CHNSpec Technology （Zhejiang）Co.,Ltd Company News

Let's go back to elementary school science. This is the visible spectrum - the light we can see with our naked eyes - but a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is the electromagnetic spectrum. It starts with gamma rays on the far left and travels to the right via X-rays, microwaves and radio waves. The tiny visible spectrum between ultraviolet and infrared is the only part of the spectrum that humans can see with the naked eye, unless OBAs are involved. OBAs absorb a portion of the invisible ultraviolet light and re-emit it as blue light. This reflected blue light makes the fabric appear brighter and whiter. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. This image shows the visible wavelengths on the right, and the ultraviolet region on the left. Optical brighteners work by absorbing these UV rays and reabsorbing them in the region of the spectrum that is visible to the human eye.

Glossiness is a physical quantity that evaluates the ability of a material's surface to reflect light. As a surface characteristic of an object, gloss depends on the specular reflection ability of the surface to light. Specular reflection refers to the reflection phenomenon that the Angle of reflection is equal to the Angle of incident. Glossiness is a physical quantity that evaluates the ability of a material surface to reflect light under a set of geometrically specified conditions. Therefore, it expresses the property of reflection with directional selection. According to the characteristics of gloss, gloss can be divided into several categories. We usually say gloss refers to "mirror gloss", so gloss meter, sometimes also called mirror gloss meter. Glossiness is measured based on the amount of light reflected off the surface relative to the polished glass reference standard. The amount of light reflected off a surface depends on the Angle of incidence and the nature of the surface. The unit measure of gloss is a gloss unit(GU). The lower the GU, the less gloss reflection. The higher the GU, the higher the reflected gloss. The gloss is divided into matte, semi-gloss and high gloss finishes. The measured Angle is the Angle between the incident light and the reflected light. Three measurement angles (20º/60º/85º) are specified for covering most industrial coating applications. To determine or select the right Angle to meet your needs, use a glossometer to measure the Angle at 60º and select the Angle within the desired glossiness range.

It takes three things to see color—our eyes, light, and objects—and all three are variable.   Changes in the human eye: Genetics, color memory, eye fatigue, color blindness, and medications are just some of the variables that affect our ability to distinguish between color differences. Plus, we've all seen a bit of a difference in the colors, which led to a split between operators and shifts.   Changes in the type of light: Light has the biggest effect on the colors we see. The visible spectrum, also known as the rainbow (RGBIV), contains light with wavelengths around 400 to 700 nanometers and is broken down into three primary colors: red, green, and blue. Each type of light, such as incandescent, fluorescent, and daylight, has a different combination of wavelengths and therefore emits a different type of light.   Reflection of an object: The object itself has no color. Their properties determine which wavelengths of light are absorbed and which are reflected. It is a mixture of reflected light entering our eyes, giving us perception of color. When the type of light changes, such as between fluorescent lamps in a factory and daylight, the amount of light reflected by objects -- and the resulting color -- also changes.

Haze, English name haze, is the percentage of the transmitted light intensity deviating from the incident angle by more than 2.5 degrees to the total transmitted light intensity. The greater the haze, the lower the gloss and transparency of the film, especially the imaging degree. It is an important parameter for the optical transparency of transparent or translucent materials (plastic plate, sheet, plastic film, flat glass). According to the national standard, for each sample, the haze is calculated as a percentage.   Total transmittance is a physical term that indicates the ability of light to pass through a medium. It is the percentage of the luminous flux passing through a transparent or translucent body and its incident luminous flux. When the incident light intensity I0 is constant, the greater the intensity ia of the medium absorbing light, the smaller the intensity it of the transmitted light. It / I0 is used to represent the ability of light to pass through the medium, which is called transmittance. It is expressed in T, that is, t = it / I0

L * a * b *, also known as CIE-lab, is one of the most common uniform color spaces for measuring object color which proposed by CIE in 1976. It is a color space established to overcome that the equal distance on the YXY color space diagram is not the same color difference we observed. In this color space, L * indicates light and dark, + indicates higher the numerical value of light and - indicates lower the numerical value of dark; A * indicates red and green, + indicates higher the numerical value of partial red and - indicates lower the numerical value of partial green; B * indicates yellow and blue, + indicates higher the numerical value of yellow and - indicates lower the numerical value of blue.  Beside, thhere is CIE-L *C*H.L * c * h uses the same color space as l * a * b *. It uses cylindrical coordinates instead of rectangular coordinates. L * indicates light and dark, + indicates light and - indicates dark; C * indicates the saturation of the color; H represents the hue angle. The color saturation c * value at the center of the circle is 0. The farther away from the center of the circle, the greater the c *. The hue angle is specified to start from the a-axis and increase in degrees; 0 ° is + a (red), 90 ° is + B (yellow). L * u * V * color space (also known as CIEluv color space) is one of several uniform color spaces specified in CIE1976 , The abscissa represents U * and the ordinate represents V *, which can be used for the detection of lighting sources.  

