X-Rite Ci64 Portable Spectrophotometer

Overview

The X-Rite Ci64 Portable Spectrophotometer is a high-precision, field-deployable spectrophotometric color measurement instrument engineered for industrial-grade color quality control across diverse manufacturing environments. Based on diffuse d/8° geometry with integrated sphere illumination and spectral acquisition across the visible range (400–700 nm at 10 nm intervals), the Ci64 delivers CIE-compliant tristimulus values (CIE L*a*b*, L*C*h, XYZ, Yxy) and color difference metrics (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, ΔE94) under multiple illuminants (D65, A, F2, etc.) and observer angles (2° and 10°). Its optical architecture incorporates a tungsten-halogen light source with stable spectral output and temperature-compensated detector array, ensuring consistent performance across ambient conditions from 10°C to 40°C and relative humidity up to 85% non-condensing. Designed for use in production lines, supplier audits, R&D labs, and retail floor evaluations, the Ci64 supports both specular component included (SCI) and excluded (SCE) measurement modes—critical for evaluating textured, coated, or metallic surfaces where gloss and surface structure influence perceived color.

Key Features

• Three interchangeable aperture configurations: 4 mm/6.5 mm (for small features or fine-detail substrates), 8 mm/14 mm (standard for most industrial QC tasks), and fixed 14 mm/20 mm (optimized for low-variance averaging on heterogeneous or granular materials)
• Proven inter-instrument agreement: ≤0.13 ΔE*ab average across 12 BCRA Series II reference tiles (8 mm/14 mm or 14 mm/20 mm apertures, SCI mode), meeting ISO 13655:2017 requirements for spectrophotometer consistency
• Short-term repeatability of ≤0.04 ΔE*ab (measured on certified white tile, 10 readings, 5-second interval), enabling robust statistical process control (SPC) implementation
• Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity for real-time data streaming to mobile devices, tablets, or desktop workstations—fully compatible with X-Rite’s Color iQC and Color iMatch software suites
• Ruggedized magnesium alloy housing rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance; drop-tested to 1.2 m per MIL-STD-810G, ensuring durability in factory-floor and warehouse settings
• Battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge (Li-ion), with hot-swap capability via dual-bay smart charger—minimizing downtime during extended shift operations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Ci64 accommodates flat, curved, textured, and flexible substrates—including painted automotive panels, injection-molded plastics, textile swatches, printed packaging, and powder-coated metal. Its spring-loaded measurement head maintains consistent pressure (1.5–2.5 N) and contact geometry regardless of operator technique, reducing human-induced variability. All measurements comply with ASTM E308 (computing tristimulus values), ISO/CIE 11664 (colorimetric fundamentals), and ISO 13655:2017 (spectral measurement practices). The instrument supports audit-ready data capture with timestamp, GPS location (via paired mobile device), operator ID, and measurement condition metadata—enabling traceability aligned with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with validated software workflows.

Software & Data Management

Out-of-the-box integration with X-Rite’s NetProfiler enables automated instrument characterization, diagnostic reporting, and remote firmware updates. When deployed with Color iQC, the Ci64 supports full GLP/GMP-aligned workflows: user authentication, electronic signatures, change control logs, and audit trails for all measurement sessions and parameter modifications. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and industry-standard CxF/X (Color Exchange Format) for seamless import into ERP, MES, or PLM systems. Customizable pass/fail tolerances can be assigned per job, material group, or customer specification—supporting multi-tiered QC protocols without requiring reconfiguration between production lots.

Applications

• Automotive: In-line paint verification, trim component matching, and supplier color gate approval
• Plastics & Polymers: Batch-to-batch consistency checks for extruded profiles, molded parts, and masterbatch validation
• Textiles & Apparel: Shade sorting across dye lots, lab dip approvals, and retail floor color audits
• Printing & Packaging: Spot color verification, substrate compensation, and brand color compliance (e.g., PANTONE®, DIC, TOYO)
• Coatings & Inks: Formulation support, weathering stability assessment, and gloss-color correlation studies
• Consumer Electronics: Anodized aluminum, IMR films, and matte/gloss hybrid finishes on enclosures and displays

FAQ

What aperture size should I select for my application?
For general-purpose QC on smooth surfaces (e.g., painted panels or plastic housings), the 8 mm/14 mm aperture provides optimal balance of precision and sampling area. Use 4 mm/6.5 mm for small-diameter parts or intricate patterns; reserve 14 mm/20 mm for coarse-textured materials like leather, carpet, or powdered coatings.
Does the Ci64 support measurement on curved or irregular surfaces?
Yes—the articulating measurement head and compliant foot design allow stable contact on radii down to 25 mm. For highly contoured geometries, optional contour adapters are available to maintain perpendicular alignment and consistent pressure.
Can measurement data be integrated into our existing ERP or LIMS system?
Yes—via Color iQC’s configurable ODBC and REST API interfaces, raw spectral data, colorimetric results, and metadata can be exported directly into SAP, Oracle, LabVantage, or custom-built platforms.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
All factory calibrations are performed using NIST-traceable ceramic standards. Users receive a Certificate of Calibration documenting uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025:2017, valid for 12 months under normal operating conditions.
How does the Ci64 ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
When operated with validated Color iQC software (version 7.3+), the system enforces role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—fulfilling electronic record and signature requirements for regulated pharmaceutical, medical device, and food packaging applications.