Digital Colorimeter with CIE Lab Measurement Malaysia

Introduction to Digital Colour Measurement in Malaysia

Colour consistency is an important requirement in manufacturing industries where product appearance must remain stable across different production batches. Plastic components, painted surfaces, packaging materials and consumer products may all require measurable colour specifications.

Traditional visual inspection can identify obvious colour differences, but results may vary depending on lighting conditions, observer perception and the surrounding environment.

A digital colorimeter provides numerical colour measurements that help manufacturers compare samples, document colour specifications and monitor production consistency.

For Malaysian factories, the Linshang LS172 Portable Colorimeter offers a practical handheld solution for measuring colour using CIE Lab and evaluating colour differences through supported Delta E functions.

This guide explains the meaning of CIE L*a*b* values, how numerical colour measurement works and how manufacturers can apply the results in industrial quality control.

What Is a Digital Colorimeter?

A digital colorimeter is an optical measurement instrument used to evaluate the colour of suitable samples and express the results as numerical colour coordinates.

Unlike subjective visual comparison, a digital instrument measures colour under defined optical conditions and applies mathematical colour models to generate measurement values.

Digital colorimeters are commonly used for production inspection, incoming material comparison, colour consistency monitoring and reference-based quality control.

Typical Functions of a Digital Colorimeter

• Measure colour using supported colour spaces such as CIE Lab.

• Display numerical colour coordinates.

• Compare test samples with approved reference colours.

• Calculate colour difference using supported Delta E formulas.

• Support colour tolerance and Pass/Fail inspection.

• Provide measurement information for quality control records.

The exact measurement functions, colour spaces and data capabilities depend on the instrument model.

What Is the CIE Lab Colour Space?

CIE Lab, also written as CIELAB or L*a*b*, is a colour space developed by the International Commission on Illumination, known as the CIE.

It describes colour using three coordinates representing lightness and two colour-opponent axes.

CIE Lab is widely used for numerical colour specification and colour difference evaluation because it provides a structured way to compare colours.

However, CIE Lab is not perfectly perceptually uniform. This is one reason why different colour difference formulas have been developed.

Understanding L* - Lightness

The L* coordinate describes the lightness of a colour on a scale from 0 to 100.

• L* = 0 represents ideal black.

• L* = 100 represents ideal diffuse white under the relevant colour measurement definition.

• Higher L* values indicate lighter measured colours.

• Lower L* values indicate darker measured colours.

Example of L* Measurement

Consider a plastic manufacturer comparing two grey components. An approved reference has L* = 55, while a production sample has L* = 58.

The production sample has a higher measured lightness value, indicating that it is lighter along the L* axis.

This does not by itself establish the overall colour difference, because the a* and b* coordinates must also be considered.

Understanding a* - Green to Red

The a* coordinate represents the green-to-red colour axis.

• Positive a* values indicate the red direction.

• Negative a* values indicate the green direction.

• Values near zero indicate relatively little displacement along this axis.

Example of a* Measurement

Suppose an approved reference has a* = 12 and a production sample has a* = 16.

The production sample is shifted further in the positive red direction compared with the reference.

The overall appearance must still be evaluated together with the L* and b* coordinates.

Understanding b* - Blue to Yellow

The b* coordinate represents the blue-to-yellow colour axis.

• Positive b* values indicate the yellow direction.

• Negative b* values indicate the blue direction.

• Values near zero indicate relatively little displacement along this axis.

Example of b* Measurement

Suppose a white plastic component has a reference b* value of 2.0 and a production sample b* value of 5.0.

The production sample has shifted in the positive yellow direction relative to the reference.

This type of comparison can help manufacturers investigate yellowing or other colour changes, but the cause cannot be determined from the b* value alone.

How to Read CIE Lab Measurement Results

A digital colorimeter may display the measured colour as three coordinates: L*, a* and b*.

Illustrative Reference and Test Sample

Approved reference: L* = 65.0, a* = 8.0, b* = 18.0.

Production sample: L* = 66.0, a* = 9.0, b* = 20.0.

The production sample is lighter by 1.0 L* unit, shifted by +1.0 along the red axis and shifted by +2.0 along the yellow axis.

These coordinate differences can help quality control personnel describe the direction of colour variation instead of relying only on general descriptions such as slightly different or too yellow.

The values in this example are illustrative and are not actual measurements from the Linshang LS172.

