3nh CR5 Portable Color Difference Meter (Industrial Professional Edition)

Overview

The 3nh CR5 Portable Color Difference Meter (Industrial Professional Edition) is a precision optical instrument engineered for rapid, field-deployable color measurement and quality control in industrial environments. It operates on the CIE-compliant 8°/d (8° illumination, diffuse reflectance including specular component — SCI mode) geometry, ensuring accurate colorimetric evaluation across diverse surface finishes — from glossy plastics and painted automotive parts to matte textiles and ceramic glazes. The device employs full-spectrum LED illumination and filter-based spectral separation with a CMOS sensor array, delivering high-fidelity spectral response within the visible range (400–700 nm). Its compact form factor (205 × 67 × 80 mm), integrated 2.8-inch TFT true-color display, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity enable real-time synchronization with mobile devices — transforming traditional color assessment into a mobile, collaborative, and traceable workflow.

Key Features

• Integrated SCI-mode optical path compliant with CIE No. 15 and GB/T 3978 standards, supporting both specular-included and (via software configuration) specular-excluded measurements.
• Multi-illuminant support: 13 standardized illuminants including D65 (daylight), A (incandescent), CWF (cool white fluorescent), TL84 (retail lighting), and D50 (graphic arts standard), all selectable directly on-device or via companion app.
• High repeatability: ΔE*ab ≤ 0.1 under controlled conditions (post-warm-up, white tile measured 30× at 5 s intervals), verified per ISO 13655 and ASTM D2244 protocols.
• Onboard data management: Stores up to 1,000 standard samples and 10,000 test samples; supports quick recall of latest 50 standards and 50 tests directly on instrument display.
• Intelligent pass/fail evaluation: Real-time ΔE*ab and ΔE00 deviation alerts with configurable tolerance thresholds, audible feedback (user-selectable), and visual PASS/FAIL indicators.
• Extended operational endurance: Rechargeable 3.7 V / 3200 mAh Li-ion battery enables >10,000 measurements with screen off, or >3,000 measurements at full display brightness.
• Dual calibration architecture: Automatic power-on calibration + optional manual black/white tile verification — supporting ongoing metrological integrity without external service intervention.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CR5 is validated for use across industries requiring rigorous color consistency, including plastic injection molding, OEM automotive coatings, textile dyeing, architectural paint formulation, and ceramic tile production. Its Φ4 mm measurement aperture accommodates flat, curved, and textured surfaces when used with optional accessories (e.g., powder test box, platform holder). The instrument conforms to key international standards governing color measurement practice: CIE Publication No. 15 (2018), ISO 13655:2017 (Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation), and GB/T 3978–2008 (Standard illuminants and geometric conditions for colorimetry). While not certified to GLP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its audit-ready data export (CSV, Excel), timestamped measurement logs, and user-accessible calibration history support integration into GMP-aligned QC workflows when deployed with documented SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The CR5 operates natively with MOBCCS — a cross-platform Android application developed by 3nh for comprehensive color data handling. MOBCCS enables cloud-based personal color library creation, dynamic matching against industry-standard color systems (PANTONE®, RAL, NCS, Munsell C/2), and retrieval of trending fashion palettes updated quarterly. The app supports advanced color space visualization (CIE LAB, LCH, sRGB, Hunter Lab), spectral curve overlay, whiteness/yellowness index calculation (ASTM E313, D1925), metamerism index (Mt), and fastness grading (ISO 105-A02, A03). All measurement metadata — including illuminant, observer angle (2°/10°), date/time, operator ID (optional), and instrument serial number — are embedded in exported files, facilitating traceability and regulatory review.

Applications

• Production line color verification for injection-molded housings, extruded profiles, and electroplated components.
• In-process quality control of solvent-based and waterborne coatings during spray application and curing.
• Textile batch-to-batch color matching in dye houses and garment manufacturing facilities.
• Color consistency auditing for ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, and architectural façade cladding.
• R&D lab screening of pigment dispersions, masterbatches, and additive concentrates.
• Field inspection of repaired automotive panels, signage, and retail displays under variable ambient lighting.

FAQ

Does the CR5 support both SCI and SCE measurement modes?
Yes — the optical path is fixed in SCI (specular component included) mode per its 8°/d geometry. SCE (specular component excluded) data can be derived computationally in MOBCCS using built-in algorithms compliant with ISO 13655.
Is the instrument calibrated to national metrological standards?
The CR5 is factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable standards. End users may perform periodic verification using the supplied white calibration tile and optional black tile; calibration certificates are available upon request for metrological audits.
Can measurement data be exported in formats compatible with LIMS or ERP systems?
Yes — MOBCCS exports structured CSV and Excel files containing full spectral reflectance (if enabled), color coordinates, ΔE values, illuminant/observer metadata, and timestamps — suitable for direct ingestion into laboratory information management systems.
What is the expected lifetime of the LED light source?
Rated for ≥1.6 million measurements or ≥5 years of typical industrial use, assuming average daily operation of 200 measurements.
Is firmware update capability available?
Yes — firmware updates are delivered via MOBCCS and applied over USB or Bluetooth, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving color science standards and regulatory requirements.