Language
Chinese English español Italiano Giapponese coreano
Home>Main Instruments>Spectrophotometer>Portable Spectrophotometers

PS401 Spectrophotometer

PS401 Spectrophotometer Instructions Operating Manual PS401 Spectrophotometer PDF
This PS401 Spectrophotometer Instrument are Certified with
certify
1 Years Warranty (Additional support period of 3 years)

The PS401 features a dual-purpose design: it can be used as a single unit ("main unit + probe") for handheld measurement needs, or the probe can be used independently for flexible integration into industrial automation equipment. Equipped with USB, Bluetooth, and RS485 and other mainstream industrial interfaces, it supports multi-device communication and collaborative work, allowing for rapid integration into various automated production lines to build distributed color measurement systems and meet the needs of multi-point synchronous color monitoring on complex production lines. It is widely used for color difference quality control in industries such as plastics and electronics, paints and inks, textiles and apparel printing and dyeing, printing, and ceramics.

1. Flexible Application of Dual Modes

Handheld + probe dual-use design: It can be operated as a whole to meet the sampling needs of the laboratory or the field; or the probe can be used alone and integrated into automated equipment to adapt to different working scenarios.

Micro-orifice measurement capability: The measuring aperture is only 1mm, making it suitable for precise colorimetric measurement of small samples, fine areas, curved surfaces, or narrow spaces.

Lightweight design: The main unit weighs only 250g, and the probe (including the calibration box) weighs 240g. Its compact size makes it easy to hold or embed in a device.

Flexible Application of Dual Modes


2. Built-in Electronic Color Card, Intelligent Color Management

Built-in electronic color card library: The device has a pre-installed standard electronic color card, so there is no need to carry a physical color card booklet, which can quickly compare the target color with the standard color sample.

One-click matching and filtering: After measuring the sample, the instrument can automatically identify the closest electronic color card number and color difference data, helping users quickly determine the color assignment and degree of deviation.

Highly efficient quality control: In the processes of incoming material inspection, production batch comparison, and finished product sampling inspection in industries such as plastics and electronics, paints and inks, and textile printing and dyeing, the efficiency of color determination is greatly improved and human error is reduced.

Scalability: Supports user-defined import or update of electronic color card libraries, meeting the digital management and application needs of enterprises' own standard color libraries.

Built-in Electronic Color Card, Intelligent Color Management


3. Industrial-grade Interfaces and Collaboration Capabilities

Multiple interface support: Equipped with multiple interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth, RS485 (probe end), RS232, and RJ45, it is convenient to connect with PLC, computers, printers, industrial controllers and other devices to achieve high-speed data transmission and system integration.

Multi-device communication and collaborative work: Supports networking of multiple devices, suitable for multi-point color synchronous monitoring in automated production lines, and building a distributed color measurement system.

External triggering and real-time feedback: Supports external triggering measurement, and can work in conjunction with production line sensors, robotic arms, etc. to achieve automated and synchronized data acquisition, facilitating closed-loop control.

Industrial-grade Interfaces and Collaboration Capabilities


4. High Precision and High Stability

Optical core: It adopts dual-channel silicon photodiode array sensors (32 groups in two rows) and nano-integrated spectral devices, with a wavelength range of 400-700nm, a wavelength interval of 10nm, and high spectral accuracy.

Good repeatability: standard deviation of chromaticity value ΔE*ab ≤ 0.02 (30 measurements at 5s intervals after whiteboard calibration), standard deviation of spectrophotometric reflectance ≤ 0.1% (≤ 0.2% in the range of 400-700nm).

Small inter-device difference: ΔE*ab ≤0.3 (average value of 12 color plates in BCRA series II), ensuring data consistency among multiple devices.

High display accuracy: 0.01%, reflectance resolution 0.01%, reflectance measurement range 0-200%, meeting high-precision quality control requirements.

High Precision and High Stability


5. Comprehensive Colorimetric Indicators and Software Ecosystem

Rich colorimetric indicators: Supports multiple color spaces such as CIE LAB, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE LUV, s-RGB, HunterLab, βxy, DIN Lab99, etc.; covers multiple color difference formulas such as ΔEab, ΔE94, ΔEcmc, ΔE00, DINΔE99, etc.

Diverse colorimetric indicators: including spectral reflectance, whiteness (ASTM E313, CIE/ISO, ISO2470/R457, etc.), yellowness (ASTM D1925, ASTM 313), metamerism index (MI), staining/color change fastness, strength, opacity, 555 hue classification, Munsell (C/2), blackness (My, dM), color density (CMYK), tint, etc.

Multiple light sources and observer angles: Supports 32 types of observation light sources, including D65, A, B, C, D50, F series, and LED series, with selectable 2°/10° observer angles, conforming to international standards.

Comprehensive software ecosystem: Supports multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, WeChat Mini Programs, and HarmonyOS, and provides quality management software (downloadable from the official website) to enable data storage, analysis, export, and traceability.

Comprehensive Colorimetric Indicators and Software Ecosystem


6. Stable and Durable, Adaptable to Complex Environments

Long-lasting light source: Combined full-spectrum LED light source with a lifespan of up to 10 years or more than 3 million measurements, reducing maintenance costs.