What Is Delta E in Digital Colour Measurement?

Delta E, represented by ΔE, describes the numerical difference between two measured colours according to a selected colour difference formula.

While L*, a* and b* describe individual colour coordinates, Delta E combines colour information into a numerical difference value.

Understanding Delta E*ab

The CIE76 colour difference formula, commonly called ΔE*ab, calculates the Euclidean distance between two colours in CIE Lab space.

ΔE*ab = √[(ΔL*)² + (Δa*)² + (Δb*)²]

Here, ΔL*, Δa* and Δb* represent the coordinate differences between the reference and test sample.

Example Delta E Calculation

Using the previous illustrative example, ΔL* = 1.0, Δa* = 1.0 and Δb* = 2.0.

ΔE*ab = √(1² + 1² + 2²) = √6 ≈ 2.45.

This result describes the calculated CIE76 colour difference. It does not automatically indicate whether the sample passes or fails inspection.

Acceptance depends on the customer's approved tolerance, material characteristics and selected measurement method.

Different Delta E Formulas Explained

Different colour difference formulas may produce different numerical results for the same pair of colour samples.

CIE76 - Delta E*ab

CIE76 calculates the straight-line distance between two colours in CIE Lab space. It is mathematically simple and useful for explaining basic colour difference concepts.

CIE94

CIE94 applies weighting factors intended to improve agreement between numerical differences and visual perception for certain applications.

CIEDE2000

CIEDE2000 introduces additional corrections to address known perceptual nonuniformities in earlier colour difference calculations.

When comparing measurement reports, manufacturers should confirm that the same formula and relevant calculation settings are being used.

The formulas available on a specific instrument should be verified against the manufacturer's current technical documentation.

Why Numerical Colour Measurement Matters in Manufacturing

1. More Consistent Colour Specifications

Numerical colour coordinates provide a clearer reference than informal descriptions such as light blue, dark grey or slightly yellow.

2. Improved Production Monitoring

Factories can compare samples collected during production against approved reference values to identify changes in colour.

3. Better Supplier Communication

Colour measurement results can help suppliers and customers discuss differences using documented numerical information.

4. Support for Quality Control Records

Recording colour coordinates and Delta E values can improve traceability when investigating production issues.

5. Reduced Dependence on Subjective Inspection

Instrument measurements provide an additional basis for decisions, although controlled visual inspection may still be necessary for complete appearance evaluation.

Introducing Linshang LS172 Digital Colorimeter

The Linshang LS172 is a portable digital colorimeter designed for colour measurement and reference-based colour comparison.

Its handheld format and touchscreen interface make it suitable for routine inspection workflows where measurements are required at different locations within a factory.

Key Features of Linshang LS172

• 45°/0° optical measurement geometry.

• 8 mm measurement aperture.

• 3.5-inch touchscreen display.

• Approximately 1-second measurement time.

• CIE Lab and other supported colour measurement spaces.

• Delta E colour difference evaluation.

• Pass/Fail colour inspection function.

• Electronic colour chart matching.

• Supported mobile application and Windows PC software.

These features support numerical colour inspection for suitable materials, provided that the instrument geometry and measurement conditions match the intended application.

Industrial Applications of CIE Lab Measurement in Malaysia

Plastic Injection Moulding

Plastic manufacturers can record CIE Lab values for approved master samples and compare production components against those references.

This helps identify shifts in lightness, red-green balance or yellow-blue balance between batches.

Paint and Coating Quality Control

Coating manufacturers can use numerical colour measurement to compare suitable finished panels with approved standards.

Surface gloss, coating thickness, texture and curing conditions may affect results and should be controlled where relevant.

Printing and Packaging

Packaging manufacturers can use CIE Lab measurements for suitable printed materials and finished packaging surfaces.

More demanding print colour management applications may require spectral measurements or additional process control instruments.

Automotive Component Manufacturing

Automotive suppliers can monitor colour consistency for suitable plastic and coated components.

Metallic and special-effect finishes may require specialized multi-angle measurement systems.

Consumer Electronics and Appliances

Manufacturers of electronic housings, appliance panels and switches can use numerical colour measurements to help maintain appearance consistency.

How to Measure CIE Lab Values Using Linshang LS172

Step 1 - Prepare the Sample

Select a clean, dry and representative sample with sufficient uniform area for the 8 mm aperture.

