Lovibond TG268 Gloss Meter

Overview

The Lovibond TG268 Gloss Meter is a high-precision, tri-angle automatic gloss measurement instrument engineered for rigorous quality control in coatings, plastics, automotive finishes, printed materials, and architectural surfaces. Based on the principle of specular reflectance—measuring the ratio of reflected luminous flux at a defined geometry relative to a calibrated reference standard—the TG268 delivers traceable, repeatable gloss quantification across three industry-standard angles: 20° (high-gloss), 60° (medium-gloss), and 85° (low-gloss/matte). Its optical architecture conforms to CIE 1931 photometric standards with Illuminant C spectral distribution, ensuring metrological consistency with international calibration protocols. Designed and manufactured under strict quality management systems in the UK, the instrument meets the physical and performance requirements of ISO 2813, ASTM D523, ASTM D2457, and GB/T 9754, making it suitable for laboratories operating under GLP, ISO/IEC 17025, or IATF 16949 frameworks.

Key Features

• Tri-angle auto-detection: Automatically identifies and applies the appropriate angle (20°, 60°, or 85°) based on measured gloss value—eliminating manual selection errors and streamlining multi-angle workflows.
• High-resolution 3.5″ capacitive TFT touchscreen: Enables intuitive navigation, real-time graphical display of up to five consecutive readings, and on-device statistical analysis (mean, SD, min/max, CPK).
• Large-area uniformity assessment: Continuous measurement mode supports rapid scanning across extended surfaces (e.g., automotive panels or sheeted substrates), capturing spatial variation with synchronized timestamping and geotagged indexing.
• Robust mechanical design: Ergonomic contouring and low center-of-gravity housing ensure stable contact pressure and consistent probe-to-surface alignment—critical for minimizing measurement drift caused by operator variability.
• Extended battery life and dual-interface connectivity: 3200 mAh Li-ion battery sustains >10,000 single measurements per full charge; USB and RS-232 ports enable direct integration into automated QA stations or LIMS environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TG268 accommodates flat, curved, textured, and flexible substrates—including painted metal, injection-molded polymers, laminated films, and coated paper—without requiring surface preparation beyond standard cleaning. Its variable aperture sizes (10×10 mm at 20°, 9×15 mm at 60°, 5×36 mm at 85°) optimize signal-to-noise ratio across gloss ranges while maintaining compliance with the minimum sample area stipulations of ISO 2813. All factory calibrations are NIST-traceable via Lovibond’s UK-based Metrology Lab, and instrument verification is supported by certified ceramic gloss standards (10 GU, 100 GU, 900 GU). The device satisfies regulatory data integrity requirements through built-in electronic signatures, time-stamped audit logs, and non-erasable memory architecture—fully compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when used with OnShade software in validated configurations.

Software & Data Management

The included OnShade QC software provides comprehensive data governance for regulated environments. It supports user-level access control, electronic batch records, customizable pass/fail thresholds, SPC chart generation (X̄-R, Cpk), and automated PDF/CSV report export with embedded metadata (operator ID, calibration status, environmental conditions). Raw measurement files retain full traceability—including individual reading timestamps, angle identifiers, and instrument serial number—enabling retrospective root-cause analysis during internal audits or customer-facing quality reviews. Data synchronization between handheld and desktop platforms occurs via encrypted USB transfer or optional Wi-Fi dongle (sold separately), ensuring seamless alignment with enterprise QMS platforms such as TrackWise or MasterControl.

Applications

• Automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers validating paint gloss consistency across body panels, bumpers, and interior trims.
• Coatings manufacturers verifying batch-to-batch reproducibility of solvent-based, waterborne, and powder formulations.
• Plastics processors monitoring extrusion and thermoforming surface finish for aesthetic and functional conformity.
• Printing and packaging facilities assessing varnish, lamination, and metallization gloss uniformity across roll-fed substrates.
• Academic and contract testing labs performing third-party conformance testing against ISO, ASTM, or customer-specific specifications.

FAQ

Does the TG268 require annual recalibration?
Yes—Lovibond recommends annual recalibration by an accredited service center to maintain traceability to national standards. Internal verification using supplied reference tiles should be performed before each shift.
Can the TG268 measure curved surfaces?
It is optimized for flat or gently curved surfaces (radius ≥50 mm); for highly contoured geometries, use the optional articulating probe adapter (Part No. TG-PROB-ART) to maintain perpendicular incidence.
Is OnShade software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when deployed with enabled electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and role-based permissions, OnShade meets core technical requirements for electronic records and signatures in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
What is the warranty coverage?
The TG268 carries a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use.
How does the instrument handle ambient light interference?
The optical head incorporates a synchronized pulsed LED source and narrow-band filtering that rejects ambient irradiance >99.7%, enabling reliable operation under typical factory lighting (≤1000 lux) without shielding enclosures.