How to use a colorimeter to detect the color difference of coatings

In industrial production and daily life, the accuracy of color is becoming increasingly important. Whether it is automobile manufacturing, cosmetic production, or home decoration, the accuracy of color will affect the quality of the product and its market acceptance. To ensure the accuracy of colors, many industries have begun to use colorimeters to detect color differences. This article will introduce how to use a colorimeter to detect whether there is a color difference in the paint color.

I. Working Principle of Colorimeter

A colorimeter is an instrument that assesses color differences by measuring the color brightness, saturation and hue of an object's surface. It can convert the color of an object into numerical values, and then calculate these values against the standard color values to obtain the color difference. A colorimeter is usually composed of a light source, a receiver and a processor.

Ii. Steps for Using a Colorimeter

1. Sample preparation

Select representative paint samples and apply them evenly on the cardstock, ensuring the surface of the samples is smooth to avoid deviations when light is reflected on the surface. Place it in a cool place to dry. Avoid sticking and contaminating the instrument, which may affect the measurement results.

2.Measurement stage

Place the colorimeter on the surface of the sample and adjust the Angle so that the light source shines perpendicularly on the sample. Then, press the measurement key, and the colorimeter will automatically measure the color of the sample and obtain the data. Usually, a colorimeter outputs three values: L, A and b. L represents the color brightness, a represents the red-green value, and b represents the yellow-blue value.

3.Data Analysis

Compare the data obtained by the colorimeter with the standard color data to calculate the color difference. Generally speaking, the smaller the color difference value, the closer the color is to the standard color. Commonly used color difference formulas include ΔEab, ΔE00, etc.

4.Result Report

Evaluate the qualification of the sample based on the calculated color difference value. If the color difference value is within an acceptable range, it indicates that the color of the coating meets the requirements. If the color difference value exceeds the acceptable range, the formula of the sample can be adjusted according to the data prompt of the colorimeter, and then a sample that meets the requirements can be obtained. The range value of whether the assessment is qualified or not can be set by the system itself.

Iii. Precautions

1,Keep the instrument clean: The colorimeter needs to be cleaned and maintained both before and after use to extend its service life.
2.Correct operation: Before use, carefully read the user manual and follow the operation steps for measurement.
3.Calibration: Before use, it is necessary to check whether the instrument has been calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.