Consistency in calibration is important to account for imbalances arising from wear and tear of the probe, probe pressure, variation from the environment, and fluctuations in daily usage. This is also necessary to maintain the best quality to various international standards.

Common sources like D65, TL84, and CWF mimic daylight, store, home, and fluorescent lighting, and are used to provide conditions for dependable color comparison.

Powder paint gloss levels are classified as:

● Flat: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 11–40 GU

● Semi-gloss: 41–70 GU

● Gloss: 71–85 GU

● High Gloss: 86+ GU
 

These are measured at a 60° angle for standardization.

Each haze test can take from 3 to 10 seconds depending on the device and the type of sample.

In a Pantone light box, the tubes last around 2000 to 3000 hours, after which the brightness and color should be assessed for replacement.

Light should be projected through the sample to measure haze, then assess the scattered light with an integrating sphere and sensors.  The haze percentage is ascertained by the scattering light to the total transmitted light.

A haze meter measures the light.  It quantifies the measure of transmitted light across a material and the degree of scattered and diffused light.

A colorimeter is sufficient for basic, routine color checks, while a spectrophotometer is needed for precise, comprehensive color analysis—here’s the clear breakdown:

When a Colorimeter is Sufficient

1. Simple color matching needs: Ideal for checking if a sample matches a predefined standard (e.g., basic paint batches, plastic parts with solid colors).

2. Consistent lighting conditions: Works well when measurements are done under fixed, standard light sources (no need to account for varied light effects).

3. Cost-sensitive, high-volume tasks: Perfect for production lines requiring fast, low-cost color checks without advanced data analysis.

When to Use a Spectrophotometer

1. Precise color quantification: Necessary for measuring Lab values (lightness, red-green, yellow-blue axes) or detecting subtle color deviations (critical for automotive coatings, high-end textiles).

2. Complex color analysis: Required for metallic/pearlescent finishes, transparent materials, or samples with gloss/texture variations.

3. Compliance and documentation: Essential when precise color data (spectral curves) is needed for quality audits, regulatory compliance, or brand color standardization.

Different types of substrates require different kinds of digital gauges. Magnetic gauges are for ferrous metals, eddy current gauges are for non-ferrous metals and ultrasonic gauges are for any non-metal composites like plastics. Careful selection of a gauge is the most important factor for obtaining accurate measurements.  

The haze meter test assesses the degree of light scattering that occurs when light traverses a transparent or translucent material, producing a percentage that quantifies example or cloudiness.