3nh ColorReader CR7 Smart Colour Meter – Measurement geometry: 8/d

The CR-series portable SpectroColorReaders combine a spectrophotometer and intelligent smartphone colour management in a compact, mobile measuring device. The CR7, CR8 and CR9 models combine modern grating spectroscopy, D/8 geometry and high-performance silicon photodiode arrays for precise and reproducible colour measurements in industry, laboratories and quality management.

The devices have been specially developed for professional colour control, colour difference analysis and colour management. With Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen operation and app integration, the CR models enable modern mobile colour communication and cloud-based colour management directly on site.

Model overview

CR7 SpectroColorReader – Basic Edition
D/8 geometry with SCI measurement
Single aperture Ø8 mm
Dual 24-sensor array
Repeatability ΔE*ab ≤ 0.1
Fixed focus positioning
Bluetooth app support
Ideal for mobile colour control and basic quality checks

CR8 SpectroColorReader – Professional Edition
D/8 geometry with SCI measurement
Selectable apertures Ø8 mm or Ø4 mm
Dual 32-sensor array
Repeatability ΔE*ab ≤ 0.04
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB
Mass storage and cloud colour management
Professional colour difference control and industrial colour management

CR9 SpectroColorReader – Advanced Edition
D/8 geometry with SCI/SCE technology
Dual apertures Ø8 mm + Ø4 mm
Dual 32-sensor array
Repeatability ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03
Integrated camera positioning
Integrated UV light source
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB
High-end solution for professional colorimetry and demanding industrial applications

Optical technology and sensor technology

All devices in the CR series utilise modern planar grating spectroscopy and diffuse D/8 geometry in accordance with international standards:

CIE No. 15
GB/T 3978
ISO 7724-1
ASTM E1164
DIN 5033 Part 7

Technical characteristics:

D/8 diffuse illumination with 8° viewing angle
Full-spectrum LED light source
Planar grating spectroscopy
Silicon photodiode arrays
Integrating sphere Ø40 mm
Capacitive 3.5" TFT touchscreen
Measurement time approx. 1.5 seconds

The high-performance sensor arrays ensure:

high measurement accuracy
consistent reproducibility
improved light sensitivity
high long-term stability
precise colour difference analysis

SCI/SCE technology

The CR7 and CR8 models operate using SCI (Specular Component Included) measurement. The CR9 model also supports SCI/SCE technology.

This allows the CR9 to:

Include or exclude specular components
reduce surface effects
enable more objective colour assessments
analyse textured materials more precisely

This technology is particularly suitable for:

Plastics
Paints
Coatings
Textiles
Printed products
Special effect surfaces

Flexible measurement apertures

The various aperture options enable flexible measurements on a wide variety of samples and surfaces.

CR7
Ø8 mm aperture

CR8
Choice of Ø8 mm or Ø4 mm

CR9
Dual aperture Ø8 mm + Ø4 mm

The small apertures are particularly suitable for:

small components
textured surfaces
textiles
edge areas
narrow print elements

Camera positioning and focus

The CR9 model features integrated camera positioning for precise target acquisition. The camera enables the measurement area to be aligned accurately in real time.

This reduces:

measurement errors are reduced
Small measurement areas are captured precisely
Increased measurement speed
improved repeatability of results

The CR7 and CR8 feature stabilised focus positioning for reliable routine applications.

Colour spaces and colour metrics

Supported colour spaces:

CIE LAB
XYZ
Yxy
LCh
CIE LUV
sRGB
DIN Lab99
Munsell

Supported colour difference formulas:

ΔE*ab
ΔE*uv
ΔE94
ΔE00
ΔEcmc
DINΔE99

Additional colour metrics for CR8 and CR9:

Whiteness Index
Yellowness Index
Metamerism Index
Colour Fastness
Staining Fastness
Opacity
Colour Card Search

Bluetooth app and cloud colour management

All models support modern mobile colour management via Bluetooth and a smartphone app.

APP features:

Colour card search
Cloud colour management
Colour difference analysis
PASS/FAIL evaluation
Colour comparison
Measurement data analysis
Creation of custom colour databases

With the app, users can:

Save colour inspirations
Archive colour data
Find similar colour charts
Communicate colour information on the go

Data storage and communication

CR7
500 standards
10,000 measured values
USB charging function

CR8
500 standards
10,000 readings
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB
APP mass storage

CR9
1,000 standards
30,000 readings
Bluetooth 5.0 + USB
APP mass storage

Applications

The CR series is suitable for:

Plastics industry
Electronics industry
Paints and coatings
Printing industry
Textiles and dyeing
Ceramics industry
Paper industry
Automotive industry
Cosmetics industry
Food industry

Typical applications:

Mobile quality control
Colour difference analysis
Incoming goods inspection
Production monitoring
Design and colour development
Colour management
Colour communication

Ergonomics and mobility

The devices have been specially developed for mobile industrial applications and offer:

ergonomic handheld design
capacitive touchscreen
low weight of approx. 460 g
lithium-ion battery
up to 6,000 measurements per charge

The full-spectrum LED light source enables:

over 3 million measurements
long service life
high long-term stability