HK7

The HK7 LED-NIR spectrophotometer enables continuous color measurement during production based on the international CIE L*a*b* or ICUMSA color systems. This device measures the color and outputs it as a digital or analog value. It is particularly suitable for measuring products with a smooth, even surface and constant distance to the sensor, while coarse bulk material is unsuitable.

Features at a glance
  • Continuous color measurement: Enables continuous monitoring of color in production processes

  • CIELab/ICUMSA color space: Color values are calculated in the CIELab color space (brightness, red-green and yellow-blue axis)

  • LED illumination: For continuous measurement without the use of xenon flash lamps
  • Continuous lighting: LED technology ensures constant and long-lasting lighting (min. 10 years)

  • Precise output: Measured values are output via four separate channels: L*, a*, b*, and dE*

Product description

The HK7 LED-NIR spectrophotometer offers precise determination of product color in the visible range (390-720 nm) using controlled LED illumination, which ensures stable and accurate color measurement. It is crucial for the measurement that the surface of the product is smooth and even, as this is the only way to achieve accurate measurement results. For fine powder products, it is recommended to use a scraper to smooth the surface. The device is suitable for a wide range of materials such as metals, textiles, plastics and food and enables comprehensive color analysis. The color space coordinates L* (lightness), a* (red-green axis), b* (yellow-blue axis) and dE* (color deviation) are determined.

The measuring geometry of the HK7 corresponds to the standard 45°/0°, and the measuring spot has a diameter of approx. 60 mm at a distance of 100 mm. The standard illuminants D65, A and C as well as the standard observers 2° (1931) and 10° (1964) are used for correct color measurement. The color space corresponds to CIE Lab, while the spectral range extends from 390 nm to 720 nm and has a spectral resolution of 1.3 nm.

The HK7 is used in many industries where precise color measurement is required. Typical areas of application include the plastics industry, food industry, automotive industry, textile industry, chemical industry, printing industry, coating industry, cosmetics industry as well as specific applications such as chipboard coatings, painting of sheet metal, whiteness measurements in the sugar industry and in meat processing.

Variants of the HK7

The HK7 is available in different versions:

  • HK7-1: Basic equipment

  • HK7-2: Basic equipment + automatic white balance

  • HK7-3: Basic equipment + triple sensor

  • HK7-4: Basic equipment + 3x sensor + automatic white balance

LAB color wheel: Visualization of the color dimensions a* and b*

In this interactive visualization of the CIELAB colour space, you can see how colors behave along the a*-b* axes. The slider can be used to change the L* value (brightness), which adjusts the entire color wheel accordingly. This makes it clear how light and color interact in the LAB model.




What sets the HK7 apart

LED illumination

In contrast to spectrophotometers with xenon bulbs, LED technology offers true continuous measurement as the product is continuously illuminated.

High precision

Thanks to the automatic drift compensation of the lighting, accurate and reliable color values are delivered.

Versatility

Adaptable to many industries that require continuous and precise color measurement.

Easy handling

The user-friendly interface enables simple operation and calibration.

Technical data

Measuring method
Type of procedure:

VIS spectroscopy

Assembly technology

Stainless steel housing:

400 x 499 x 212 mm

Weight:

approx. 20 kg

Protection class:

IP66 / NEMA 4

Connections

Power supply:

85 – 265 V AC optional 24 V DC

Analog outputs:

2x 4 – 20 mA

PC interfaces:

RS 232 or RS 485

Digital inputs:

Ext. start/stop

PROFI-BUS-DP:

optional
User interface

Operation:

6 softkeys integrated in the membrane keypad

Display:

2x 24 characters with backlight

Temperature ranges

Ambient temperature:

-20 °C to +40 °C

Product temperature:

Seniors

Design:

Spectrophotometer sensors

Downloads

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