Photospectrometer ST50

Precision Color Reader and Checker Testing Device

Color matching tool ST50, portable color reader and checker for color matching, precision testing device for painters and designers, used to measure and evaluate color for a variety of textile, printing and industrial applications. As a compact, portable color measurement device designed for fast and accurate color analysis. Equipped with a single-beam optical system, it offers reliable performance for basic color evaluation in various industries.


Key Highlights

  • Double row 20 groups sensor

  • Pectral range of 400–700 nm

  • D/8 geometry (SCI/SCE)

  • One aperture: 8mm or 4mm optional

  • Good repeatability (ΔEab ≤0.03) and inter-instrument agreement (ΔEab ≤0.2)

  • Ideal for on-site color inspections in industries such as paints, plastics, and textiles

This ST50 Instrument are Certified with
certify
1 Years Warranty (Additional support period of 3 years)

Test your Samples for Accurate Color with the ST50 Spectrophotometer

ST50 photospectrometer measuring reflected or transmitted light across the 400-700nm spectrum, they measurement and record a "fingerprint" of a sample's color for quality control in manufacturing, textiles, and chemistry. 

 ST50 a precise, visual instrument for rapid and accurate testing for color. The twin sister ST series of 3NH TS series is launched grandly, inherits the core technology of large-area array sensor and grating splitting in the field of color detection, and acutely analyzes the strong and weak light in 300-1100nm band. Our TS series has always been imitated, but never surpassed. TS series since its birth has been adhering to the quality first, with the purpose of quality, after years of continuous improvement, we can proudly say: ST series, let the color measurement is very accurate! In the future, 3nh will continue to practice the mission of “specialized and innovation” enterprise and high-tech enterprise, overcome difficulties and continue to innovate on the road of testing instruments, so that our partners can have a wonderful high accuracy and quality measurement instrument.

Spectrophotometer ST50 is a spectrophotometer developed by 3NH TS series core technology, using built-in photodiode array (double 20 groups) sensors, imported whiteboard, while taking into account the measurement speed and convenience of operation. The repeatability delta E* AB of ST50 spectrophotometer is easily controlled within 0.03, and the Inter-instrument error delta E* AB is controlled within 0.2, to make the measurement more accurate. And the test data can be used for accurate color analysis and transmission in the laboratory.

         

ST50 Application

Our Spectrophotometers are critical in industries requiring accurate color formulation and QC, such as measuring textured surfaces or specialty coatings. Used extensively for quality control in manufacturing, paint, plastics, and textile industries to ensure color consistency across batches.

ST50 widely application plastic electronics, paint ink, textile and garment printing

         

ST50 Standard Features Include the Following:

Large area photodiode array (dual 20 arrays) sensor

ST50 spectrophotometer is one type of colorimetric measuring instruments used to capture, analyse, and communicate color. A larger area of double 20 array sensor, strong light saturation, weak light sensitivity and a wider spectrum response range, to ensure the instrument measurement speed, accuracy, stability and consistency, independent core technology, and international standards of the same platform, to achieve complete compatibility.

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Adopt D/8 structure and SCI/SCE mode

Spectrophotometer ST50 uses a widely international use D/8 optical structure, SCI/SCE (Specular Component Included/Specular Component Excluded) synthesis technology, support SCI+SCE at the same time fast measurement, test time about 1.5 seconds.

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Combination of full spectrum LED light source and UV light source

The use of 360-700nm full spectrum LED light source ensures sufficient spectral distribution in the visible light range, avoiding the spectral loss of specific bands, strong light will not be saturated, weak light is more sensitive, and fluorescence samples can be easily measured.

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Camera positioning can clearly observe the measured area


The ST50 spectrophotometer has built-in camera. Through the real-time scene-taking of the camera, it can accurately determine whether the measured part of the object is the target center, which improves the measurement efficiency and accuracy.

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Non-contact automatic calibration, professional imported white board, more wear-resistant, dirty, stable


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Place the base safely to ensure that the whiteboard is not dirty.


