Konica Minolta CM-36dG Spectrophotometer

Konica Minolta CM-36dG Spectrophotometer

The Konica Minolta CM-36dG is an advanced benchtop spectrophotometer that inherits its core features from the legacy CM-3600A, providing color measurement with exceptional accuracy and high reproducibility. This instrument supports measurements based on both reflectance and transmittance geometries, along with the unique capability to measure color and gloss simultaneously due to its integrated 60° gloss sensor complying with ISO 2813, significantly maximizing workflow efficiency.

The CM-36dG, engineered with proprietary Numerical UV Control (NUVC) technology, enables precise and instantaneous UV adjustments when evaluating samples containing Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) or fluorescent whitening agents, such as paper and textiles.

This instrument ensures absolute consistency in data communication and measurement traceability across the supply chain, from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, by offering superior inter-instrument agreement and repeatability ($\Delta E^*ab < 0.12$ and $\sigma\Delta E^*ab < 0.02$).

Key Features of the CM-36dG

• Simultaneous color and gloss measurement with high Inter-Instrument Agreement (IIA).
• Precision thresholds – Colorimetric: $\Delta E^*ab < 0.12$ (LAV / SCI; average of 12 BCRA Series II color tiles); Gloss: $\pm 0.2$ GU (MAV; 0 – 10 GU).
• Wavelength Analysis & Adjustment (WAA) functionality for internal self-testing.
• Excellent backward data compatibility with the legacy CM-3600A series.
• Integrated status panel displaying configuration profiles and current instrument conditions.
• Four selectable measurement areas (apertures): LAV ø25.4 mm, LMAV ø16 mm, MAV ø8 mm, and SAV ø4 mm.
• Sample preview viewfinder functionality.
• Upgraded physical design with enhanced usability, including dedicated mounting screw holes for custom adapters/extensions, a spacious transmission chamber with an easy-access latch lock, and a “flat-back” architecture allowing the unit to operate vertically as a “top-port” instrument.

Technical Specifications of the CM-36dG Spectrophotometer

Illumination / Viewing System:

• • Reflectance: Switchable di:8° and de:8° (diffuse illumination, 8° viewing angle).
  • Enables simultaneous SCI (Specular Component Included) and SCE (Specular Component Excluded) measurement.
  • Complies with CIE No. 15, ISO 7724/1, ASTM E 1164, DIN 5033 Teil 7, and JIS Z 8722 condition c standard specifications.

Transmittance:

• • Geometry settings – di:0° and de:0° (diffuse illumination, 0° viewing angle).
  • Complies with CIE No. 15 condition g, ASTM E1164, DIN 5033 Teil 7, and JIS Z 8722 standard specifications.

Integrating Sphere and Detector:

• • Integrating sphere diameter size: Ø152 mm (6 inches).
  • Detector sensor: Dual 40-element silicon photodiode array.

Spectral Separation and Wavelengths:

• • The CM-36dG separates light spectra utilizing a high-precision diffraction grating.
  • Wavelength range spans from 360 to 740 nm with a standard 10 nm spectral pitch.
  • Optical half bandwidth: Approx. 10 nm.

Reflectance Range and Illumination Source:

• • Reflectance measurement range: 0 to 200% with an output display resolution of 0.01%.
  • Illumination source: 3 pulsed Xenon lamps (2 lamps equipped with integrated UV cutoff filters).

Measurement / Illumination Area:

• • Aperture and spot dimensions vary systematically according to selected LAV, LMAV, MAV, SAV, and Transmittance profiles.

Repeatability and Agreement:

• • Measurement repeatability tolerances and Inter-Instrument Agreement limits are strictly defined for both colorimetric absolute values and spectral reflectance logs.

UV Adjustments and Gloss Metrology:

• • Numerical UV profile configurations: 100% UV / 0% UV (UV-cut) / Adjusted.
  • Surface gloss is measured at a fixed 60° geometry, spanning a range from 0 to 200 GU.

Physical Dimensions and Weight:

• • Outer physical dimensions of the CM-36dG: Approx. 248 x 250 x 498 mm with a net weight of approx. 8.4 kg.

Miscellaneous:

• • Includes sample preview functionality via an internal camera, advanced automated performance self-testing, standard USB 2.0 interface ports, and automated aperture target mask detection.
  • Environmental temperature and relative humidity thresholds for daily operation and long-term storage are clearly specified.