Sauter JCS 200 colour spectrometer D/8, MAV and SAV measurement apertures, 400 to 700 nm

The Sauter JCS are portable colour spectrometers that output colour differences between samples and reference standards as numerical values. The handheld device measures in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm and operates using D/8 geometry. It records the SCI and SCE spectra simultaneously and, according to Kern, takes one second to do so. There are two models: the JCS 100 with three measurement apertures (MAV, SAV, LAV) and the JCS 200 with two measurement apertures (MAV, SAV). Both have a colour screen, memory, USB and Bluetooth.

Measurement methods: D/8, SCI and SCE

With D/8 geometry, an integrating sphere (Ø 40 mm) illuminates the sample diffusely, the reflected light is detected at 8 degrees. Kern states that this design is suitable for a wide variety of materials and surfaces. The dual optical path system measures SCI (specular included) and SCE (specular excluded) in a single measurement. This allows colour to be described both with and without the influence of gloss. According to the data sheet, the optical geometry corresponds to CIE No. 15, ISO 7724-1, ASTM E1164 and DIN 5033 Part 7. An LED light source and a UV source support fluorescence measurements.

Measurement apertures: which sample size fits

The measurement aperture determines the measurement spot. Both models feature MAV (Ø 8 mm or Ø 10 mm) and SAV (Ø 4 mm or Ø 5 mm). Only the JCS 100 also features LAV (1 x 3 mm). Small parts such as cosmetic jars, buttons or textile threads need a small aperture, large samples manage with the larger one.

Colour spaces, illuminants and colour formulas

The instrument uses the standard 2° and 10° observers and supports a wide range of illuminants, including D65, A, C, D50, D55, D75 and the F and U series. The available colour spaces are CIE Lab, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE LUV, sRGB, HunterLab and DIN Lab99. The device calculates colour differences as ΔE*ab, ΔE*uv, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc (2:1 and 1:1), ΔE*00, DIN ΔE99 and ΔE (Hunter), among others. In addition there are whiteness index (WI according to ASTM E313, CIE/ISO, AATCC and Hunter), yellowness index (YI), metamerism index Mt, colour fastness, colour strength, opacity and Munsell (C/2).

Accuracy, display and reference

According to Kern, the instrument error is ΔE*ab 0.3 on average for 12 BCRA Series II colour tiles (MAV/SCI), with a standard deviation of 0.08. The device measures reflectance from 0 % to 200 % with a resolution of 0.01 %. The 2.8-inch TFT display shows the spectrogram, values, colour differences, pass/fail result and colour simulation. The white reference panel is integrated into the device and protected against dirt. According to Kern, the housing is vibration-resistant, dust-tight and shock-resistant.

Rechargeable battery, interfaces, dimensions

The Li-ion rechargeable battery (3,200 mAh) charges via USB-C using the supplied power supply (EU plug); a UK adaptor is available as an optional extra. Data is transferred to a PC or mobile device via USB 2.0 or Bluetooth. The device measures 188 x 94 x 68 mm and weighs approx. 0.30 kg.

Typical applications

• Plastics engineering: colour matching of injection-moulded parts and granules
• Paint and coatings industry: colour tone control and colour deviation from the specification
• Furniture industry: colour consistency of surfaces and finishes
• Packaging industry and printing: colour measurement of printing inks and substrates
• Textile and clothing industry: colour fastness and colour differences in fabrics
• Cosmetics industry: colour control of products and packaging

Kern describes the parameters as a means of making comparative measurements: they do not represent a specific colour code, but they do make colour differences clearly recognisable and documentable. The user selects the measurement standard for their test object in advance, for example for textiles, metal, plastics or cosmetics.

Models at a glance

Technical details

These values apply to both models. Deviating values are given in the model table.

Scope of delivery

• Sauter JCS colour spectrometer (JCS 100 or JCS 200, depending on the model) with integrated white reference
• Plug-in mains adaptor with EU plug

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, these devices come with a 3-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.

Downloads

• Operating instructions Sauter JCS (PDF)

Regulatory information

As electrical devices, the colour spectrometers fall under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.

Individual requirements and procurement service

The UK power supply adaptor and the plug-in mains adaptor FS-E07 are also available. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.