3nh TS7036 Portable Spectrophotometric Colorimeter
| Brand | 3nh |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Spectrophotometric Colorimeter |
| Instrument Type | Portable |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° integrating sphere |
| Illuminants | D65, A, C, D50, D55, D75, F1–F12 (including CWF, TPL5, TL84, TL83/U30) |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.05 (MAV/SCI mode |
| Aperture Options | Ø4 mm and Ø8 mm |
Overview
The 3nh TS7036 Portable Spectrophotometric Colorimeter is a high-precision, handheld spectrophotometer engineered for laboratory-grade color measurement in production environments where portability, traceability, and metrological consistency are critical. Operating on the principle of diffuse illumination and 8° viewing geometry (d/8°), the instrument conforms to ISO 7724-1, CIE No. 15, and ASTM E308 standards for spectral colorimetry. Its core optical architecture features a dual-row 32-element silicon photodiode array detector, enabling high-resolution spectral acquisition across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) with minimal stray light interference. Unlike tristimulus colorimeters, the TS7036 captures full reflectance spectra—allowing not only accurate CIELAB (L*, a*, b*) computation but also advanced color difference analysis (ΔE*ab, ΔE00), metamerism assessment, and spectral comparison. The device maintains long-term stability of absolute L*, a*, b* values—essential for inter-instrument agreement and regulatory compliance in quality control workflows governed by ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or ISO 14001.
Key Features
- True spectrophotometric architecture with 32-channel silicon photodiode array for high-fidelity spectral data acquisition
- Dual-aperture design (Ø4 mm and Ø8 mm) supporting both small-area spot measurement and larger-field averaging—critical for textured surfaces, woven fabrics, and injection-molded parts
- Comprehensive illuminant library including CIE-standard sources (D65, D50, A, C, D75) and industry-specific fluorescent references (F2/CWF, F11/TL84, F12/TL83)
- Repeatability of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.05 under MAV/SCI conditions—validated per ISO 13655:2017 using NIST-traceable white calibration tiles
- Integrated thermal stabilization and automatic zero calibration to minimize drift during extended field use
- On-device display with real-time ΔE evaluation, pass/fail thresholds, and spectral curve visualization
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TS7036 accommodates opaque, translucent, and textured substrates across diverse industrial sectors—including plastic injection molding, automotive paint finishing, textile dyeing, printed packaging, ceramic glazing, and electronic component coating. Its d/8° geometry with specular component included (SCI) ensures consistent measurement of coated, glossy, or matte surfaces without manual gloss compensation. The instrument meets requirements for routine color verification under ISO 17025-accredited laboratories when used with documented calibration procedures and traceable standards. It supports audit-ready reporting aligned with GLP and GMP documentation practices, including timestamped measurement logs and operator ID tagging via optional software integration.
Software & Data Management
The TS7036 interfaces seamlessly with 3nh’s PC-based ColorExpert software (Windows-compatible), enabling full spectral database management, statistical process control (SPC) charting, tolerance mapping (ellipsoidal or rectangular ΔE limits), and automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and CxF/XRGA for interoperability with enterprise QMS platforms (e.g., TrackWise, MasterControl). Software features include multi-instrument synchronization, spectral deviation alerts, and version-controlled calibration history—all supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with electronic signature and audit trail modules.
Applications
- Color formulation validation in pigment and ink manufacturing
- In-line batch release testing for automotive OEM trim components
- Pre-shipment inspection of dyed textiles against AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1
- Color consistency monitoring across multi-shift production of consumer electronics housings
- Quality gate verification for ceramic tile batches per EN 14411 Annex E
- Supplier qualification audits requiring spectral match verification beyond tristimulus tolerance bands
FAQ
What calibration standards are required for daily operation?
A NIST-traceable white calibration tile (certified for reflectance ≥99% in 400–700 nm) must be used for zero and white calibration before each measurement session. Annual recalibration by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab is recommended.
Does the TS7036 support spectral data exchange with third-party color formulation systems?
Yes—it exports full reflectance spectra (31-point or 10-nm interval) in ASCII format compatible with X-Rite Color iMatch, Datacolor MATCHTEXT, and BASF ChromaTool.
Can the instrument measure transparent or translucent films?
Not directly—the TS7036 is optimized for opaque and semi-opaque samples. For transparent materials, a black backing substrate or transmission adapter (sold separately) is required to meet ISO 13655 transmission measurement protocols.
Is firmware upgradable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are delivered via USB connection and supported through the ColorExpert software interface, ensuring compatibility with evolving color science standards such as CIEDE2000 and CMC(l:c) revisions.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified for audit purposes?
Uncertainty budgets follow ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM), incorporating contributions from repeatability, calibration standard uncertainty, temperature coefficient, and aperture alignment—documented in the instrument’s Certificate of Conformance supplied with each unit.
