3nh ST2222 Array Spectrophotometer Colorimeter

Overview

The 3nh ST2222 Array Spectrophotometer Colorimeter is a high-precision, portable spectrophotometric color measurement instrument engineered for laboratory-grade color analysis, inter-instrument color data transfer, and quality-critical production environments. It employs a dual-row 22-element silicon photodiode array sensor coupled with planar grating dispersion technology to deliver high-resolution spectral acquisition across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm). Its d/8° integrating sphere optical geometry—supporting both SCI (Specular Component Included) and SCE (Specular Component Excluded) modes—ensures compliance with international standards including CIE Publication No.15, ISO 7724-1, ASTM E1164, and DIN 5033-7. The instrument’s core function is to quantify spectral reflectance at 10 nm intervals (31 discrete wavelength bands), enabling robust calculation of CIE color spaces (e.g., L*a*b*, L*C*h*, XYZ, Yxy, L*u*v*, Hunter Lab), color differences (ΔE*ab, ΔE*00, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc), whiteness/yellowness indices (ASTM E313, D1925), and specialized metrics such as metamerism index (MI), color strength (tint), and opacity. Designed for metrological traceability, it achieves certified repeatability of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.018 (measured on standard white tile at 5 s intervals, n=30) and inter-instrument agreement (instrument-to-instrument agreement) of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.18 (BCRA Series II reference tiles), making it suitable for cross-site color matching, formulation validation, and GLP-aligned color documentation.

Key Features

• High-stability dual-path optical architecture minimizes drift under ambient temperature or humidity fluctuations (0–40 °C, 0–85% RH non-condensing).
• Full-spectrum LED illumination array (400–700 nm) with dedicated UV channel ensures uniform spectral power distribution—eliminating gaps common in conventional white LEDs and enabling accurate measurement of fluorescent and optically brightened materials.
• Integrated 3.5″ capacitive touchscreen display with real-time spectral graph rendering, color simulation, and pass/fail flagging based on user-defined tolerances.
• Five interchangeable apertures (Φ8 mm flat/spout, Φ4 mm flat/spout, 1×3 mm rectangular) accommodate diverse sample geometries—including curved surfaces, textured substrates, and small-area features—without requiring mechanical repositioning.
• Onboard CMOS camera with live viewfinder enables precise targeting of measurement zones; visual confirmation reduces operator-induced positioning error.
• Non-contact auto-calibration via motorized smart base using NIST-traceable ceramic white standard (R ≥ 95% across 400–700 nm, spatial uniformity < 0.2% SD).
• Robust mechanical design compliant with IEC 60529 IP52 dust/moisture resistance; magnesium alloy housing with ergonomic grip profile optimized for single-hand operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ST2222 supports opaque, translucent, and fluorescent solid samples—including plastics, painted panels, textiles, printed media, pharmaceutical tablets, cosmetic compacts, food packaging films, and coated medical devices. Its 1×3 mm aperture facilitates measurement of narrow features (e.g., circuit board traces, inkjet-printed barcodes), while the Φ4 mm spout tip enables recessed or concave surface sampling. All optical and electronic components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 requirements. Firmware and cloud-connected software modules support audit trails, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity protocols when deployed in regulated manufacturing (e.g., FDA-regulated pharma or medical device color release testing). Calibration certificates are issued per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures by third-party metrology labs upon request.

Software & Data Management

The ST2222 integrates seamlessly with cross-platform color management ecosystems: Windows desktop software (ColorExpert Pro), iOS and Android mobile apps, HarmonyOS-compatible applications, WeChat Mini Programs, and cloud-based SaaS platforms (3nh CloudColor™). Data export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF reports compliant with ISO 12234-2 (Electronic Still Picture Imaging). Each stored record captures full spectral reflectance (31 points), tristimulus values, observer angle (2°/10°), illuminant condition, and measurement mode (SCI/SCE/UV-on/UV-off). Local storage holds 500 standard references and 20,000 sample readings (each supporting dual-mode capture); cloud synchronization enables centralized version-controlled color libraries, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and multi-user permission hierarchies aligned with ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Applications

This instrument serves as a primary color verification tool in R&D laboratories developing pigmented polymers, automotive OEM coatings, and cosmetic formulations where batch-to-batch hue consistency is critical. In QC settings, it validates color conformance against master standards in electronics assembly (e.g., smartphone housings), textile dye lots, and packaging printing (CMYK density, dot gain, trapping). Its UV capability supports regulatory testing of optical brightening agents (OBAs) in paper and detergent products per ISO 11475. Academic users apply it in material science studies involving photochromic or thermochromic behavior, while food safety labs monitor pigment degradation kinetics in shelf-life trials. The compact form factor and battery endurance (>8 h continuous use) make it ideal for field audits at supplier facilities or retail shelf inspections.

FAQ

What standards does the ST2222 comply with for spectral measurement?
It conforms to CIE No.15:2018, ISO 7724-1:2019, ASTM E1164-22, DIN 5033-7:2018, and multiple Chinese national standards (GB/T 3978, GB/T 18833), ensuring global interoperability of color data.
Can the ST2222 measure fluorescent samples accurately?
Yes—the integrated UV LED source (365 nm peak) excites fluorescent compounds, and the full-spectrum LED provides stable visible excitation, enabling reliable quantification of fluorescence contribution per CIE Technical Report 214.
Is firmware update supported remotely?
Yes—over-the-air (OTA) updates are delivered via Bluetooth or USB connection using signed firmware packages verified through SHA-256 cryptographic checksums.
How is traceability maintained for calibration?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate referencing NIST SRM 2020 and BCRA Series II tiles; optional annual recalibration services include ISO/IEC 17025-accredited documentation.
Does the instrument support custom illuminants?
Yes—users may define proprietary illuminant spectra (CIE xy chromaticity coordinates + relative SPD) via the desktop software, which are embedded into measurement records for full method transparency.