3nh YS3020 Flagship Portable Spectrophotometric Colorimeter

Overview

The 3nh YS3020 Flagship Portable Spectrophotometric Colorimeter is a high-precision, self-developed spectrophotometer engineered for industrial color measurement and quality assurance under CIE-compliant d/8° geometry. Utilizing a precision holographic grating optical system and a silicon photodiode array detector, the YS3020 captures full spectral reflectance data across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) with high wavelength resolution and photometric linearity. Its d/8° integrating sphere design ensures uniform illumination and diffuse viewing—critical for minimizing directional bias in textured, glossy, or matte surfaces. The instrument supports both Specular Component Included (SCI) and Specular Component Excluded (SCE) measurement modes, enabling accurate characterization of both total color appearance and surface-dependent color perception. Designed for compliance with ISO 7724-1, CIE No. 15, ASTM E308, and GB/T 3978–2008, the YS3020 delivers traceable, reproducible color data suitable for laboratory validation, production line verification, and cross-site color matching.

Key Features

• Self-contained grating-based optical architecture with no moving parts—ensuring long-term stability and minimal drift over time
• Integrated dual-illumination path supporting 12 standardized illuminants (D65, A, C, D50, F1–F12), configurable via software for industry-specific lighting conditions
• High-repeatability measurement engine: ΔE*ab ≤ 0.04 under MAV/SCI mode (measured on certified white tile per ISO 13655); spectral reflectance repeatability ≤ 0.1% standard deviation
• Compact, ergonomic handheld form factor with integrated rechargeable Li-ion battery—designed for extended field use without external power
• Large backlit LCD touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven UI, supporting multilingual operation (English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German)
• Onboard memory stores up to 2,000 measurement records with metadata (date/time, illuminant, observer, mode, sample ID)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YS3020 accommodates flat, curved, textured, and semi-transparent samples within its 8 mm measurement aperture (MAV). It is validated for use with opaque solids (plastics, painted panels, textiles, ceramics), coated substrates (automotive finishes, powder coatings), and non-fluorescent or moderately fluorescent materials (e.g., optical brightener-treated papers, certain cosmetics). Fluorescence correction is applied using built-in UV-adjustable LED excitation (400 nm peak) and spectral deconvolution algorithms compliant with CIE Technical Report 214. All measurement protocols align with ISO 13655:2017 (spectral measurement of reflective materials), ISO 27668-1:2013 (colorimetric performance criteria), and ASTM D2244 (calculation of color differences). Device firmware and calibration routines support GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when used with optional PC software.

Software & Data Management

The YS3020 operates seamlessly with 3nh’s proprietary ColorExpert™ desktop software (Windows 10/11 compatible), enabling advanced color analysis, tolerance setting (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, ΔEcmc), pass/fail reporting, batch statistics, and spectral comparison overlays. Software features include full support for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user role-based access control, and immutable audit logs for all calibration, measurement, and configuration events. Export formats include CSV, Excel, XML, and CxF/XRGA for integration into enterprise QMS platforms (e.g., SAP QM, TrackWise). Calibration verification reports comply with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards and may be generated for internal audits or third-party accreditation.

Applications

• Plastics & electronics: Color consistency verification of injection-molded housings, PCB solder masks, and display filters
• Paints & coatings: Batch-to-batch color matching in automotive OEM and refinish operations; gloss-independent color evaluation
• Textiles & apparel: Shade sorting of dyed fabrics, yarns, and leather under multiple light sources (e.g., D65 for daylight, TL84 for retail lighting)
• Printing & packaging: Spot color verification against Pantone® and ISO Coated v2 standards; substrate compensation for paper brightness
• Food & cosmetics: Objective assessment of product hue uniformity (e.g., lipstick pigments, confectionery coatings, dairy powders)
• Research & education: Teaching spectral reflectance principles, CIELAB transformations, and metamerism analysis in university labs

FAQ

What is the difference between SCI and SCE measurement modes?
SCI includes specular reflectance and measures total color appearance—ideal for R&D and formulation. SCE excludes specular reflection and simulates human visual perception under typical viewing conditions—preferred for quality control of glossy surfaces.
Does the YS3020 support color matching or formulation prediction?
No—the YS3020 is a measurement-only device. It provides precise spectral and colorimetric data compatible with third-party formulation software (e.g., X-Rite Color iMatch, Datacolor Match Pigment) but does not perform pigment recipe calculation internally.
How often must the instrument be calibrated?
A daily zero calibration and white tile verification are recommended before critical measurements. Factory calibration is traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology) and remains valid for 12 months under normal operating conditions.
Is the device compliant with FDA or ISO 17025 requirements?
While the hardware itself is not accredited, its measurement methodology, software audit trail functionality, and calibration traceability fully support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed within a documented quality management system.
Can the YS3020 measure transparent or translucent samples?
It is optimized for opaque and semi-opaque materials. For transparent films or liquids, a transmission accessory (sold separately) and cuvette holder are required—neither is included with the base YS3020 configuration.