Offer 8 kinds of color measurement space and 41 kinds of observation light source

CIE LAB,XYZ,Yxy,LCh,CIE LUV, S-RGB, βxy, Munsell(C/2) color spaces, and D65, A, C, D50, D55, D75, F1, F2(CWF), F3, F4, F5, F6, F7(DLF), F8, F9, F10(TPL5), F11(TL84), F12(TL83/U30), B, U35, NBF, ID50, ID65, LED-B1, LED-B2, LED-B3, LED-B4, LED-B5, LED-BH1, LED-RGB1, LED-V1, LED-V2, LED-C2, LED-C3, LED-C5. It also can be customized light source (A total of 41 kinds of light source, Partially realize through the PC software /APP software), and can meet the special measurement requirements under different measurement conditions.

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Many color indexes


Spectrophotometer ST50 not only provides the commonly used color measurement, but also provide spectral reflectance, WI (ASTM E313, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, TaubeBergerStensby), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM 313), Metamerism index of Mt, Staining Fastness, Color Fastness, Color Strength, Opacity, 8 degree gloss, 555 tone classification, Carbon (My,dM), color density CMYK(A,T,E,M), Tint, Munsel chroma index (part of the function is realized by PC software).




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Excellent instrument errors and repeatability

ST50 is a small, portable and cost-effective wireless (battery-powered) contact spectrophotometer. It provides sufficient information for color analysis. Ensure the consistency of measurement data of multiple equipment, to be used for color matching and accurate color transfer. 

 For fast and simple, and accurate color testing, add ST50 to quote or order online now! Ensure accurate color measurement from anywhere with ST50 Multiparameter Portable Spectrocolorimeter.

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Support Huawei Harmony OS, Android, IOS, Wechat applets, Windows programs

This extensive system support allows seamless integration across various platforms, whether you're on a mobile device or at your desk, making data transfer and device interaction a breeze.

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Request for quotation ST50 spectrophotometer


Need advice, additional technical information, or simply to discuss a ST50 spectrophotometer measurement project? We invite you to fill out the contact form below, specifying your request in the "comments" field. In any case, all our teams, experts in measurement instruments for over 20 years, are at your disposal as soon as possible.


FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Color Measurement


What is a color measuring device?

A color measuring device is a professional optical instrument that quantifies surface color with objective, repeatable data. It eliminates the subjectivity of human visual judgment and delivers precise color detection, matching and deviation control. Widely applied in incoming material inspection, production quality assurance, and product R&D, it is essential for standardized color quality management across industrial manufacturing.


What is the difference between a colorimeter and a spectrophotometer?

ColorimeterWorking on the tristimulus measurement principle, a colorimeter outputs standard color data such as L*a*b* values and calculates color differences between samples and standard references. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it is perfect for fast, routine batch inspection in production lines and incoming QC procedures with stable testing conditions.

SpectrophotometerA spectrophotometer captures full spectral reflectance data across the entire visible wavelength range (400–700 nm). With superior precision and comprehensive data analysis capabilities, it supports spectral curve observation, accurate ΔE color difference calculation, metamerism detection and in-depth color evaluation. It is the ideal solution for high-precision laboratory testing, color formulation and high-standard industrial color control scenarios.


When is a colorimeter sufficient, and when do I need a spectrophotometer?

A standard colorimeter fully meets the quality control demands for conventional batch production, including routine color comparison of identical or similar materials under fixed and stable testing environments.
A professional spectrophotometer is highly recommended for scenarios requiring ultra-high color accuracy, strict color tolerance, and complex sample testing. It excels at measuring special surfaces such as high-gloss coatings, textured substrates, metallic and pearlescent materials, and supports advanced color analysis and formula development.


What does LAB-based color measurement mean?

CIE L*a*b* is the most widely adopted global color space standard for industrial color measurement. It defines all colors through a three-dimensional coordinate system:
  • L (Lightness): Represents color brightness, ranging from pure black to pure white

  • a (Red-Green axis): Indicates color deviation between red and green tones

  • b (Blue-Yellow axis): Reflects color deviation between blue and yellow tones

All 3nh color measuring devices support LAB color space detection, delivering unified, internationally recognized color data for consistent quality control across factories, suppliers and markets.


