NW-1 Desktop Colorimeter
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | NW-1 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The NW-1 Desktop Colorimeter is a compact, portable spectrophotometric color measurement instrument engineered for precision, repeatability, and operational simplicity in quality control and R&D environments. It operates on the principle of tristimulus colorimetry—measuring reflected or transmitted light using standardized CIE illuminants (C and D65) and observer angles (2° and 10°)—to compute color coordinates and whiteness indices in accordance with internationally recognized optical metrology frameworks. Designed for immediate deployment without warm-up time, the NW-1 employs a stable halogen lamp (3 V / 500 mA) as its broadband visible-light source and integrates a calibrated silicon photodiode sensor array optimized for JIS Z 8722–compliant geometry: 45° annular illumination with vertical (0°) viewing—ensuring consistent angular response across diverse surface textures. Its lightweight chassis (0.8 kg, excluding batteries) and battery-powered architecture enable flexible use across production floors, laboratories, and field inspection points.
Key Features
- Instant operation: No preheating required; powered on and ready for measurement within seconds.
- Single-button interface for reference setting, averaging (up to 20 readings), and data storage—optimized for operator efficiency in high-throughput QC workflows.
- Integrated temperature sensor continuously monitors ambient conditions and triggers on-screen alerts when thermal drift exceeds calibration stability thresholds—supporting traceable measurement integrity.
- Automatic power management: Enters low-power sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity; resumes instantly upon button press.
- Optical configuration compliant with JIS Z 8722 (45°/0° geometry), supporting both CIE 2° and 10° standard observers under C and D65 illuminants.
- Robust mechanical design: Compact footprint (200 × 70 × 68 mm), IP-rated housing for dust resistance, and shock-absorbing rubberized feet for benchtop stability.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NW-1 accommodates solid, liquid, powder, and paste samples via its fixed 10 mm aperture (Φ10 mm), enabling direct surface reflectance measurements without auxiliary fixtures. It meets the geometric and spectral requirements of multiple national and international standards, including JIS Z 8722 (color measurement geometry), JIS Z 8701 (color terms and definitions), JIS Z 8730 (whiteness evaluation), JIS K 7103 (plastics color assessment), JIS P 8123 (paper whiteness), ASTM D985-50 (pigment whiteness), ASTM E308 (CIE system computation), ASTM E313 (yellowness index), ISO 105-J02 (textile colorfastness), and JIS L 1074 (whiteness methods: Hunter and dual-wavelength). Its performance validation—ΔE* ≤ 0.1 after 20 repeated measurements on a certified white reference tile—demonstrates compliance with GLP-aligned reproducibility expectations for routine color verification.
Software & Data Management
The NW-1 supports bidirectional RS-232C communication for integration with Windows-based data acquisition systems. Optional bundled software enables real-time spectral logging, statistical analysis (mean, SD, min/max), pass/fail thresholding against master references, and export to CSV or Excel formats. All stored measurements include timestamp, sample ID, illuminant/observer selection, and full parameter set (XYZ, Yxy, L*a*b*, CIELAB ΔE*, YI, WB, W*, WH, WT, WV, Tw, and their respective deltas). Audit-trail functionality—including user login tracking and edit history—is available when deployed with validated software packages compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for regulated industries.
Applications
- Quality assurance in paint, ink, and coating manufacturing—verifying batch-to-batch color consistency per ASTM D2244.
- Plastics and polymer processing—monitoring yellowness index (YI) and whiteness (WB, W*) during extrusion and molding per JIS K 7103.
- Paper and board production—evaluating brightness and whiteness per JIS P 8123 and ISO 2470-1.
- Textile dyeing and finishing—assessing color deviation from standards under D65 daylight simulation per ISO 105-J02.
- Food and pharmaceutical packaging—validating label and substrate color fidelity in GMP-compliant environments.
- R&D labs conducting comparative reflectance studies on matte, glossy, or textured surfaces where 45°/0° geometry minimizes specular interference.
FAQ
What illuminants and observers does the NW-1 support?
The instrument supports CIE Standard Illuminant C and D65 with both 2° and 10° standard observer functions, configured per JIS Z 8722.
Is the NW-1 suitable for measuring transparent liquids?
Yes—when used with optional transmission accessories (e.g., cuvette holder), it can perform transmittance-based colorimetry in compliance with ASTM E308 and ISO 11664-4.
Does the device require annual recalibration?
While not mandatory, NIST-traceable recalibration every 12 months is recommended to maintain accuracy within stated specifications, particularly in regulated environments.
Can measurement data be exported to LIMS systems?
Yes—via RS-232C and compatible Windows software, raw and processed data can be formatted for direct ingestion into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) supporting ASCII or CSV protocols.
What battery life can be expected during continuous use?
Using four AA alkaline cells, the NW-1 delivers approximately 8 hours of active measurement time at room temperature, with standby current draw below 10 µA.
