X-Rite Incorporated has introduced its VS450 spectrophotometer that enables laboratories to accurately control color quality by measuring a wide range of wet and dry samples without touching test surfaces.
The main benefits of the VS450 are:
- Ability to measure samples at a distance without contact, permitting technicians to easily measure cosmetics, wet paint, soil samples and other wet or powdered substrates that prove difficult for instruments that use contact technology
- Line of Sight™ visibility enables technicians to quickly and easily position the sample for measurement
- Active Visual Targeting™ projects a prominent illuminated target ring onto the sample for precise and accurate measurements
- Two aperture sizes of 6mm and 12mm that can easily and quickly be switched with the click of a button, without the need to recalibrate the instrument
- Integrated gloss sensor for gloss measurements on wet and dry samples
- Versatile design improves measurement capabilities on two and three-dimensional objects
- Best-in-class colour accuracy and repeatability
“The VS450 is an industry-changing technology for colour measurement and quality control,” says Kenneth Phillips, product manager in X-Rites Industrial Colour and Appearance Division that developed the instrument. “It is a response to demand from customers operating in industries as varied as the manufacture of cosmetics, paints and chemicals - even unique applications like soil sampling - that have asked for a cost-effective and precise way to measure samples without special sample apparatus, such as Petri dishes or cuvettes.”
Accurate non-contact colour measurement
The VS450 can measure test surfaces of materials such as powders, liquids, pastes and suede leather in their natural, unaltered states to yield better ‘truer’ results. Unlike hand-held or benchtop spectrophotometers currently used in laboratories that must physically contact the sample with the viewing port, the VS450 measures any sample accurately from a distance of about 38mm (1.5 inches). Prior technology relied on pressing glass or clear plastic over test surfaces to protect the instruments from being contaminated by the test samples and altering the test data.
“Not only can the VS450 directly measure wet or powdered samples without contact, but also it provides an easy and effective way to measure and QC samples such as plastic plaques, which can be tedious and time consuming with today’s contact-based devices,” Phillips said.
Consistent data
The instrument is repeatable to 0.025 dEab when used with its 12mm aperture, which means data is consistent when the instrument measures the same part in the same place. Phillips said the VC450 instrument is an extension of the company’s VeriColor® Spectro™ non-contact spectrophotometer, which set the standard two years ago for online non-contact color measurement in demanding industrial applications. The VS450 uses 45/0° geometry and correlates well with other 45/0° instruments and databases.
Targeting the correct sample area
The VS450 also tackles the problem of incorrect data when the measurement is taken in the wrong sample area. The VS450 allows technicians to quickly and easily position the instrument over a sample using its Line of Sight™ design and Active Visual Targeting™ feature, which projects either a 6mm (1/4-inch) or a 12mm (1/2-inch) diameter illuminated ring on to the sample to target the desired measurement area.
Accurate gloss measurements
The VS450 has advanced optics and sensors that accurately measure gloss as well as colors. When used with X-Rite’s iMatch formulation software, the VS450 can help to speed up the initial formulation process because the instrument can compensate for the difference in appearance between dry and wet samples. “This feature is valuable in providing increased throughput when formulating new colors or QC testing production samples that would normally have to be dried for 24 to 72 hours before a color measurement can be taken,” says Phillips.
Employing the same technology as the VeriColor Spectro instrument, the VS450 uses light-emitting diodes (LEDS), which are more efficient and more stable than typical gas-filled illumination sources such as halogen and tungsten. With a predicted life of more than 20 million flashes - many more than illumination systems that rely on flash tubes - LEDs provide accurate results for years before needing replacement.
Ambient light detection
The VS450 also detects and ignores ambient light, such as incandescent, fluorescent or sodium vapor illumination, which can greatly affect results when samples are not positioned properly with prior contact-based technology.
Weighing about five pounds, the VS450 takes up little room on a laboratory work bench and can be quickly positioned on its feet or on its side to measure odd-shaped or bulky samples.
X-Rite has already received orders from customers for the VS450 from major companies worldwide. “We are extremely satisfied with the positive response to this new product,” says Phillips.
