The X-Rite Color i7 is a benchtop spectrophotometer designed for precise color measurement and analysis. It offers a comprehensive suite of features for various applications, including reflectance and transmission measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of industries.
Function Description
The Color i7 spectrophotometer is used to accurately measure and quantify color, providing objective data for quality control, color matching, and process optimization. It can perform both reflectance and transmission measurements, allowing for the analysis of opaque, translucent, and transparent materials. The device supports various measurement modes, including SCI (Specular Component Included) and SCE (Specular Component Excluded), to accommodate different surface characteristics. It also offers multiple aperture sizes (6mm, 10mm, 17mm, or 22/25mm) to adapt to different sample sizes and geometries. The instrument is designed for ease of use, with features like a sample door for optimal placement, a computer monitor for sample preview, and an optional LCD sample preview monitor. It integrates with X-Rite's NetProfiler software for remote device monitoring and calibration.
Important Technical Specifications
- Repeatability: 0.01 RMS ΔE CIELAB White tile. This indicates high precision in repeated measurements.
- Inter-Instrument Agreement: 0.08 Avg. 13 BCRA Series II tiles SCI (LAV only). This specification highlights the consistency of measurements between different Color i7 instruments.
- Geometry: D/8 Tri-beam simultaneous SCE/SCI. This refers to the optical geometry used for measurement, which is a diffuse illumination with 8-degree viewing, capable of simultaneously capturing both specular included and specular excluded components.
- Illumination: Pulsed Xenon, D65 Calibrated. The light source is a pulsed Xenon lamp, calibrated to D65 illuminant, a standard daylight illuminant.
- Measurement time: 2.7 – 4.0 seconds (flash & data acquisition). This indicates the speed at which measurements are taken.
- Duty cycle: 480 measurements per hour max. This specifies the maximum number of measurements the device can perform in an hour.
- Spectral Range: 360 to 750 nm. The instrument measures across a broad spectrum of visible light.
- Wavelength Interval: 10 nm. This is the resolution at which spectral data is collected.
- Photometric range: 0.0% to 200%. This defines the range of reflectance or transmittance values the instrument can measure.
- Photometric resolution: 0.001% reflectance. This indicates the fine detail with which reflectance values are reported.
- Electrical Requirements: 100-240 VAC/50-60 Hz, UL Category II, AC line input is 1.5 amps.
- Operating Temperature: 10° C to 35° C.
- Storage Temperature: -20° C to 55° C.
- Altitude: Maximum 2000M.
- Pollution: UL Category 2.
- Operating Humidity: 20% to 80% relative, non-condensing.
- Storage Humidity: 05% to 90% relative, non-condensing.
- Dimensions: 23 cm W x 25 cm H x 47 cm D.
- Weight: 12 kgs.
- Interface: USB/RS-232/38400 baud.
Usage Features
The Color i7 is designed for user-friendly operation with several features to streamline the measurement process:
- Sample Door: The hinged sample door allows for a completely unobstructed view of the sample presented at the view port. It can be opened and adjusted to optimize sample placement.
- Computer Monitor for Sample Preview: An external video to USB adapter allows for viewing a live image of the sample on a computer monitor, aiding in precise sample positioning and targeting.
- Optional LCD Sample Preview Monitor: For enhanced portability and convenience, an optional LCD monitor can be mounted on top of the spectrophotometer to display a live image of the sample.
- Calibration: The instrument requires regular calibration for optimal performance. This involves a reflectance calibration procedure using a white ceramic tile and a black trap, as well as a transmission calibration procedure using a barium coated aperture plate and a black plastic blocking panel. Calibration is recommended every 8 hours of operation.
- Reflectance Measurements: Taking reflectance measurements involves preparing the sample, opening the sample arm, using the preview monitor for targeting, and triggering the measurement via software or the instrument's status panel.
- Transmission Measurements: The Color i7 can be equipped with a transmission kit for measuring transparent and translucent samples. This involves mounting a barium coated aperture plate and a transmission sample holder. Different configurations are available for total transmission (sphere side) and direct transmission (lens side) measurements, as well as for LAV, MAV, and SAV measurements.
- Film Measurements: Specific procedures are provided for measuring film samples, involving a base plate with a stop and clamp attachment.
- Liquid Measurements: The device supports liquid measurements using a flow cell stand and cuvette.
- Haze Measurements: The Color i7 can measure haze, which requires specific calibration and measurement procedures.
- UV Control: The spectrophotometer is equipped with an automated 400nm UV filter. This allows for UV calibration and adjustment of the UV level, which is crucial for measuring samples with optical brighteners.
- Aperture Control: The instrument allows for automatic configuration of the zoom lens position (lens = port) and movement of the zoom lens whenever the aperture plate is changed. This ensures optimal measurement conditions for different aperture sizes.
- Specular Control: The device allows for selection of desired specular component settings (included (SCI), excluded (SCE), or dual mode (SCE/SCI)), which is important for characterizing different surface types.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and longevity of the Color i7 spectrophotometer:
- Cleaning the Calibration Tiles: Ceramic standards (calibration tiles) are critical for accurate measurements. They should be cleaned regularly using a camera-hair brush and a clean, lint-free tissue with a light mist of condensed vapor.
- Cleaning the Black Plastic Blocking Panel: Dust on the black plastic blocking panel can be removed with a soft, dry cloth or canned air.
- Cleaning the Black Trap: The black trap should be cleaned from time to time to remove dust or contamination. This involves removing the trap, gently cleaning the surfaces with dry air, and reinstalling it correctly.
- General Cleaning: The instrument should be kept clean and free from dust and debris.
The Color i7 is a robust and versatile spectrophotometer designed to meet the demanding needs of color measurement in various industrial settings, offering high accuracy, comprehensive measurement capabilities, and user-friendly operation.
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