Modern theory of color vision holds that there are three kinds of color sensitive pyramidal cells on the human retina, which are sensitive to red, green and blue colors respectively. The process of color vision can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, the three kinds of pyramidal cells on the retina selectively absorb radiation at different wavelengths of the light spectrum. At the same time, each substance can produce white and black reactions which white reactions will be under strong light and black reaction will be without external stimulation; In the second stage, during the transmission of nerve excitation from the vertebral receptor to the visual center, these three reactions are recombined to form three pairs of antagonistic nerve reactions, namely red or green, yellow or blue, white or black, and finally produce various colors in the brain nerve center.   Each color in nature can be selected. The red, green and blue primary colors that can stimulate the three receptor cells in human eyes are mixed in an appropriate proportion. Therefore, a new concept called tristimulus value is introduced, that is, the three meta stimuli that match the color to be measured in a given tristimulus system are represented by X, y and Z respectively, After extensive color experiments on many human eyes with normal color perception (i.e. standard observers), the color matching functions of the relative number of vertebral body stimuli caused by each visible wavelength (400-700nm) were measured. These functions were combined and drawn into curves to form the spectral tristimulus value curve of our standard observers (see Fig. 1-1).  

  Gloss is the surface characteristics of an object, which depends on the specular reflection ability of the surface of the object to light. Specular reflection refers to the reflection phenomenon where the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. The greater the value of Gloss, the higher the degree of mirroring on the surface of the object. There are three common Gloss measurement angles: 20°, 60°, and 85°.     The larger the measurement angle, that is, the larger the incident angle of light, the more obvious the change is in the high Gloss area, so the high gloss material should be measured with a 20°measurement angle; the low gloss material should be measured with an 85° measurement angle.   CHN Spec has a variety of gloss meters to meet the measurement needs of different angles for different industries.   Product 1. Gloss Meter CS-380 (20,60 and 85 Degree) and CS-300 (60 Degree)   Gloss Meter CS-380/300   Gloss meter CS-380 and CS-300 conform to the DIN 67530, ISO 2813, ASTM D 523, JIS Z8741, BS 3900 Part D5, JJG696 standards and so on. And The single angle glossmeters could be widely used for measuring the glossiness of building material, metal products, ceramic products and automobile accessories, etc.   Product 2. Small Aperture Gloss Meter CS-300S (Portable) and CS-3000S (Bench-top)   Tiny aperture gloss meter is with 2x3mm aperture to make it suitable for gloss measurement on curved surface and extra small products.   Benchtop Tiny-aperture Gloss Meter CS-3000S   Gloss Meter CS-300S   Product 3. Inline Non-contact Gloss Measuring System   The non-contact on-line gloss measuring system provides products’ glossy data for production gloss quality control, to improve quality control level and save operating expenses. The system is easy to install and manage, can be found through real-time control and solve the problem of gloss without interrupting production.   Non-contact Gloss Measuring System   By using a gloss meter, the detection, analysis and control of the coating process can be combined to improve product quality and work efficiency.   If you have any inquiry for gloss test, you are welcome to contact us.    