Step 2 - Prepare the Instrument

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for instrument preparation and any required calibration or reference verification.

Step 3 - Select the Appropriate Measurement Function

Use the supported colour measurement function and confirm that the required colour space and settings are appropriate for the inspection procedure.

Step 4 - Measure the Approved Reference

Measure an approved master sample and record its CIE Lab coordinates.

Step 5 - Measure the Production Sample

Position the instrument consistently and obtain the test sample measurement. Use multiple readings when necessary to evaluate sample variation.

Step 6 - Compare the Results

Review the L*, a* and b* differences and calculate or display the supported Delta E result.

Step 7 - Evaluate Against the Tolerance

Compare the colour difference against the approved customer or factory tolerance and document the inspection decision.

Common Mistakes When Interpreting CIE Lab Results

Looking Only at Delta E

Delta E summarizes colour difference, but the individual coordinate differences help explain the direction of the change.

Comparing Results from Different Measurement Geometries

Different optical geometries may produce different colour coordinates. Consistent measurement conditions are essential.

Using Different Reference Standards

Comparisons should use approved reference samples maintained under appropriate conditions.

Ignoring Surface Texture and Gloss

Surface appearance can influence colour measurement results. The instrument geometry must be suitable for the sample.

Using an Unapproved Tolerance

A factory should not assume that one Delta E limit is appropriate for all products. Acceptance criteria should be established for each relevant application.

Confusing CIE Lab with RGB

CIE Lab and RGB describe colour differently. RGB values are commonly associated with digital colour representation, while CIE Lab is frequently used for device-independent numerical colour comparison under defined conditions.

Digital Colorimeter vs Spectrophotometer

A digital colorimeter measures colour using its optical sensor system and supported calculations. A spectrophotometer measures spectral information across wavelengths.

A colorimeter may be suitable for routine colour comparison, while a spectrophotometer may be required for detailed spectral analysis, formulation, metamerism evaluation or specialized customer standards.

The correct instrument depends on the application rather than simply choosing the device with the greatest number of functions.

How to Choose a Digital Colorimeter in Malaysia

Before purchasing a digital colorimeter, manufacturers should confirm that the instrument is suitable for their sample materials and inspection requirements.

Important Selection Factors

• Required colour measurement geometry.

• Measurement aperture and sample dimensions.

• Supported CIE Lab and Delta E functions.

• Measurement repeatability and performance.

• Reference comparison and Pass/Fail capability.

• Software and data management requirements.

• Customer measurement standards and inspection tolerances.

• Availability of supplier support and technical documentation.

For routine handheld colour measurement, the Linshang LS172 may be a practical option for suitable manufacturing applications.

Digital Colorimeter Supplier in Malaysia

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd supplies industrial testing and measuring instruments for manufacturing, engineering and quality control applications throughout Malaysia.

Customers interested in the Linshang LS172 Digital Colorimeter can contact MTM Precision for product enquiries, quotations, model selection assistance and ordering information.

We serve customers in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CIE Lab mean in colour measurement?

CIE Lab is a colour space that describes colour using three coordinates: L* for lightness, a* for green-to-red and b* for blue-to-yellow.

What is the difference between L* and Delta E?

L* describes the lightness of an individual colour, while Delta E expresses the calculated difference between two colours using a selected formula.

Can Linshang LS172 measure CIE Lab values?

Yes. The Linshang LS172 supports CIE Lab colour measurement and related colour comparison functions.

Can CIE Lab values identify why a product changed colour?

CIE Lab coordinates describe the measured direction of colour variation, but they do not independently identify the manufacturing cause. Process investigation may still be necessary.

Is Delta E the same as colour tolerance?

No. Delta E is a calculated colour difference value. A colour tolerance is the acceptance limit established by the customer or factory.

Where can I buy a digital colorimeter in Malaysia?

Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd in Puchong, Selangor, for Linshang LS172 product information, application discussions and quotations.

Contact MTM Precision Malaysia

Looking for a digital colorimeter for CIE Lab measurement, Delta E testing or industrial colour quality control? Contact MTM Precision to discuss your application.

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd

Showroom & Service Centre: No 29-1 & 2, Jalan Bandar 18, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 03-8080 7172

WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

Send us your product or sample photos via WhatsApp, together with your material type and colour measurement requirements, so we can help recommend a suitable instrument.