(Konica Minolta: Ramsey, NJ) -- Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc. (KMSA), a global leader in the industrial measurement of color, light, and shape, has launched its newest benchtop spectrophotometers, the CM-3600A and the CM-3610A.

The CM-3600A spectrophotometer is a versatile instrument that can handle a variety of applications for measuring reflectance and transmittance of solids. With optional accessories, the spectrophotometer can also measure the transmittance of liquids. Yet it remains surprisingly compact, with a footprint approximately the same as a laptop computer so it won’t clutter up your desk. Its sample holder opens a full 90° for easy positioning of samples, and is equipped with a “soft close” mechanism that prevents it from slamming shut or damaging samples. The cover of the sample viewer is equipped with a mirror, enabling the sample position to be checked without moving from your seat.

The CM-3610A provides a different kind of versatility in a vertical-format, bottom-port spectrophotometer. Its piston-type sample holder makes sample positioning simple. It can be locked in the down position to enable the removal of any obstructions when first inserting samples. It can then be released so that its piston moves smoothly upward to firmly hold samples in position. The bottom-port design enables easier handling of sheet materials such as paper, and it can also be used to measure powders or gels in a petri dish. As with the CM-3600, the CM-3610A is also equipped with a sample viewer to see exactly what area is being measured, and it can also measure transmittance of solids (but not liquids) as well as reflectance.

Both units are successors to the CM-3600d and CM-3610d models that revolutionized the benchtop market when introduced in 1998. The new models retain all the innovative  technology their predecessors did while offering several enhancements to improve working efficiency.

“Where color measurement is critical to an organizations’ success, the CM-3600 series of instruments has played a vital role over the past 13 years,” says Randy Klimek, project manager at Konica Minolta Sensing Americas. “We are pleased to announce two new 3600 series models that will bring further value to our partners.”

Main features

Full data compatibility with their predecessor. As the successors to the CM-3600d and CM-3610d spectrophotometers, it is essential that the CM-3600A and CM-3610A have full data compatibility with the preceding models so that they can be installed with confidence as replacement or additional sensors in quality control and color matching systems. To ensure full data compatibility, the new CM-3600A and CM-3610A utilize the same advanced technology as the original instruments. 

Simultaneous SCI/SCE measurement. By firing two xenon lamps in quick succession, the patented Numerical Gloss Control system of the CM-3600A and CM-3610A eliminates the need for a mechanical gloss trap while providing virtually simultaneous specular component included (SCI) and  specular component excluded (SCE) measurements, and enabling the calculation of 8° gloss.

Fast, accurate, UV adjustment. Accurate measurement of materials such as paper or cloth treated with fluorescent whitening agents requires precise control of the ultraviolet (UV) component and its effects. The patented Numerical UV Control method used by the CM-3600A and CM-3610A provides such control by combining results from the flashes of two xenon lamps—one with full ultraviolet (UV) energy, the other with UV energy removed by a 400 nm or 420 nm UV cut-off filter—using proprietary calculations. This method eliminates the need for mechanical filter positioning, and enables UV adjustment by whiteness index, tint, brightness, or UV profile.

Brighter, clearer sample viewer. Both models have a sample viewer that is equipped with a high-brightness LED to provide a bright, clear image of the measurement sample at the measurement aperture, enabling precise positioning of samples for measurement. Based on fixed optics the sample viewer requires no maintenance, yielding unsurpassed stability and longevity.

USB communication. Data communication is performed via USB, which offers higher speed than the RS-232C of their predecessors.

Visit Konica’s website for more details and to request a demo.