Portable color spectrophotometers made by CHNSpec Tech can measure both opacity and strength on instrument. We will introduce these two parameter now.   Part 1. Opacity Introduction   Opacity is a measure for hiding power: Opacity% = Y (black background) / Y (white background) * 100%     The measurement of opacity is generally used in plastic products, spray coating, glass, transparent or translucent products and other industries.   Part 2. Color Strength, Apparent Strength and Integrated Strength Introduction     Color Strength SWL This strength is also known as the chromatic color strength. It describes the ratio based on the (K/S-value) of the Sample in relation to the (K/S-value) of the Standard at a single wavelength and will be expressed in percent. This calculation typically is meaningful, if it will be made at the wavelength of maximum absorption (lowest reflectance). In daily application often it will be made at other wavelength, but results have to be evaluated very carefully. If standard and sample have different wavelengths of maximum of absorption this method will not deliver correct results.     Color Strength SUM (DIN55986) This strength method is sometimes listed as apparent strength. The % Color strength SUM represents the ratio of (K/S) data between ample and standard at all visual wavelength (400-700nm) and will be expressed in % . The selection of different illuminant observer condition has no influence on the result.     Interpretation Percent color strength > 100 = sample is more strong in color than the standard. Percent color strength < 100 = sample is weaker in color than the standard. Percent color strength = 100 = sample and standard have the same color strength.   Color Strength WSUM This strength method is sometimes listed as integrated strength. The strength WSUM represents the ration of (K/S) data multiplied by the sum of weighted observer/illumination at all wavelengths for the sample in relation to the standard. It will be expressed in percent.The result is illuminant/observer depending.     Interpretation Percent color strength > 100 = sample is more strong in color than the standard. Percent color strength < 100 = sample is weaker in color than the standard. Percent color strength = 100 = sample and standard have the same color strength.   If you have a need to measure hiding power or color, please contact us.

What is ASTM D1003 requirement on haze meter structure? The following picture is the ASTM D1003 requirement on haze meter structure: ASTM Requirement on Haze Meter 1). The opening area in the integrating sphere does not exceed 4% of the total internal surface area of the integrating sphere; 2). The center of the light entrance and the light exit is on the largest circumferential section of the integrating sphere, and the angle with the center of the sphere is not less than 170°; 3). The opening angle formed by connecting the center of the light entrance to the light exit to both sides of the light exit is 8 degrees; 4). The opening angle of the beam passing through the sample is less than 3°; 5). The spot of the parallel beam at the light exit port forms a 1.3° annular zone with the light exit port; 6). D/0 geometry.   Why does CHNSpec haze meter meet ASTM D1003 standard? 1. The comparison of structural schematics is shown in the following figures: CHNSpec Haze Meter Structure   ASTM D1003 Requirement on Haze Meter Structure   2. The degree of conformity between ASTM requirements for instruments and CHN Spec instruments is shown in the table below. The right side is ASTM requirements, and the left side is corresponding compliance.   CHN Spec Haze Meter ASTM D1003 Requirement on Haze Meter Yes, but 1% The opening area in the integrating sphere does not exceed 4% of the total internal surface area of the integrating sphere Yes, the center of the light entrance and light exit is on the maximum circumference of the integrating sphere 180° with the center of the sphere on the cut surface The center of the light entrance and the light exit is on the largest circumferential section of the integrating sphere, and the angle with the center of the sphere is not less than 170° Yes, and the sensors, lenses, and light inside our haze meter structure and the light entrance is coaxial The opening angle formed by connecting the center of the light entrance to the light exit to both sides of the light exit is 8 degrees Yes, ≈2.1 degree The opening angle of the beam passing through the sample is less than 3° Yes The spot of the parallel beam at the light exit port forms a 1.3° annular zone with the light exit port Yes D/0 geometry   From the above table, we can see that CHN Spec haze meter can fully meet the ASTM D1003 requirement.   What is ISO13468/14782 requirement on haze meter structure? The following picture is the ISO13468/14782 requirement on haze meter structure: ISO Requirement on Haze Meter 1). The angle between the parallel beam and the parallel beam axis does not exceed 5° 2). Light spot diameter to integrating sphere entrance diameter ratio between 0.5 and 0.8 3). When the incident light flux is 0, the instrument reading should be 0 4). The opening area in the integrating sphere does not exceed 3% of the total internal surface area of the integrating sphere 5). Light traps should absorb 95% or more of the light incident on them 6). 0/d   Why does CHNSpec haze meter meet ISO 13468/14782? 1. The comparison of structural schematics is shown in the following figures:   ISO Requirement on Haze Meter   CHN Spec Haze Meter Structure   2. The degree of conformity between ISO requirements for instruments and CHNSpec instruments is shown in the table below. The right side is ISO requirements, and the left side is corresponding compliance.   CHNSpec Haze Meter ISO13468/14782 Requirement on Haze Meter Yes, ≈4.2 The angle between the parallel beam and the parallel beam axis does not exceed 5° Yes, ≈0.7 Light spot diameter to integrating sphere entrance diameter ratio between 0.5 and 0.8 Yes, when the incident luminous flux is 0, the instrument transmittance is displayed as 0 When the incident light flux is 0, the instrument reading should be 0 Yes, about 1% The opening area in the integrating sphere does not exceed 3% of the total internal surface area of the integrating sphere Yes, Light traps should absorb 95% or more of the light incident on them Yes, 0/d   From the above table, we can see that CHN Spec haze meter can fully meet the ISO 13468/14782 requirement.

