X-Rite eXact™ Advanced Spectrodensitometer and Color Measurement Solution

Overview

The X-Rite eXact™ is a high-precision, motorized spectrodensitometer engineered for comprehensive color and density measurement across industrial print production environments. Operating on the principle of diffuse/8° (d/8°) spectrophotometry with integrated polarization optics, the eXact™ enables standardized spectral data acquisition compliant with ISO 13655:2017 for M0 (D50 illuminant, no UV), M1 (D50 with UV component), M2 (UV-cut), and M3 (UV-cut + polarizing filter) measurement conditions. Its core function extends beyond conventional spot measurement: it performs continuous strip scanning of press sheets, proofing substrates, and control strips up to 112 cm in length—enabling full-width process control without manual repositioning. Designed for integration into modern digital print workflows, the instrument delivers CIELAB (L*a*b*), ΔE00, spectral reflectance curves, dot gain, TVI, solid ink density (SID), and tone value measurements—all traceable to NIST-calibrated standards.

Key Features

• Motorized linear scanning mechanism with precision stepper motor and optical encoder feedback, ensuring repeatable positioning accuracy within ±0.1 mm over full travel
• Triple-mode spectral engine supporting simultaneous capture of M0, M2, and M3 data in a single pass—critical for evaluating metamerism and substrate-dependent color shifts in multi-technology print shops
• Integrated registration mark detection algorithm for automatic alignment during strip scans, eliminating operator-induced misregistration errors
• Wireless operation via Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), enabling real-time data streaming to cloud-based quality dashboards or local QC servers without physical tethering
• Modular aperture system (3 mm, 4.5 mm, 8 mm) optimized for varying print resolutions—from fine-screen gravure to coarse flexographic halftones—while maintaining consistent field-of-view geometry
• Rugged magnesium alloy housing rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance, validated for continuous use in high-humidity pressrooms and prepress labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The eXact™ accommodates a broad range of printable media including coated/uncoated papers, films, foils, corrugated board, and textile substrates. Its non-contact measurement design eliminates surface pressure artifacts common in mechanical densitometers. All spectral outputs conform to ISO 12233 spatial frequency response requirements for imaging systems and are fully compatible with industry-standard color management ecosystems (e.g., Esko Color Engine, GMG ColorProof, CGS ORIS). Calibration routines support daily verification against X-Rite’s certified ceramic calibration tiles (traceable to NIST SRM 2021), and audit logs comply with GLP/GMP documentation requirements—including timestamped calibration history, user ID tagging, and firmware version tracking.

Software & Data Management

The device operates natively with X-Rite’s i1Profiler and ColorCert Server software suites, providing automated reporting templates aligned with ISO 12647-2 (offset), ISO 12647-6 (flexo), and GRACoL/FOGRA certification protocols. Raw spectral data is exported in .cie and .txt formats for third-party statistical process control (SPC) platforms. Embedded firmware supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures when deployed with ColorCert Enterprise Edition, including role-based access control, audit trail generation, and immutable record retention for regulatory audits. Cloud synchronization ensures version-controlled configuration files and measurement presets are centrally managed across distributed production sites.

Applications

• Real-time press-side color deviation monitoring during long-run offset and gravure jobs, with automatic alert thresholds triggered at ΔE00 > 1.5
• Validation of digital press color stability across multiple substrates using grid-scan mode to map chromatic uniformity across A3-sized proofing sheets
• Quantitative assessment of ink trapping efficiency and inter-color dot gain in multi-pass CMYK+spot workflows
• Process signature profiling for contract proofing compliance (ISO 12647-7), including G7 grayscale calibration and neutral print density curve validation
• Legacy press retrofitting—integration with legacy MIS systems via RESTful API for automated job ticket-triggered measurement sequences

FAQ

Does the eXact™ support M1 measurement mode for paper containing optical brightening agents (OBAs)?
Yes. The instrument’s UV-adjustable LED source and spectral engine fully comply with ISO 13655:2017 M1 definition, enabling accurate characterization of OBA-containing substrates without requiring external UV filters.
Can strip scan data be imported directly into SPC software such as InfinityQS or Minitab?
Yes. CSV and XML export formats include L*a*b*, spectral reflectance, and metadata fields (timestamp, operator ID, job number), enabling seamless ingestion into enterprise SPC platforms.
Is firmware update capability available over-the-air (OTA)?
Yes. Firmware updates are delivered via X-Rite’s secure cloud portal and installed wirelessly through Wi-Fi; all updates include cryptographic signature verification and rollback support.
What is the recommended recalibration interval under continuous production use?
X-Rite recommends daily verification using the supplied calibration tile and full recalibration every 90 days—or after any impact event—per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.1 guidelines.