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Chapter 73:
Introduction to Colorimeters
One of the most accurate methods of matching colors is to use a color measurement device,
especially when you are trying to match a color such as a customer’s unique shade or a
corporate identification color.
Although no longer available for purchase, Gerber ColorID supports two measurement devices
called colorimeters. A colorimeter expresses colors numerically according to international
standards. This numeric definition from the colorimeter is matched against the numeric
definition databases in the ColorID program to provide the best possible color match.
The following paragraphs provide a basic introduction to colorimeters in general. For specific
information about the Gerber colorimeter, see CP320 Colorimeter Operations.
Note: Gerber ColorID supports only Gerber Colorimeters.
Theory of operation
The measuring tube on the side of the body contains photoelement sensors and measuring
filters. A light built into the measuring tube provides consistent lighting for the sample.
When you press and release the green button on the colorimeter body, the light illuminates the
source of the color and the sensors read the color. The colorimeter microcomputer then
calculates the numeric definition of the color. Depending on the model of the colorimeter, these
numbers are either immediately sent to the ColorID program or saved in the colorimeter for
later use.
Factors contributing to the accuracy of the measurements are:
♦ the white standard.
♦ the source of illumination and cleanliness.
♦ measurement techniques.
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