx. 1 kg |
Applications
The MS3012 is intended for quality control of metallic, pearlescent and effect finishes — primarily in automotive (body paints, parts, OEM suppliers), and also in plastics, cosmetics and decorative coatings that use effect pigments.
Need help matching an instrument to your application? Request a quote — we will help you choose the right configuration and accessories.
Datasheet (PDF) — coming soon