Get Professional Color Measurement Solutions from 3nh

Unsure which color measuring device fits your production and testing needs? Our professional technical team provides one-on-one customized solution guidance, sample testing support and full after-sales service.

Contact us today

Phone: 0086 755 26508999 

Email: service@3nh.com


Specification

ModelST50 spectrophotometer
Optical GeometryD/8 (diffused illumination, 8-degree viewing angle)
SCI (specular component included)/SCE (specular component excluded) ;excluded UV light source
Conforms to CIE No.15,GB/T 3978,GB 2893,GB/T 18833, ISO7724-1, ASTM E1164, DIN5033 Teil7
CharacteristicAdopt 3nh TS series core technology, customized measuring aperture
It is used for precise color measurement and quality control in plastic electronics, paint and ink, textile and garment printing and dyeing, printing, ceramics and other industries, and for fluorescent sample measurement.
Integrating Sphere SizeΦ40mm
Light SourceCombined full spectrum LED light source
Spectrophotometric ModeFlat Grating
SensorSilicon photodiode array (double row 20 groups)
Wavelength Range400~700nm
Wavelength Interval10nm
Measured Reflectance Range0-200%
Measuring ApertureOne aperture: 8mm or 4mm optional
Specular ComponentSCI&SCE
Color SpaceCIE LAB,XYZ,Yxy,LCh,CIE LUV,s-RGB,βxy,Munsell(C/2)
Color Difference FormulaΔE*ab,ΔE*uv,ΔE*94,ΔE*cmc(2:1),ΔE*cmc(1:1),ΔE*00
Other Colorimetric IndexSpectral reflectance,WI(ASTM E313,CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, TaubeBergerStensby),
YI(ASTM D1925,ASTM E313),
Metamerism Index MI,
Staining Fastness, Color Fastness, Color Strength, Opacity,
8° Glossiness,555 tone classification, Carbon (My,dM), color density CMYK(A,T,E,M), Tint, Munsel chroma index (part of the function is realized by PC software)
Observer Angle2°/10°
IlluminantD65,A,C,D50,D55,D75, F1,F2(CWF),F3,F4,F5, F6,F7(DLF),F8 ,F9,F10(TPL5),F11(TL84),F12(TL83/U30),B,U35,NBF, ID50,ID65,LED-B1,LED-B2,LED-B3,LED-B4,LED-B5,LED-BH1,LED-RGB1,LED-V1,LED-V2,LED-C2,LED-C3,LED-C5, able to customized light source (total 41 kinds of light source, Partially realize through the PC software /APP software)
Displayed DataSpectrogram/Values, Samples Chromaticity Values, Color Difference Values/Graph, PASS/FAIL Result, Color simulation, Color Offset
Measuring TimeAbout 1.5s
RepeatabilityChromaticity value: MAV/SCI, within ΔE*ab 0.03 ( When a white calibration plate is measured 30 times at 5 second intervals after white calibration)
Spectral reflectance: MAV/SCI, Standard deviation within 0.1% (400 nm to 700 nm: within 0.2%)
Inter-instrument ErrorMAV/SCI, Within ΔE*ab 0.2 (Average for 12 BCRA Series II color tiles)
Display Resolution0.01
Measurement ModeSingle Measurement, Average Measurement(2-99times)
Locating MethodCamera Locating,stabilizer cross position
DimensionL*W*H=129X76X217mm
WeightApprox 600g
BatteryLi-ion battery, 8800 measurements within 8 hours
Illuminant Life Span10 years, more than 1.5 million times measurements
Displayed Data3.5-inch TFT color LCD, Capacitive Touch Screen
Data PortUSB, Bluetooth ® 5.0
Data StorageStandard 1000 Pcs, Sample 20000 Pcs, APP/PC mass storage
Software SupportAndroid,IOS,Windows,Harmony OS,Wechat applets
LanguageSimplified Chinese, English, traditional Chinese
Operating Environment0~40℃, 0~85%RH (no condensing), Altitude < 2000m
Storage Environment-20~50℃, 0~85%RH (no condensing)
Standard AccessoryPower Adapter, USB cable, User Guide, PC Software(Download from office website), White and Black Calibration Cavity, Protective Cover, Wrist strap, Aperture (8mm or 4mm optional)
Optional AccessoryMicro Printer, Powder Test Box
NotesThe specifications are subject to change without notice.



