Konica Minolta CM-36d Spectrophotometer

Introduction to KONICA MINOLTA CM-36d Spectrophotometer

The KONICA MINOLTA CM-36d spectrophotometer is an entry-level benchtop color measurement instrument with advanced functions that provide cost-effective solutions for today’s measurement needs.

With an Inter-Instrument Agreement (IIA) of $\Delta E^*ab < 0.15$ and a repeatability of $\sigma\Delta E^*ab < 0.03$, the CM-36d ensures that measurements and color data are communicated consistently across the supply chain.

The CM-36d is designed with enhanced usability. The device features a flat-back design that allows it to be reoriented to perform vertical measurements (top-port concept). The front plate of the CM-36d comes with four screw holes, enabling easy installation of custom sample fixtures, adapters, or holders. It also offers three different measurement aperture sizes (Ø 4.0 mm, 8.0 mm, and 25.4 mm) to accommodate various application needs.

Key Features of KONICA MINOLTA CM-36d

• High Inter-Instrument Agreement (IIA) with $\Delta E^*ab < 0.12$ (LAV / SCI; average of 12 BCRA Series II color tiles)

• Wavelength Analysis & Adjustment (WAA) function

• Status panel displaying all device settings and operational conditions

• 3 different measurement areas (apertures):

  • LAV ø25.4 mm

  • MAV ø8 mm

  • SAV ø4 mm

• Sample preview viewfinder function

• New body design with upgraded ergonomics and usability

  • Four screw holes on the front plate for mounting custom adapters or sample holders

  • “Flat-back” design allowing the unit to be operated as a “top-port” device

Functions of KONICA MINOLTA CM-36d

• The instrument supports advanced UV adjustment (specifically for the higher-end CM-36DG model). This feature is ideal for measuring color on samples containing Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) or fluorescent whitening agents. The machine integrates dual Xenon lamps: one Xenon flash outputs light including the UV component, while the other lamp outputs light with the UV component filtered out or cut. Therefore, when measuring samples with brightening substances, UV numerical calibration is required.
• The CM-36d spectrophotometer features internal UV calibration properties, enabling it to accurately evaluate colors on specimens that exhibit fluorescence or optical brighteners.
• Dual SCE and SCI Measurement Modes: The SCE (Specular Component Excluded) mode evaluates color by excluding surface gloss, while the SCI (Specular Component Included) mode measures color including the surface gloss. The SCI method is more widely applied in industrial workflows because it aligns with how the human eye perceives color. When evaluating objects visually, human eyes cannot automatically separate or filter out the surface gloss present on the sample.

Technical Specifications of KONICA MINOLTA CM-36d

• Color
  • Illumination/Viewing system:
    • Reflectance:
      • di:8°, de:8° (diffuse illumination, 8° viewing angle), switchable SCI (Specular Component Included) / SCE (Specular Component Excluded)
      • Complies with CIE No. 15, ISO 7724/1, ASTM E 1164, DIN 5033 Teil 7, and JIS Z 8722 condition c standards
  • Integrating sphere size: Ø152 mm (6 inches)
  • Detector: Dual 40-element silicon photodiode array
  • Spectral separation device: Diffraction grating
  • Wavelength range: 360 nm to 740 nm
  • Wavelength pitch: 10 nm
  • Half bandwidth: Approx. 10 nm
  • Reflectance range:
    • 0 to 200%
    • Output resolution: 0.01%
  • Light source: 1 pulsed Xenon lamp
  • Measurement/Illumination area:
    • LAV: Ø25.4 mm / Ø30.0 mm
    • MAV: Ø8.0 mm / Ø11.0 mm
    • SAV: Ø4.0 mm / Ø7.0 mm
  • Repeatability:
    • Colorimetric value: Standard deviation within $\Delta E^*ab \le 0.03$
    • Spectral reflectance: Standard deviation within 0.1%
    • (When a white calibration plate is measured 30 times at 10-second intervals after white calibration)
  • Inter-instrument agreement: Within $\Delta E^*ab \le 0.15$ (Based on the average of 12 BCRA Series II color tiles; LAV/SCI; compared to values measured with the master body under Konica Minolta standard conditions)
  • UV setting: No automatic adjustment function (UV 100% fixed)
• Measurement time: Approx. 3.5 seconds (SCI + SCE simultaneous measurement)
• Minimum measurement interval: Approx. 4.0 seconds (SCI + SCE measurement)
• Sample preview function:
  • Utilizes internal camera
  • (Images can be viewed/captured using optional color software, such as SpectraMagic NX Version 3.2 or later)
• Internal performance check: WAA (Wavelength Analysis & Adjustment) technology
• Interface: USB 2.0
• Automatic aperture/target mask detection: Yes
• Power supply: Dedicated AC adapter
• Operating temperature/humidity range: 13 to 33°C, relative humidity: 80% or less (at 35°C) non-condensing
• Storage temperature/humidity range: 0 to 40°C, relative humidity: 80% or less (at 35°C) non-condensing
• Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 248 x 250 x 498 mm
• Weight: Approx. 8.3 kg