Colorimeter The colorimeter is the device that allows the quantification of a color and allows its comparison with another. Once the quantification has been made, the numerical value assigned to the studied color will allow its adequate classification in the color scale.
This apparatus based on the light absorption law commonly known as “Lambert-Beer”. In reality, these two authors never got to collaborate since a century separates the birth of each. Johann Heinrich Lambert ( 1728-1777 ) made his main contributions in the field of mathematics and physics and published in 1760 a book entitled Photometry, in which he pointed out the variation in light intensity when a ray of light passes through a number “m “of crystal layers could be considered as an exponential relationship, with a characteristic value (” n “) for each crystal. In 1852 , August Beer ( 1825-1863) pointed out that this law was applicable to solutions with different concentrations and defined the absorption coefficient.
Summary
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- 1 Features
- 2 Colorimeter functions
- 3 Colorimeter Applications
- 4 Uses
- 5 Sources
features
- Color measurement, in the form of three variables, L, a, and b, if we use the CIELab measurement method.
- Select the type of illuminant with which we want to perform the measurement.
- Color comparison, establishing the printing tolerance allowed by the customer.
- It is an objective instrument to determine a certain color.
The great advantage of the colorimeter lies in the spot colors. Any printed product on which it is important to verify that the color has been reproduced within tolerances can be controlled by using the colorimeter.
A colorimeter does not allow to measure densities, point percentage, grayness, tonal deviation, among others. Colorimeters measure tristimulus values more directly than spectrophotometers and work based on color filters. For this reason, colorimeters do not provide spectral reflectance data; however, they are often preferable to spectrophotometers because they are comparatively cheaper to manufacture and easy to transport.
Colorimeter Features
The colorimeter has three specific functions, which are:
- Determine the numerical value of a color.
- Carry out a comparison between colors.
- Establish the intensity and shades of the color studied.
Colorimeter Applications
Among the main applications of the colorimeter are: – Color classification. – Absorbance tests. – Correction of errors in monitors and screens. – Printer color calibration. – Characterization of polymers based on their color. – Analysis of chemical concentrations.
Applications
- Color control of printed materials (container, packaging, …)
- Ink formulation.
- Color control in plastic materials.
- Tiles and ceramics.