Clarity The definition of Clarity: Narrow Angle Scattering Light is diffused in a small cone with high concentration. This effect describes how well very fine details can be seen through the specimen. The see-through quality needs to be determined in an angle range smaller than 2. 5 degrees.     Difference between clarity and haze       Haze Light is diffused in all directions causing a loss of contrast. ASTM D 1003 defines haze as that percentage of light which in passing through deviates from the incident beam greater than 2.5 degrees on the average.     Clarity Light is diffused in a small angle range with high concentration. This effect describes how well very fine details can be seen through the specimen. The see-through quality needs to be determined in an angle range smaller than 2.5 degrees. Measurement and analysis of haze and see-through quality guarantee a uniform and consistent product quality and help analyze influencing process parameters and material properties.     Clarity measuring instrument The clarity and haze meter instrument CS-720 can not only measure haze, transmittance, and transmission color parameters, but also provides professional sharpness measurement functions, suitable for applications in high-definition films, display glass and other fields. clarity and haze meter CS-720

Haze Meter Upgrade Haze meter is suitable for the color, haze, spectral transmittance and all-transmittance measurement of transparent and translucent materials such as plastic, film, glass, LCD panel and touch screen. It is a very essential instrument for samples’ haze, transmittance color and clarity quality control. For better user experience, we have updated our instruments. The following is the detail information.   Haze Meter Upgrade 1. Haze meter CS-700 has added color functions on the basis of the original, and now has a comprehensive color measurement function, which can measure dozens of color parameters such as Lab, yellowness index, whiteness index, Gardner,Pt-Co, etc.   CS-700 Color and Haze Meter       Color Parameter of CS-700 and CS-720     Color and haze meter CS-720 has added clarity measurement function, not only has rich haze and transmittance and color measurement parameters, but also provides professional clarity measurement.     Clarity and Haze Meter CS-720     2. Both instruments are upgraded into 7-inch touch screen with Android operate system to provide a better user experience.   Android Operate System of Haze Meter   3. The new upgraded haze meter will be equipped with LED lamp who can provides longer lifetime. Measurement time will be greatly reduced.   4. Provide abundant measurement fixtures to make measure much easier.                          Liquid Fixture                                                                                                                 Film Fixture   If any interest, you are welcome to contact us for more details.

We receive more and more inquiry from textile customers to measure fabric, yarn, textile dyeing liquid, etc. Today we will introduce how to measure them by our bench-top spectrophotometer CS-820N.   We will introduce how to measure the color of fabric by textile spectrophotometer CS-820N.   Step 1. Prepare the Fabric Samples   Fabric Samples   Step 2. Measurement and Test Result   1. Do black and white calibration according to the instrument instruction then set instrument setting as follows. 1).Illuminant: D65 2).Standard Observer: 10 degree 3).Reflectance 4). Test Parameter: L*a*b and Delta E 5).Test Mode: SCI   2. Test Method: One sample measure one point to get the test result at single layer.   3. Textile Spectrophotometer CS-820N Test Result   Target Color Test Result   Sample Color Test Result   Name L a b Target 35.97 43.27 17.78 Sample 36.15 43.54 18.19 Delta Value 0.19 0.27 0.4     From the test result that we can know the color difference between target and sample are Delta E*ab 0.52. It is within the tolerance 1.0, so instrument shows pass.   Besides measuring fabric, textile spectrophotometer can also measure yarn, textile dyeing liquid. The following are the measurement pictures.   Yarn Color Measurement   Liquid Color Measurement   Portable spectrophotometer can also be used to measure these kinds of materials. The following are the measurement pictures.   Yarn Color Measurement   Fabric Color Measurement   CHNSpec Tech is specialized on provide color, gloss and haze measurement solutions. If any future inquiry, you are welcome to contact me for more details. Email: ivyzhang@colorspec.cn.