3nh SC-10 Portable Precision Color Difference Meter
| Brand | 3nh |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shenzhen, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | SC-10 |
| Product Type | Color Difference Meter |
| Instrument Type | Portable |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | LED with Blue Light Excitation |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability (ΔE*ab) | ≤0.03 |
Overview
The 3nh SC-10 Portable Precision Color Difference Meter is a compact, field-deployable spectrophotometric instrument engineered for high-fidelity color measurement and delta-E evaluation in industrial quality control environments. Operating on the CIE standard d/8° integrating sphere geometry—compliant with ISO 7724-1, CIE No. 15, and ASTM E308—the SC-10 captures reflectance spectra across the visible range (400–700 nm) using a stable, long-life blue-excited LED light source. Unlike traditional tungsten-halogen or xenon-based systems, this solid-state illumination architecture ensures consistent spectral output over time, eliminating thermal drift and reducing calibration frequency. The instrument calculates colorimetric values—including L*a*b*, L*C*h, ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and CMYK—based on CIE 1931 2° standard observer and CIE D65 illuminant by default, with optional support for D50, A, F2, and other common illuminants via firmware configuration. Its core design targets routine pass/fail color verification rather than full spectral analysis, making it suitable for production-floor deployment where speed, ruggedness, and operator independence are critical.
Key Features
- High short-term repeatability: ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 under controlled conditions (measured on white ceramic tile, 10 consecutive readings)
- Integrated reference white calibration: Pre-stored white tile parameters eliminate daily physical white calibration—reducing setup time and minimizing user-induced error
- Ergonomic handheld vertical form factor with 4 mm aperture: Optimized for curved surfaces, small parts, and confined spaces without requiring external fixtures
- Optical targeting system: Crosshair reticle ensures precise measurement location alignment—critical for heterogeneous or patterned substrates
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: Supports >8,000 measurements per full charge; battery status indicator and low-power warning prevent unexpected shutdown during batch testing
- Standalone operation: No PC connection required for basic measurement, data storage, or pass/fail judgment—enabling immediate decision-making at point of use
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SC-10 accommodates opaque, translucent, and textured samples—including woven fabrics, leather, painted metal, injection-molded plastics, coated paper, and food packaging films—provided surface curvature remains within ±5° of flatness relative to the 4 mm aperture plane. It is not designed for transparent liquids or highly glossy mirrors without matte diffuser attachment. All measurement algorithms adhere to ISO 11664-4 (CIE colorimetry), ISO 11664-6 (CIEDE2000), and GB/T 3978–2008 (Chinese national standard for color measurement). Device firmware supports audit-ready data logging with timestamp, operator ID (optional), and measurement condition metadata—facilitating compliance with internal QC protocols and GLP-aligned documentation requirements.
Software & Data Management
While fully functional offline, the SC-10 interfaces with 3nh’s proprietary ColorExpert PC software (Windows only) via USB-C for advanced reporting, statistical process control (SPC) charting, tolerance band definition (box, ellipsoid, or custom polygon), and multi-instrument fleet management. Data export formats include CSV, Excel (.xlsx), and XML—compatible with LIMS integration. Firmware updates preserve historical calibration records and do not reset user-defined tolerances. All stored measurements retain full spectral reflectance data (31-point spectrum), enabling retrospective re-evaluation under alternate illuminants or observers without re-measurement.
Applications
The SC-10 serves as a primary color verification tool across regulated and non-regulated manufacturing sectors. In textile and apparel QA labs, it validates dye lot consistency against master standards before bulk shipment. In automotive interiors, it monitors trim component color match across supplier tiers under D65 daylight simulation. Packaging converters use it to verify ink density and hue shift across print runs on flexible films and corrugated board. Within pharmaceutical secondary packaging, it supports visual inspection SOPs by quantifying label color deviation from approved artwork—contributing to ICH Q5E stability protocol documentation. Its portability also enables on-site validation of architectural coatings, signage materials, and consumer electronics housings during installation or commissioning.
FAQ
Does the SC-10 require annual recalibration by an accredited lab?
No—routine user verification with supplied ceramic white tile suffices for daily operation. However, traceable recalibration every 12–24 months is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant labs.
Can the SC-10 measure metallic or pearlescent finishes?
It provides repeatable L*a*b* values but does not resolve goniochromatic effects; for effect pigments, a multi-angle spectrophotometer (e.g., BYK-mac or X-Rite MA98) is required.
Is spectral data export supported?
Yes—full 31-channel reflectance spectra (10 nm intervals) are embedded in each saved measurement and exportable via ColorExpert software.
What is the minimum sample size for reliable measurement?
The 4 mm aperture requires a uniformly colored area ≥6 mm in diameter to avoid edge effects and ensure representative sampling.
Does the device comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
The standalone unit does not support electronic signatures or audit trails. Full Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party SPC or LIMS platforms using exported CSV/XML data.
