Linshang LS173 Colorimeter Troubleshooting Why Color Measurement Results Are Different Malaysia
Linshang LS173 Colorimeter Troubleshooting – Why Color Measurement Results Are Different Malaysia
When using a portable colorimeter, users sometimes encounter a common problem:
“Why do I get different readings when I measure the same sample?”
This does not automatically mean that the colorimeter is faulty.
Color measurement results can be affected by the sample itself, measurement position, surface condition and the way the measurement is performed.
The Linshang LS173 Portable Colorimeter is designed for objective color measurement and color difference comparison, but as with any measuring instrument, a consistent measurement procedure is important for obtaining repeatable results.
For QA and QC teams in Malaysia, understanding these common causes can help improve routine color inspection.
1. You Are Measuring Different Locations
One of the first things to check is the measurement position.
A product may appear uniform to the eye while still having small color differences across its surface.
For example:
Measurement Point A → Result A
Measurement Point B → Result B
Measurement Point C → Result C
If different operators measure different locations, their readings may not be directly comparable.
For routine QC, define a consistent measurement location whenever possible.
2. The Sample Is Not Uniform
Some materials naturally have more variation than others.
Examples may include:
Textured surfaces
Fabric
Wood
Printed materials
Moulded components with surface variation
Non-uniform coatings
For these materials, one measurement may not adequately represent the whole sample.
A QC procedure may require several measurements at defined positions.
The results should then be interpreted according to the characteristics of the actual product.
3. The Surface Is Dirty
Dust, fingerprints, oil, moisture or other contamination can affect the surface being measured.
Before measurement, check that the sample area is suitable and representative.
This is particularly important when comparing a production sample with a master that has been stored for a long period.
The objective is to compare the actual surfaces—not contamination on those surfaces.
4. The Master Sample Has Changed
An approved master is not necessarily permanent.
Depending on the material and storage conditions, reference samples may change because of:
UV exposure
Heat
Dirt
Aging
Chemical exposure
Surface damage
Handling
If the master sample changes, every future comparison may also be affected.
Companies should therefore control and protect important reference samples appropriately.
5. The Sample Is Curved or Irregular
Measurement is generally easier when the instrument can be positioned consistently against the sample.
Curved, small or irregular components may make repeatable positioning more difficult.
If the instrument is placed differently for every measurement, results may vary.
Before purchasing or establishing a QC procedure, consider whether the physical sample is suitable for the intended measurement method.
6. Operators Are Using Different Procedures
Suppose three QC inspectors use the same instrument.
Operator A: Measures the centre.
Operator B: Measures near the edge.
Operator C: Takes three readings from different locations.
Even with the same LS173, their results may not be directly comparable because their procedures are different.
The solution is not simply to buy another instrument.
The company should establish a consistent measurement SOP.
7. Measurement Orientation Is Changing
For some materials, surface direction or texture may influence measurement repeatability.
If the sample is measured in different orientations, the results may vary.
Where relevant, the QC procedure should define:
Measurement position
Sample orientation
Instrument orientation
Number of measurements
Consistency is critical.
8. The Surface Texture Is Different
Two samples may have similar base colors but different textures.
For example:
Sample A → Smooth
Sample B → Textured
The visual appearance can differ significantly.
Surface texture should therefore be considered when interpreting color measurement results.
If the production process changes the texture as well as the color, the QC team should investigate both factors.
9. Color and Gloss Are Being Confused
Sometimes users say:
“The color looks different.”
But the actual difference may be gloss.
For example, two black plastic parts may have similar colors, while one is matte and the other is glossy.
A colorimeter evaluates color characteristics and color differences.
A gloss meter evaluates surface gloss.
If visual appearance differs despite similar color measurements, gloss may be another parameter worth checking.
10. Coating Thickness May Also Affect the Process
For painted or coated components, users may need to consider more than color.
Depending on the application:
Colorimeter → Color
Gloss Meter → Gloss
Coating Thickness Gauge → Coating Thickness
If a coating process changes, several appearance or quality parameters may change together.
