3nh YS6010 Benchtop Spectrophotometric Colorimeter

Overview

The 3nh YS6010 Benchtop Spectrophotometric Colorimeter is a precision-engineered optical instrument designed for high-fidelity color measurement in controlled laboratory and quality assurance environments. Operating on the principle of grating-based spectrophotometry, the YS6010 captures full-spectrum reflectance and transmittance data across the visible and near-UV range (360–780 nm) using a d/8° integrating sphere geometry—compliant with ISO 7724-1, CIE No. 15, and ASTM E308. Its dual-mode optical path supports both specular component included (SCI) and excluded (SCE) measurements for comprehensive surface appearance analysis, while the configurable UV illumination system enables accurate evaluation of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) in textiles, paper, and plastics. The instrument’s core architecture integrates a thermally stabilized LED-illuminated light source, a high-resolution diffraction grating monochromator, and a silicon photodiode array detector—ensuring long-term photometric stability and spectral fidelity without mechanical moving parts.

Key Features

• 7-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation and real-time spectral graphing
• Comprehensive illuminant library supporting 24 standard CIE and industry-specific illuminants—including D65 (daylight), A (incandescent), F-series (fluorescent), and specialized sources such as TL84 (retail lighting) and U30 (warm white fluorescent)
• Dual-path optical design enabling both reflectance (d/8°) and transmittance (d/0°) measurements, with selectable UV component inclusion/exclusion for accurate assessment of optically brightened materials
• High repeatability performance: ΔE*ab ≤0.02 for reflectance and ≤0.03 for transmittance under standardized conditions (Φ25.4 mm aperture, SCI mode, post-calibration, 30 repeated measurements)
• Robust internal calibration routine with ceramic white reference tile and zero-calibration via dark current compensation
• Onboard memory capacity supporting ≥20,000 measured samples with full spectral data, metadata (operator ID, timestamp, batch ID), and color difference calculations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YS6010 accommodates solid, liquid, and translucent samples via interchangeable apertures (standard Φ25.4 mm, optional Φ15 mm and Φ8 mm) and dedicated transmittance cell holders. It meets essential regulatory and methodological frameworks for color-critical industries: compliant with ISO 11664 (CIE colorimetry standards), ASTM D2244 (color difference calculation), and GB/T 3978–2008 (Chinese national standard for color measurement). While not certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its audit-ready data logging structure—including immutable timestamps, operator identification fields, and full spectral traceability—supports GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols when deployed with documented SOPs and periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The YS6010 operates natively via embedded firmware but fully integrates with PC-based 3nh ColorExpert software (Windows 10/11 compatible). This platform delivers advanced functionalities including multi-instrument network synchronization, custom tolerance ellipsoids (ΔE00, ΔE94, ΔE2000), batch statistical analysis (CPK, X-bar R charts), spectral comparison overlays, and automated report generation in PDF or Excel formats. All raw spectral data (.spc files) are stored in ASCII format for third-party import into MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or L*a*b*-focused QC systems. Data export supports CSV with metadata headers, enabling seamless ingestion into enterprise LIMS or MES platforms.

Applications

The YS6010 serves as a foundational color measurement tool across sectors where inter-laboratory agreement and production-line consistency are mission-critical. In plastics and electronics manufacturing, it verifies pigment dispersion uniformity and batch-to-batch hue matching against master standards. Within textile and apparel QA labs, it quantifies metamerism under multiple illuminants and evaluates dye lot consistency across fiber types (cotton, polyester, blends). Printing and packaging operations use its transmittance mode to assess ink density and substrate whiteness; automotive OEM suppliers rely on its ΔE*ab repeatability for interior trim and coating validation. Additionally, food-grade packaging producers apply its UV-controlled transmittance capability to monitor clarity and yellowing index in PET films and laminates.

FAQ

Does the YS6010 support measurement of translucent or liquid samples?
Yes—the instrument includes a d/0° transmittance mode with a removable sample compartment and standardized cuvette holder (10 mm path length), suitable for clear liquids, gels, and thin films.
Is spectral data export possible in machine-readable format?
Yes—all measurements are saved internally and exported as plain-text .spc files containing wavelength-intensity pairs at 10 nm intervals (360–780 nm), fully compatible with scientific computing environments.
Can the YS6010 be validated for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories?
Yes—when operated with documented calibration procedures, traceable reference standards (e.g., NIST-traceable ceramic tiles), and periodic verification using CRMs, the YS6010 satisfies technical requirements for accredited color measurement within defined uncertainty budgets.
What is the recommended recalibration frequency?
Daily zero and white calibration is advised before critical measurement sessions; annual factory recalibration is recommended to maintain metrological integrity per manufacturer specifications.
Does the instrument comply with CIE 15:2018 spectral irradiance requirements?
Its illuminant simulation engine conforms to CIE 15:2018 spectral power distribution definitions for all 24 supported illuminants, verified via internal spectral validation routines during boot-up and calibration.