CS-210 Precision Color Difference Meter
| Origin | Shenzhen, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (PRC) |
| Model | CS-210 |
| Product Type | Color Difference Meter |
| Instrument Form Factor | Portable |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° Integrating Sphere |
| Illumination/Reception | 8°/d (8° illumination / diffuse reception), including Specular Component Included (SCI) |
| Spectral Range | L*: 1–100 |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab standard deviation ≤ 0.08 (measured 30 times on white calibration tile under controlled conditions) |
| Standard Sample Storage | 100 groups × 100 test records per group |
| Measurement Aperture | Ø8 mm |
| CIE Observer & Illuminant | 10° standard observer, CIE D65 illuminant |
| Display Resolution | 0.01 |
| Measurement Time | ~0.5 s |
| Power Supply | 4×AA 1.5 V alkaline or Ni-MH batteries |
| Interface | USB 2.0, Bluetooth (optional) |
| Weight | 550 g |
| Dimensions | 77 × 86 × 210 mm |
| Color Spaces | CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h*, XYZ, relative RGB |
| Color Difference Metrics | Δ(L*a*b*), Δ(L*C*h*) |
| Whiteness Indices | Hunter Whiteness, Ganz Whiteness |
| Yellowness Index (YI) | ASTM E313 / ISO 2470 compliant |
| Multi-point Averaging | Yes |
| Camera-assisted Targeting | Integrated CMOS viewfinder |
| Calibration | Dual-point (white/black) manual calibration |
| Software Support | PC-based data management suite with statistical analysis, audit trail, and export (CSV, PDF, XLSX) |
| Language Interface | English / Chinese toggle |
Overview
The CS-210 Precision Color Difference Meter is an ISO 13655-compliant portable spectrophotometric instrument engineered for high-reproducibility color measurement in industrial quality control environments. It operates on the d/8° integrating sphere geometry with Specular Component Included (SCI) mode—ensuring consistent evaluation of both surface texture and pigment composition across matte, glossy, and textured substrates. Designed to meet CIE 10° standard observer and CIE D65 illuminant requirements, the CS-210 delivers traceable colorimetric data aligned with international standards including ASTM D2244, ISO 11664, and GB/T 3978–2008. Its LED-based optical architecture eliminates lamp aging drift, enabling long-term stability without recalibration cycles typical of xenon or tungsten sources. The device supports full CIELAB (L*a*b*), CIELCH, XYZ, and relative RGB output, with built-in calculation of ΔE*ab, ΔE*00, whiteness (Hunter and Ganz), and yellowness index (YI) per ASTM E313 and ISO 2470.
Key Features
- SCI-mode d/8° integrating sphere optical system for repeatable measurement of total reflectance, independent of surface gloss or directional scattering
- Dual-point (white/black) calibration routine to correct for sensor drift and ambient light interference before each measurement session
- Integrated CMOS camera with real-time live preview for precise targeting—critical for small-area or patterned samples
- Multi-point averaging function: up to 99 measurements per sample, automatically computing mean L*a*b* and ΔE*ab with SD reporting
- High-resolution display (0.01 unit resolution) and sub-0.5-second measurement cycle for throughput-critical production lines
- On-device storage capacity of 100 standard references, each supporting 100 associated test records (10,000 total entries)
- Ergonomic handheld form factor (550 g, 77 × 86 × 210 mm) with low-power consumption for >12,000 measurements per AA battery set
- USB 2.0 and optional Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for secure, timestamped data transfer to Windows-based QC software
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CS-210 accommodates flat, curved, and textured solid surfaces—including plastics, coatings, textiles, ceramics, and printed media—with its 8 mm diameter measurement aperture. It is validated for use in GLP- and GMP-aligned laboratories where traceability and instrument qualification are required. All firmware and measurement algorithms comply with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for uncertainty estimation. The device carries China’s National Metrology Accreditation (CMC), confirming conformance to JJG 595–2019 verification regulations for colorimeters. Data integrity is preserved via hardware-enforced audit trails in the companion PC software, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when configured with user authentication and change logging.
Software & Data Management
The included Windows-compatible software provides comprehensive data governance capabilities: batch import/export (CSV, XLSX, PDF), statistical process control (SPC) charting (X-bar/R, Cp/Cpk), pass/fail threshold configuration, and customizable report templates. Each exported record includes embedded metadata—date/time stamp, operator ID, instrument serial number, calibration status, and environmental condition tags (if external hygrothermometer integration is enabled). Audit logs track all parameter changes, calibration events, and data deletions—enabling full forensic reconstruction during regulatory inspections. Software updates are delivered via signed firmware packages with SHA-256 hash verification.
Applications
- Paint & coating formulation validation against master standards in automotive OEM supply chains
- Plastic extrusion line monitoring for batch-to-batch hue consistency (e.g., ABS, PP, PC)
- Textile dye lot approval in apparel manufacturing per AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1
- Food packaging color stability testing under accelerated aging protocols (ASTM F2000)
- Pharmaceutical tablet coating uniformity assessment per USP visual attributes guidance
- Printing press color matching verification using ISO 12647-2 reference targets
- Whiteness and yellowness trending in paper, pulp, and detergent product development
FAQ
What metrological standards does the CS-210 conform to?
The instrument complies with ISO 13655 (spectral measurement geometry), CIE Publication 15:2018 (colorimetry), and JJG 595–2019 (Chinese national verification regulation for colorimeters). Its SCI mode aligns with ASTM D2244 for color difference reporting.
Can the CS-210 be used for non-flat surfaces?
Yes—the 8 mm aperture and integrated camera assist in positioning on gently curved or embossed surfaces; however, concave radii <25 mm may require fixture-based stabilization to maintain consistent geometry.
Is the Bluetooth module factory-installed or field-upgradable?
Bluetooth 5.0 is an optional factory-configured module; retrofitting post-purchase is not supported due to RF shielding and antenna integration constraints.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified for the CS-210?
Type A uncertainty (repeatability) is specified as ≤0.08 ΔE*ab (k=1) based on 30 replicate readings on NIST-traceable white ceramic tile under ISO 5725-2 conditions; Type B uncertainty derives from CMC-certified calibration chain traceability to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China).
Does the PC software support automated SPC alerting?
Yes—users can define dynamic control limits per color coordinate (e.g., L* ±0.3, a* ±0.2) with email/SNMP notifications triggered upon out-of-spec detection, configurable via ODBC-compliant database linkage.