Our Valued Clients

FAQs About ST50 Portable Spectrophotometers

When detecting color differences, the first factors to consider when selecting a light source include its stability, directionality, lifespan, and the effectiveness of the ultimately obtained spectral curve. The illuminant of a colorimeter is a fixed bulb, such as a tungsten lamp,LED light or a long-life xenon lamp. However, for the same color sample, the results displayed by the instrument vary under different light sources. This is because different light sources cause different absorption and reflection of light on the sample, leading to differences in how both the human eye and the instrument perceive the color. 

In general, the D65 light source is used in the application of coil steel inks for construction. The D65 light source is equivalent to average daylight. Most coil steel inks for construction are used outdoors, and sunlight is regarded as the standard light source in outdoor environments. For household appliance coil steel inks, due to their usage characteristics, they are mostly used indoors. Therefore, the A standard light source is adopted for color measurement of samples based on indoor lighting conditions. The A light source is a carefully specified tungsten light source. Other light sources, such as fluorescent light sources, can be used in many types of applications. For example, some textile factories use fluorescent light sources. Therefore, a reasonable light source should be selected as the mutually recognized measurement method based on actual usage conditions and user requirements. Once agreed upon by both parties, color measurement must be conducted under the same conditions. This helps reduce unnecessary systematic errors and human errors, achieving the optimal consistency in color measurement. 

The 3nh high-precision spectrophotometric colorimeter adopts a combined LED light source with long lifespan and low power consumption, which includes UV (ultraviolet) and UV-excluded options. This design can meet the color difference detection needs of different users and supports the selection of multiple light source modes.

D/8°and 45°/0°are two kinds of illumination geometry with different optical geometry design. D/8°illumination geometry is more widely used for the color comparison and measurement of high-gloss materials; 45°/0°illumination geometry is mainly used in printing and packaging industries. 

Threenh Technology with excellent after sale service, Generally, Our Spectrophotometer instrument warranty is one years(Additional support period of 3 years). Within the warranty period, we can offer technique support and parts to parts change, necessarily, our engineers may go to your place for better support. Our instrument have professional After-sales Dept, if you have any technical problem or question with our goods welcome to contact us.

For premier glass quality grading (color, transmittance, haze, coating uniformity, architectural/auto/optical glass), the top 3nh & industry-leading instruments are:


1. 3nh YS6060 Benchtop (Best Lab Accuracy)

  • d/8° integrating sphere, 360–780nm, UV adjustable

  • Dual mode: reflectance + transmission

  • ΔE*ab ≤ 0.015, IIA ≤ 0.2, haze measurement

  • Multi-apertures (Φ4/8/15/25.4mm)

  • Ideal: colored glass, coated glass, optical glass, lab R&D


2. 3nh TS8560 Benchtop (Ultra-High Precision)

  • d/8° sphere, SCI/SCE, UV control

  • ΔE*ab ≤ 0.01 (repeatability)

  • Large transmission compartment

    Best for: high-end architectural glass, Low-E coated glass



3. 3nh ST70 Portable (Production/Field)

  • d/8° (SCI/SCE), ΔE*ab ≤ 0.02

  • Handheld, fast, non-destructive

    Best for: line checks, incoming glass, on-site grading



4. 3nh NS810 Portable (Cost-Effective)

  • 45/0 geometry, ΔE*ab ≤ 0.04

  • Touchscreen, rugged

  • Best for: solid-color glass, routine QC

Short Recommendation

  • Top lab: YS6060

  • Ultra-precision: TS8560

  • Portable production: ST70

  • Economical QC: NS810

All measure color consistency, transmittance, haze & coating uniformity for glass quality grading.


Our machine is packed by standard export wooden box, it won’t be damaged. We’ve delivered many testing machines abroad by sea or by air without damage.

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