Lasertec CM-25cG Portable Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Lasertec CM-25cG Portable Spectrophotometer is an engineered solution for high-fidelity color and gloss measurement in industrial quality control environments—particularly where surface texture, directional reflectance, and visual correlation are critical. Operating on the CIE-compliant 45°c:0° optical geometry (45° circumferential illumination with 0° vertical viewing), the CM-25cG eliminates specular reflection from structured or textured surfaces—enabling chromatic data that closely aligns with human visual perception under standardized lighting conditions. This geometry is widely specified in automotive OEM standards for interior trim evaluation and is referenced in ISO 7724-1, JIS Z 8722, and ASTM E179 for diffuse reflectance characterization. Integrated into the same optical path is a dedicated 60° gloss sensor compliant with ISO 2813, ASTM D523, and JIS Z 8741, allowing simultaneous acquisition of spectral reflectance and gloss metrics without repositioning the instrument. The device employs a dual-row 40-element silicon photodiode array coupled with a plane diffraction grating, delivering full-spectrum capture from 360 nm to 740 nm at 10 nm nominal resolution (FWHM ≈ 10 nm). Its pulse xenon lamp excitation ensures stable, UV-inclusive illumination across repeated measurements—essential for evaluating fluorescent or optically brightened materials common in textiles (e.g., EN 471 high-visibility garments) and automotive soft-touch polymers.

Key Features

• True 45°c:0° optical architecture with integrated real-time observation window—enabling precise sample alignment and eliminating operator-induced positioning error.
• Simultaneous spectral and 60° gloss measurement in a single press—reducing cycle time and inter-parameter misregistration.
• Dual measurement apertures: MAV (Ø8.0 mm) and SAV (Ø3.0 mm), supporting both bulk material assessment and localized defect analysis on patterned or multi-material substrates.
• High-stability pulse xenon light source with white LED auxiliary—ensuring consistent spectral output across UV–VIS range and extended lamp lifetime.
• 2.7″ TFT color LCD with graphical + numeric display modes—supporting real-time spectral plots, CIELAB vector overlays, pass/fail thresholds, and simulated color rendering.
• Repeatability of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.04 (standard deviation over 30 measurements on certified white tile) and inter-instrument agreement of ΔE*ab ≤ 0.15 (BCRA Series II reference set), meeting stringent OEM color tolerance requirements.
• Bluetooth® 4.2 (optional) and USB 2.0 connectivity—enabling direct integration into centralized QC databases and automated reporting workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CM-25cG is validated for use across heterogeneous, non-uniform, and optically complex surfaces—including brushed metal, grain-textured leather, matte-finish plastics, and woven high-visibility fabrics. Its 45°c:0° geometry inherently suppresses directional bias, making it suitable for angularly sensitive materials where traditional 0°/45° or d/8° geometries yield inconsistent results. Regulatory and industry-standard compliance includes ISO 7724-1 (colorimetry), ISO 2813 (gloss), ASTM D523 (specular gloss), JIS Z 8741 (gloss), and JIS K 5600 (paints and varnishes). For regulated environments, raw measurement data—including timestamps, instrument ID, calibration history, and spectral scans—can be exported via SpectraMagic™ DX software with audit-trail capability compatible with GLP/GMP documentation practices. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, the system supports electronic signature-ready data export when deployed with validated SpectraMagic™ DX configurations.

Software & Data Management

SpectraMagic™ DX software (Windows-based, optional) provides full spectral database management, statistical process control (SPC) charting, multi-instrument comparison, and customizable report generation. It supports dual-illuminant evaluation (e.g., D65 vs. A), advanced color difference formulas (ΔE00, CMC, DIN99o), whiteness/yellowness indices (ASTM E313, ISO brightness), and Munsell conversion. All spectral data is stored in open-format .spc files, enabling third-party integration with LIMS or MES platforms. Firmware updates, user-defined tolerances, and instrument diagnostics are managed directly through the software interface. Bluetooth-enabled units support wireless batch transfer of up to 7,500 measurements per device—retaining full metadata including GPS-tagged location (when paired with mobile host), operator ID, and environmental logging (temperature/humidity if external sensors are connected).

Applications

• Automotive interior validation: seat fabrics, door panels, dashboard trims, and headliners—per OEM specifications requiring concurrent color and gloss verification.
• Textile quality assurance: EN 471-compliant high-visibility apparel, where chromaticity stability under varying gloss conditions affects photometric performance.
• Coatings & paints: batch-to-batch consistency checks for automotive refinish, architectural coatings, and industrial powder coatings—especially on textured or metallic-effect finishes.
• Plastics & composites: color matching of injection-molded components with surface texturing, soft-touch additives, or pearlescent pigments.
• R&D labs: correlation studies between instrumental color values and perceptual acceptability under controlled viewing conditions.

FAQ

What does “45°c:0°” mean in the optical specification?
It denotes 45° circumferential illumination (light delivered uniformly from all azimuthal angles at 45° incidence) with detection at 0° (normal to the surface). This geometry excludes specular reflectance, yielding colorimetric data highly correlated with visual assessment.
Can the CM-25cG measure both color and gloss in one operation?
Yes—both spectral reflectance and 60° gloss values are acquired synchronously during a single measurement cycle without manual switching or recalibration.
Is the instrument suitable for measuring curved or recessed surfaces?
The compact form factor (81 × 81 × 224 mm) and built-in observation window facilitate stable placement on contoured automotive parts; however, radii less than 25 mm may require optional target masks for aperture definition.
Does the device comply with FDA or pharmaceutical color standards?
While not designed specifically for USP or FDA color release testing, its CIE-compliant optics and traceable calibration support method development for pharmaceutical film coatings or capsule shells when validated per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
How is calibration maintained across multiple instruments in a production line?
Inter-instrument agreement is ensured via factory calibration against BCRA Series II tiles and maintained using included ceramic calibration standards; SpectraMagic™ DX enables cross-unit deviation mapping and drift trending over time.