Troubleshooting should therefore consider the complete manufacturing process.
11. You Are Comparing Different Materials
Two samples can appear visually similar but be made from different materials.
For example:
Painted metal
Colored plastic
Printed paper
Their surface characteristics can be very different.
When establishing acceptance criteria, make sure the reference and production samples represent the intended material and manufacturing process.
12. Your Delta E Limit May Be Incorrect
Another common problem is assuming that one Delta E limit should apply to every product.
Delta E (ΔE) indicates the measured difference between two colors.
Generally:
Lower ΔE = smaller difference
Higher ΔE = greater difference
However, acceptable tolerances depend on the actual application.
A suitable criterion for one product may be inappropriate for another.
Acceptance limits should be established according to customer requirements, materials, product specifications and internal QC standards.
13. Visual Inspection and Instrument Reading Do Not Agree
Sometimes the instrument indicates a small color difference, but the operator believes the samples look noticeably different.
At other times, the instrument detects a difference that the operator finds difficult to see.
This does not automatically mean one method is wrong.
Visual appearance may also be influenced by:
Gloss
Texture
Lighting
Surface finish
Surrounding colors
Sample geometry
A complete investigation should consider both instrumental data and visual appearance.
14. Why D/8 Measurement Helps
The Linshang LS173 uses D/8 optical geometry, referring to diffuse illumination with an 8-degree viewing geometry.
Controlled optical measurement helps reduce some of the variability associated with ordinary visual inspection.
However, controlled instrument geometry does not eliminate the need for good sample preparation and consistent measurement procedures.
15. Take Repeat Measurements
If a result appears unusual, repeat the measurement.
For suitable samples, you may consider:
Measurement 1
Measurement 2
Measurement 3
If the readings remain consistent, confidence in the measurement is improved.
If the readings vary significantly, investigate the sample, position and measurement procedure.
16. Compare Against the Correct Master
In factories with many product models or colors, using the wrong reference can create obvious problems.
Master samples should be clearly identified.
Consider recording:
Product model
Color code
Customer
Approval date
Batch information
Reference ID
Good master-sample management is part of good color quality control.
17. Don't Compare Only with the Previous Batch
Another potential problem is gradual drift.
For example:
Master → Batch A
Then:
Batch A → Batch B
Then:
Batch B → Batch C
Small differences can accumulate.
Where possible, compare production batches against the controlled approved master rather than only against the immediately preceding batch.
18. Create a Color Measurement SOP
A practical SOP may define:
Approved master sample
Sample preparation
Measurement position
Sample orientation
Number of measurements
Measurement frequency
Required color parameters
Acceptance tolerance
Record keeping
Action for abnormal results
This can significantly improve consistency between operators.
A Simple Troubleshooting Checklist
When LS173 readings appear inconsistent, check:
Same sample?
↓
Same measurement position?
↓
Clean surface?
↓
Same orientation?
↓
Stable master sample?
↓
Repeat measurement?
↓
Still different? Investigate the sample and measurement procedure further.
This simple process can resolve many routine measurement problems.
When Should You Ask for Technical Assistance?
If repeated measurements remain abnormal after checking the sample and procedure, record as much information as possible.
Useful information includes:
Instrument model
Material
Sample photographs
Measurement location
Measurement results
Reference sample information
Number of repeated measurements
Description of the problem
Providing this information makes troubleshooting much easier.
Linshang LS173 Troubleshooting Malaysia
MTM Precision supplies industrial testing and measurement instruments for manufacturing, engineering and quality control applications throughout Malaysia.
If you are considering the Linshang LS173 Portable Colorimeter for color difference measurement, Delta E comparison or manufacturing QC, contact MTM Precision with details of your application.
Contact MTM Precision
MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd.
Showroom & Service Centre
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
馃寪 Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
馃摟 Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
馃摫 WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Need help selecting a Linshang LS173 Portable Colorimeter for your color measurement application in Malaysia? Contact MTM Precision for quotation, product information and application enquiries.
12 Aug 2026
