X-Rite Ci64 Portable Spectrophotometer

Overview

The X-Rite Ci64 Portable Spectrophotometer is a precision-engineered, handheld color measurement instrument designed for industrial-grade color quality control across manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain environments. Operating on the principle of diffuse d/8° geometry with integrated sphere illumination and spectral reflectance acquisition (360–740 nm, 10 nm resolution), the Ci64 delivers CIE-compliant tristimulus values (L*a*b*, L*C*h°, XYZ, Yxy) and advanced color difference metrics (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, ΔEcmc) under standardized illuminants (D65, A, F2, etc.) and observer conditions (2° or 10°). Its modular optical aperture system—supporting interchangeable 4 mm / 6.5 mm, 8 mm / 14 mm, and fixed 14 mm / 20 mm configurations—enables rigorous adaptation to diverse sample geometries, surface textures, and industry-specific measurement standards. Engineered for field-deployable robustness without compromising laboratory-grade accuracy, the Ci64 meets critical performance benchmarks defined by ASTM E308 (computing color from spectral data), ISO/CIE 11664-4 (colorimetric observers), and ISO 7724-1 (instrumental color measurement principles), making it suitable for auditable quality systems in regulated sectors including automotive coatings, plastics extrusion, textile dyeing, and packaging print.

Key Features

• Modular aperture system with three optical path options: 4 mm measuring spot / 6.5 mm target window, 8 mm / 14 mm, or fixed 14 mm / 20 mm—enabling compliance with ASTM D2244 (small-area measurement), ISO 2813 (gloss-inclusive mode), and customer-specific SOPs.
• Tungsten halogen illumination ensures stable spectral output across extended operational cycles and ambient temperature fluctuations (15–30 °C operating range).
• Inter-instrument agreement validated per BCRA Series II reference tiles: ≤0.13 ΔE*ab avg. (8 mm/14 mm or 14 mm/20 mm apertures, SCI mode), supporting multi-site color harmonization and cross-facility calibration traceability.
• Short-term repeatability of ≤0.04 ΔE*ab (measured on NIST-traceable white ceramic tile) confirms high intra-unit stability for QC pass/fail decision-making.
• Integrated Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enable direct synchronization with X-Rite Color iMatch™, ColorCert®, and third-party LIMS or MES platforms—supporting automated data logging, version-controlled calibration history, and electronic signature workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated software modules.
• Ruggedized magnesium alloy housing, IP54-rated ingress protection, and drop-tested construction (1 m onto concrete) ensure durability in factory-floor and warehouse environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Ci64 accommodates flat, curved, textured, translucent, and metallic substrates—including painted automotive panels, injection-molded plastic housings, woven and knitted textiles, coated paperboard, and powder-coated metal surfaces. Its dual-beam optical design compensates for minor sample positioning variance, while the inclusion of both Specular Component Included (SCI) and Specular Component Excluded (SCE) measurement modes allows differentiation between total reflectance (for formulation matching) and surface appearance (for visual acceptability assessment). The instrument conforms to ISO 13655 (spectral measurement geometry), ISO 2471 (opacity), and ASTM D313 (yellowness index), and its calibration traceability is maintained through NIST-traceable ceramic standards (black, white, green) supplied with each unit. Optional QA mode supports real-time deviation alerts against master tolerances (e.g., ±0.5 ΔE00), facilitating inline process monitoring without requiring operator interpretation.

Software & Data Management

The Ci64 operates natively with X-Rite’s cloud-connected Color iQ™ mobile application (iOS/Android) and desktop-based Color iMatch™ v7.5+ for spectral database management, formulation prediction, and statistical process control (SPC) charting. All measurements are timestamped, geotagged (via paired smartphone), and stored with full metadata—including aperture selection, illuminant/observer, measurement mode (SCI/SCE), operator ID, and environmental sensor readings (optional ambient light/temperature module). Audit trails comply with GLP and GMP documentation requirements, recording every calibration event, firmware update, and user-initiated configuration change. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and CxF/X (Color Exchange Format), enabling seamless integration into enterprise quality management systems (QMS) and digital twin frameworks for predictive color deviation modeling.

Applications

• Automotive: In-line verification of paint film color consistency across body panels; validation of repair touch-up matches against OEM master standards.
• Plastics: Monitoring color drift during extrusion, injection molding, and compounding; batch-to-batch comparison of pigment dispersion homogeneity.
• Textiles & Apparel: Shade sorting of dyed yarns and fabrics; evaluation of metamerism under multiple illuminants (D65, A, TL84).
• Packaging: Spot-checking flexographic and gravure print color fidelity on corrugated board, foil-laminated films, and shrink sleeves.
• Coatings & Inks: Supporting R&D labs in correlating spectral curves with rheological behavior and pigment particle size distribution (when paired with complementary analytical instrumentation).

FAQ

Does the Ci64 support measurement of transparent or translucent materials?
Yes—the instrument’s large-aperture configurations (8 mm/14 mm and 14 mm/20 mm) combined with backside white backing support accurate transmission-mode measurements for clear films, bottles, and liquid samples when used with optional transmission accessories.
Can Ci64 data be integrated into SAP QM or Oracle Quality modules?
Yes—via standard RESTful API endpoints provided in Color iMatch™ Enterprise Edition, enabling bidirectional synchronization of measurement records, tolerance limits, and non-conformance reports.
Is firmware upgrade capability available over-the-air?
Firmware updates require local connection via USB or Bluetooth and must be initiated through X-Rite’s authorized service portal; no remote OTA updates are supported for security and regulatory compliance reasons.
What is the recommended recalibration interval for production-critical use?
X-Rite recommends daily verification using supplied calibration standards and full recalibration every 12 months by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited service center—documentation retained as part of quality system audits.
Does the Ci64 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records?
When deployed with Color iMatch™ Enterprise Edition configured for audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and role-based access control, the system satisfies core Part 11 criteria; formal validation documentation is provided upon request for regulated pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.