X-Rite eXact™ Color Measurement Solution
| Brand | X-Rite |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | eXact™ |
| Aperture Options | 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm |
| Battery | Li-ion, 7.4 VDC, 2200 mAh |
| Color Difference Metrics | CIE ∆E* (1976), ∆ECMC, CIE ∆E* (2000), CIE ∆E* (1994) |
| Color Spaces | CIE L*a*b*, CIE L*C*h° |
| Density Range | 0.0 D – 3.0 D |
| Density Standards | Status A, E, I, T, G |
| Dimensions | 18 cm × 7.8 cm × 7.6 cm (7.1" × 3.1" × 3.0") |
| Illuminants | A, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F2, F7, F11, F12 |
| Communication | USB 2.0 |
| Measurement Geometry | 45°/0° annular illumination per ISO 5-4:2009(E) |
| Observer Angles | 2° and 10° |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Spectral Interval | 10 nm |
| Measurement Time | < 1 sec |
| Inter-instrument Agreement | Avg. 0.25 ΔEab, Max 0.45 ΔEab (M0/M2), 0.55 ΔEab (M3) |
| Short-term Repeatability | ±0.01 D (density, CMYK), 0.05 ΔEab (white BCRA std dev) |
| Operating Temp | 10–35°C (50–95°F) |
| Storage Temp | −20–50°C (−4–122°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 30–85% RH (non-condensing) |
| Embedded Capabilities | G7 Certification, NetProfiler, PantoneLIVE, BestMatch Auto-Calibration |
| Software Compatibility | X-Rite ColorCert, Color iQC, InkFormulation, NetProfiler, SDK support |
| Compliance | ISO 5-4:2009(E), ISO 13655:2009, ISO 12233 (for M-mode spectral validation) |
Overview
The X-Rite eXact™ Color Measurement Solution is a high-precision, production-grade spectrophotometer engineered for rigorous color control across print manufacturing environments. Based on a dual-illumination DRS (Dual Reference Spectral) optical engine, it delivers traceable spectral reflectance data from 400 nm to 700 nm at 10 nm intervals—enabling accurate quantification of colorant behavior under multiple measurement conditions (M0, M1 Part 1 & 2, M2, M3). Its 45°/0° annular geometry conforms strictly to ISO 5-4:2009(E), ensuring compatibility with international press certification protocols including G7, PSO, and JapanColor. Unlike legacy densitometers or tristimulus meters, the eXact™ captures full spectral curves—not just XYZ or Lab values—supporting advanced substrate compensation, metamerism analysis, and UV-fluorescent ink evaluation via integrated UV LED and tungsten-filament illumination.
Key Features
- Multi-mode spectral acquisition supporting M0 (no UV), M1 (UV-included, Part 1 & 2), M2 (UV-filtered), and M3 (polarized UV-filtered) — critical for packaging substrates with optical brighteners or metallic effects.
- Integrated BestMatch auto-calibration using an onboard white ceramic reference, eliminating manual recalibration drift during extended shifts.
- Embedded G7 certification engine with real-time pass/fail feedback against GRACoL, SWOP, or custom target curves—reducing reliance on external software for press qualification.
- Wireless scanning capability (Bluetooth Class II) enabling hands-free operation across wide-format proofing tables or inline web inspection zones.
- High-resolution color touchscreen (320 × 240 pixels) with intuitive workflow navigation, configurable toolsets, and guided startup wizard for rapid operator onboarding.
- Robust mechanical design rated for industrial shop-floor use: IP54-rated enclosure, shock-absorbing housing, and temperature/humidity sensors for environmental metadata logging.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The eXact™ accommodates diverse sample types—from coated offset sheets and flexographic films to metallized foils and textured corrugated boards—via interchangeable apertures (1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm). Its M3 mode specifically addresses challenges posed by gloss interference in digital inkjet and toner-based substrates. All measurements comply with ISO 13655:2009 for spectral measurement of printed materials and are validated against BCRA Series II reference tiles under controlled metrology conditions (23°C ±1°C, 40–60% RH). Instrument inter-agreement meets X-Rite’s production specification (≤0.45 ΔEab avg), verified using 12-color BCRA sets and certified white standards per ISO 5-4:2009(E). Regulatory alignment includes support for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails when used with validated ColorCert workflows in GMP-compliant packaging operations.
Software & Data Management
The eXact™ operates as a standalone instrument or integrates seamlessly into enterprise color management ecosystems. It natively supports X-Rite ColorCert (for automated QC reporting and SPC charting), InkFormulation (for predictive ink mixing), and NetProfiler (for cross-device characterization and profile harmonization). The included SDK enables OEM integration into MES or ERP platforms for real-time color deviation alerts and closed-loop process correction. Spectral data exports in CxF3 format ensure interoperability with third-party prepress and quality assurance systems. All firmware and application updates are delivered over-the-air or via USB—maintaining version consistency across fleets without service downtime.
Applications
- Pressroom process control: Real-time density and ΔE monitoring during makeready and run-length verification.
- Proof-to-print validation: Spectral comparison between digital proofs and press sheets under identical M-mode conditions.
- Packaging quality assurance: Detection of batch-to-batch variation in metallic inks, pearlescent coatings, and fluorescent security features.
- Prepress standardization: Creation and maintenance of device-specific characterization targets for RIPs and digital front ends.
- Supplier color conformance: Remote calibration verification and shared spectral libraries via PantoneLIVE cloud synchronization.
- G7 Master Qualification: On-device G7 grayscale and tone curve validation without requiring external software or manual calculation.
FAQ
Does the eXact™ support M1 measurement for UV-reactive inks?
Yes — the eXact™ implements both M1 Part 1 (standard UV-enhanced illumination) and M1 Part 2 (spectrally matched UV component), complying with ISO 13655:2009 Annex B for fluorescence compensation.
Can it measure on curved or textured surfaces?
With its 45°/0° annular illumination and optional 6 mm aperture, the eXact™ maintains measurement stability on moderately textured stocks (e.g., uncoated kraft, embossed cartons); however, highly irregular or concave geometries require flat-sample presentation.
Is spectral data export compliant with ISO 12647-7 requirements?
Yes — raw spectral reports (400–700 nm @ 10 nm) are exportable in CxF3, meeting ISO 12647-7 Annex A specifications for spectral data interchange in process control workflows.
What environmental conditions affect measurement repeatability?
Short-term repeatability (0.05 ΔEab white std dev) is specified under stable lab conditions; field use requires adherence to operating range (10–35°C, 30–85% RH non-condensing) and avoidance of direct ambient light contamination.
How does embedded NetProfiler improve cross-device consistency?
NetProfiler performs automatic inter-device spectral correlation using common reference targets, generating correction matrices that align eXact™ units with other spectrophotometers (e.g., SpectroEye, i1Pro) within a single color management network.
