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New CM-36dG Series Benchtop Spectrophotometers for High-accuracy Color Management, Including Two Models that Offer Simultaneous Measurement of Color and Gloss

Contributing to DX of supply chain globalization

Ramsey (January 13, 2021) – Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced that the company will launch the new CM-36dG series of benchtop spectrophotometers, including the CM-36dG horizontal-format and CM-36dGV vertical-format models, both of which offer simultaneous measurement of color and gloss, and the CM-36d entry-level model for reflectance color measurements in February 2021.

The CM-36dG, CM-36dGV, and CM-36d are the successor models to the CM-3600A and CM-3610A benchtop spectrophotometers that have been widely used by material suppliers in the automotive and IT equipment fields. These instruments are targeted mainly at color-matching and quality control applications for paint, plastic, textile, etc. material suppliers, where simultaneous measurement of color and gloss*1 will increase the efficiency of inspection processes and high measurement accuracy enables outstanding quality control. In addition, they are equipped with a function that compensates for slight shifts in measured values due to ambient temperature changes, etc. to offer high stability and reliability. Measurement operation usability has also been greatly improved over the previous models which will lead to increased operator productivity.

With the Covid-19 making it difficult for people to travel and the continuing globalization of supply chains, digitalization and IT usage in production areas are now accelerating. By converting color and gloss information into digital data with high accuracy, these new instruments contribute to the digital transformation (DX) of manufacturing by realizing quality control without relying on target samples or the eyes of skilled workers.

*1 CM-36dG, CM-36dGV only

 

Value provided by CM-36dG Series

  1. Simultaneous measurement of color and gloss for improved inspection processes

The CM-36dG and CM-36dGV are two-in-one instruments that measure color and gloss simultaneously. For paint color matching, measuring both color (spectral reflectance) and gloss increases the parameters for color-matching calculations, contributing to improved quality. For quality control of plastics, measuring both color (material color) and gloss (surface conditions) realizes high-level quality evaluation and improved work efficiency.

  1. High measurement accuracy for outstanding quality control

With the CM-36dG and CM-36dGV, differences in measurement values between instruments are exceedingly small (inter-instrument agreement is exceedingly high), so when these instruments are used consistently from suppliers through finished product maker, higher inspection process efficiency can be expected. Colorimetric inter-instrument agreement is within ΔE*ab 0.12 (average for 12 BCRA tiles), a 20% improvement compared to previous models, and gloss inter-instrument agreement is also the same or better than the performance of gloss-only instruments. This enables more efficient work in the supply chain when using multiple instruments or instruments in several locations.

In addition, since measured value differences with previous models are also kept exceedingly small, previous data can continue to be used as is, minimizing the work involved when switching models (for SCI data only*2).

*2 SCI: Specular Component Included. An illumination/viewing method in which the sample is diffusely illuminated and the measured light includes specularly reflected light.

  1. Optional Wavelength compensation function for high stability

CM-36dG Series instruments can be equipped with a WAA (Wavelength Analysis & Adjustment) function*3 which compensates for slight shifts in measurement values due to external factors such as ambient temperature changes, etc. Together with annual calibration and maintenance, it can help minimize problems for stable operation.

*3 WAA license required

【Concept of how accuracy is maintained by WAA】

 

  1. High usability for improved operator productivity

CM-36dG Series have several features to help improve worker productivity.

The sample viewing function*4 uses an integrated camera to provide a view of the sample from inside the integrating sphere for accurate positioning of measurement subjects. Plus, a status panel shows the measurement status and condition settings to reduce operator error, and a measuring button lets the operator take measurements without having to switch back to the computer for improved work efficiency. Plus, the transmittance chamber opens widely to enable measurements of even large sheets or panels without having to cut off a sample. And 4 measurement areas (3 on CM-36d) are provided for flexibility in choosing the appropriate area for the measurement subject.

*4 Software such as Konica Minolta SpectraMagic NX Ver. 3.2 or later required.

 

Three models are being offered: the horizontal-format full-featured CM-36dG, the CM-36dGV with the same features as the CM-36dG in a vertical format for easier textile or paper measurements, and the CM-36d with basic features for lower introduction cost.


Photo 1: Sample view image

Photo 2: Status panel

Photo 3: Transmittance chamber

Photo 4: Vertical format CM-36dGV

 

【Product positioning】

 

Main specifications

The information, specifications, and product appearance provided in this news release are subject to change without notice.

Model CM-36dG CM-36dGV CM-36d
Color Illumination/viewing system di: 8°, de: 8° (diffused illumination, 8° viewing angle), SCI (specular component included)/SCE (specular component excluded) switchable

Conforms to DIN 5033 Teil7, JIS Z 8722 Condition “c”, ISO7724/1, CIE No.15(2004)、ASTM E1164 for reflectance measurements

Measurement/

Illumination area

LAV: Ø25.4mm/Ø30mm

LMAV: Ø16mm/Ø20mm

MAV: Ø8mm/Ø11mm

SAV: Ø4mm/Ø7mm

LAV: Ø25.4mm/Ø30mm

MAV Ø8mm/Ø11mm

SAV: Ø4mm/Ø7mm

Repeatability Colorimetric values:Standard deviation within ΔE*ab 0.02

(When a white calibration plate is measured 30 times at 10-second intervals after white calibration under Konica Minolta standard measurement conditions)

Colorimetric values:Standard deviation within ΔE*ab 0.03
(When a white calibration plate is measured 30 times at 10-second intervals after white calibration under Konica Minolta standard measurement conditions)
Inter-instrument
agreement
Within ΔE*ab 0.12

(Based on average for 12 BCRA Series II color tiles; LAV/SCI. Compared to values measured with a master body under Konica Minolta standard measurement conditions)

Within ΔE*ab 0.15

(Based on average for 12 BCRA Series II color tiles; LAV/SCI. Compared to values measured with a master body under Konica Minolta standard measurement conditions)

Transmittance measurement Possible(Measurement area: Ø17mm)
UV setting 100% / 0% / Adjusted (Instantaneous numerical
adjustment of UV with no mechanical filter movement
required)*5; 400 nm and 420 nm UV cutoff filters
No adjustment function (UV100%)
Gloss Measurement angle 60°
Measurement area MAV: 10 × 8 mm ellipse / SAV: Ø3 mm
Repeatability Standard deviation within

0-10GU: 0.1 GU

10-100GU: 0.2GU

100-200GU: 0.2% of displayed value
(Measured 30 times at 10-second intervals)

Inter-instrument agreement 0-10GU: ±0.2GU

10-100GU: ±0.5GU
(MAV. Compared to values measured with a master body under Konica Minolta standard conditions)

Size(W×H×D) Approx. 248×250×498 mm Approx. 300×677×315 mm Approx. 248×250×498 mm
Weight Approx. 8.4 kg Approx.14.0 kg Approx.8.3kg

*5 Numerical adjustment of UV requires UV Adjustment Software (included with optional Konica Minolta SpectraMagic NX Pro Ver. 3.2 or later)

 

About Konica Minolta Sensing Americas’ Business

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. provides a range of high quality designed and hand assembled color measurement instruments recognized in the industry. Our color measurement instruments help you quantify, measure, and control color. Consistent color reduces manufacturing downtime and material waste while improving product quality. With an array of applications, our products serve many industries. You can find our equipment on the production line, in the laboratory or out in the field. Known for precision and accuracy, our instruments are the standard of the industry. Turn to Konica Minolta Sensing for all your color measurement needs.

 

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