The Importance of Calibration for Color Measurement Instruments
Calibration allows us to set a baseline for the instrument and make sure that the baseline is maintained over time. At Konica Minolta, we recommend daily calibration of instruments and also annual calibration. This is the only way to maintain consistent and reliable readings.
Our procedure for daily calibration begins by taking up to two measurements, depending on the model. If required, a black measurement, called zero calibration, is performed by using a special attachment for the instrument that absorbs all light. The attachment is referred to as a zero-calibration box.
The subsequent measurement is with a white ceramic tile standard with traceable values. The measurement of the white ceramic standard must always be performed with the standard that was assigned to the instrument. Each white standard has a serial number that is easy to pair with the correct instrument. The zero (if needed) and white calibration readings set the instrument to a known calibration state.
Daily and annual calibration is necessary to maintain colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and other color measurement instruments. Both calibration measurements in the above process must be current to ensure the instrument’s highest performance. The customer performs daily calibration at their own location, and the instrument should be calibrated every 8 hours or every shift.
Konica Minolta Sensing annual calibration services are performed by certified technicians at our state-of-the-art laboratory in Ramsey, N.J. We also send field engineers to perform instrument calibration on-site for our customers.
Certain conditions can affect a color measurement instrument’s performance and accuracy and create the need for calibration. Dirt and dust can prevent an instrument from performing optimally. Stains and scratches on the white calibration tile can also cause the instrument to return inaccurate readings.
Annual calibration includes:
- Routine maintenance of the instrument
- Aligning and cleaning the optics
- Recertification of the calibration standard
- Multiple adjustments to bring the instrument to factory specifications
To test the instrument’s accuracy, we use it on 14 color standards certified by Konica Minolta and traceable to national standards. Once we know at what level the instrument is performing, it is calibrated to perform to factory standards.
We recommend annual calibration for every color measurement instrument. Our technicians who perform this service are highly skilled in calibrating instruments and in numerous other repair and maintenance tasks on advanced technological devices.
Konica Minolta ensures and certifies compliance with standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS), and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
If you’d like to know more about our calibration services for color measurement instruments or have questions about a specific product or service, call (888)473-2656 or contact us through our website.
