Konika-Minolta CR-20 Portable Color Difference Meter
| Brand | Konika-Minolta |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Instrument Type | Portable |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° integrating sphere |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon Lamp |
| Spectral Range | 360 nm – 750 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.1 (standard deviation) |
| Product Category | Color Difference Meter |
| Compliance | Designed for ISO 7724, CIE No. 15, ASTM E308, and JIS Z 8722 |
Overview
The Konika-Minolta CR-20 Portable Color Difference Meter is an entry-level, handheld spectrophotometric instrument engineered for rapid, repeatable color assessment in production environments, quality control labs, and field applications. It operates on the principle of diffuse illumination and 8° viewing geometry (d/8°), conforming to international standards for color measurement including ISO 7724-1, CIE Publication No. 15:2018, ASTM E308–22, and JIS Z 8722. The integrated pulsed xenon lamp provides stable, full-spectrum illumination across the visible range (360–750 nm), eliminating thermal drift and enabling consistent measurements without warm-up time. Unlike LED-based meters, the xenon source ensures spectral continuity and accurate representation of metamerism—critical for evaluating color matches under multiple illuminants. The CR-20 delivers tristimulus values (XYZ), chromaticity coordinates (x, y; L*a*b*, L*C*h), and delta-E metrics (ΔE*ab, ΔE00 optional via software update), supporting both single-point and multi-point averaging for heterogeneous surfaces.
Key Features
- Compact, ergonomic housing with intuitive one-button operation: power on → white calibration → measure → display.
- Integrated d/8° optical system with 8 mm measurement aperture, optimized for flat and slightly curved non-textured surfaces.
- Pulsed xenon lamp ensures high-intensity, flicker-free illumination with negligible heat generation—ideal for temperature-sensitive substrates.
- On-device display shows simultaneous results in multiple color spaces: CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h, XYZ, Yxy, and ΔE*ab against user-defined standard.
- Multi-point averaging mode allows up to 9 sequential readings per sample; device computes mean L*, a*, b*, and ΔE*ab with statistical deviation.
- Built-in memory stores up to 200 measurement records, each tagged with timestamp, sample ID, and reference standard.
- USB interface supports direct connection to Windows-based PCs for data export and firmware updates.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CR-20 is validated for use on opaque, non-fluorescent, matte-to-semi-gloss surfaces—including painted panels, plastic injection-molded parts, textiles, coated paper, and ceramic tiles. It is not intended for transparent, translucent, or highly specular samples without appropriate accessories (e.g., transmission cell or specular component exclusion port). All optical and electronic components comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Measurement traceability aligns with NIST-traceable calibration protocols using certified ceramic white tile standards (e.g., BCRA Series II). The instrument meets requirements for routine QC documentation under ISO 9001:2015 and supports audit-ready reporting when paired with Konika-Minolta’s optional SpectraMagic NX software.
Software & Data Management
The CR-20 interfaces natively with Konika-Minolta’s SpectraMagic NX v2.9+ (Windows only), enabling advanced data visualization, statistical process control (SPC) charting, tolerance zone mapping (ellipsoidal or rectangular), and batch report generation in PDF or CSV. Software logs all measurement events—including calibration history, operator ID, environmental conditions (if ambient sensor enabled), and audit trail metadata—facilitating compliance with GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with user authentication and electronic signature modules. Raw spectral reflectance data is not stored onboard but can be captured and exported via software during live connection. Optional Bluetooth adapter (CR-BT1) enables wireless data streaming to mobile devices running Konika-Minolta’s ColorEdge Mobile app.
Applications
- Automotive interior trim verification against OEM color standards (e.g., Ford ES-X1000, GMW14872).
- Plastics compounding QA: monitoring batch-to-batch consistency in pigment dispersion and masterbatch dilution.
- Printing and packaging: spot-checking CMYK overprint fidelity and substrate-dependent hue shift.
- Food packaging film color stability testing under accelerated aging (ASTM D4332 conditioning).
- Educational labs: teaching CIE colorimetry fundamentals, metamerism, and instrumental color difference interpretation.
FAQ
Does the CR-20 support inter-instrument agreement testing?
Yes—inter-instrument agreement is evaluated per ISO 13655:2017 using standardized ceramic tiles and reported as mean ΔE*ab across five instruments. Typical agreement is ≤0.25 ΔE*ab for L*a*b* under D65.
Can it measure fluorescent or UV-reactive materials?
No—the CR-20 lacks UV excitation capability and does not compensate for fluorescence. For such applications, consider the CM-700d or CM-3600A series with UV-adjustable illumination.
Is factory calibration certificate included?
A NIST-traceable calibration report (certified white tile + verification data) is supplied with each unit. Annual recalibration is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited service providers.
What battery options are available?
The CR-20 uses two AA alkaline batteries (approx. 3,000 measurements per set) or optional rechargeable Ni-MH pack (CR-BAT1) with USB charging cable.
Does it meet FDA or pharmaceutical color specification requirements?
While not specifically validated for USP or ICH Q5E, its repeatability (ΔE*ab ≤ 0.1) and compliance with ISO/CIE standards make it suitable for preliminary color release testing in non-sterile pharmaceutical packaging QC workflows.