High-capacity battery: 3200mAh lithium battery, which can support about 9 hours or 15,000 measurements on a single charge, meeting the needs of long-term operation.

Strong environmental adaptability: operating temperature 0~40℃, storage temperature -20~50℃, humidity ≤85%RH (non-condensing), suitable for industrial site environments.

Metrological compliance guarantee: The equipment is guaranteed to be metrologically compliant at the factory, ensuring that the measurement results are traceable and reliable.

Stable and Durable, Adaptable to Complex Environments


Application Areas

The PS401 spectrophotometer is suitable for color difference quality control in industries such as plastics and electronics, paints and inks, textiles and apparel printing and dyeing, printing, ceramics, food packaging, cosmetics, and automotive parts. Its 1mm micro-aperture diameter is ideal for color control of extremely small samples, precision injection molded parts, screen-printed patterns, wires, and minute areas. Its dual-purpose design and rich interfaces enable it to deliver efficient, accurate, and stable color measurement capabilities in automated production lines, robotic arm integration, laboratory testing, and mobile inspection scenarios.

Application


Product Model

PS401 Spectrophotometer

Lighting Method

D/8 (diffuse illumination, 8° direction reception), SCI (including specular reflection), conforming to standards CIE No.15, GB/T 3978, GB 2893, GB/T 18833, ISO7724-1, ASTM E1164, DIN5033 Teil7

Characteristic

Employing a dual-channel silicon photodiode array sensor with a built-in electronic color card. It is used for color difference quality control in industries such as plastics and electronics, paints and inks, textiles and apparel printing and dyeing, printing, and ceramics.

Lighting Source

Combined full-spectrum LED light source

Integrating Sphere Size

Φ20mm

Spectrophotometry

Nanoscale integrated spectral devices

Sensors

Silicon photodiode array (dual-row, 32 groups)

Measurement Wavelength Range

400-700nm

Wavelength Spacing

10nm

Measuring Diameter

1mm

Light-containing Methods

SCI

Color Space

CIE LAB, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE LUV, s-RGB, HunterLab, βxy, DIN Lab99

Color Difference Formula

ΔE*ab, ΔE*uv, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc(2:1), ΔE*cmc(1:1), ΔE*00, DINΔE99, ΔE(Hunter)

Other Colorimetric Indicators

Spectral reflectance, WI (ASTM E313, CIE/ISO, ISO2470/R457, AATCC, Hunter, Taube, Berger, Stensby), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM 313), metamerism index MI, staining fastness, color change fastness, strength, opacity, 555 hue classification, Munsell (C/2), blackness (My, dM), color density CMYK, Tint

Observer's Perspective

2°/10°

Observation Light Source

D65, A, B, C, D50, D55, D75, F1, F2(CWF), F3, F4, F5, F6, F7(DLF), F8, F9, F10(TPL5), F11(TL84), F12(TL83/U30), U35, NBF, ID50, ID65, LED-B1, LED-B2, LED-B3, LED-B4, LED-B5, LED-BH1, LED-RGB1, LED-V1, LED-V2

Display

Spectral graph/data, sample chromaticity value, color difference value/graph, pass/fail results, color simulation, color deviation

Measurement Time

Approximately 1s

Repeatability

Chromaticity value: Standard deviation ΔE*ab within 0.02 (after preheating and calibration, average value of 30 measurements on a white board at 5-second intervals)
Spectrophotometric reflectance: MAV/SCI, standard deviation within 0.1% (400~700nm: within 0.2%)

Inter-platform Difference

ΔE*ab within 0.3 (average value measured from 12 color swatches of BCRA Series II)

Display Accuracy

0.01

Reflectivity Measurement Range

0-200%

Reflectivity Resolution

0.01%

Measurement Method

Single measurement, average measurement (2~99 times)

Positioning Method

Auxiliary positioning lines

Whiteboard Verification Method

Contact whiteboard verification

Size

Main unit: 80*132*20; Probe: φ43*73.5

Weight

Main unit: 250g; Probe (including calibration box): 240g

Battery Power

Lithium battery, 3.7V, 3200mAh, 15,000 measurements within 9 hours

Lighting Source Lifespan

10 years, more than 3 million measurements

Display Screen

TFT true color 3.5inch, capacitive touch screen

Interface

USB, Bluetooth, RS485 (probe)

Data Storage

Standards: 500, Samples: 10,000, APP/PC massive storage

Software Support

Android, iOS, Windows, WeChat Mini Programs, HarmonyOS



Our Valued Clients

  • 3NH customer atlas
  • maruti suzuki logo
  • vogels logo vector
  • customer swaraj
  • customer tatamotor
  • 3nh customer bridgestone
  • studds logo
  • customer cubic logo

FAQs About  Portable Spectrophotometers

Yes, we warmly welcome and sincerely invite you or your team to visit our factory, we will help to arrange hotel and pick up you from airport.

At most of time, we have Spectrophotometer stock in the factory. Generally it is 1-3 working days after the payment confirmed. After shipped, we will email you the tracking number. You can check the shipping status of your order on the website. If you are in urgent need, we can consider making special arrangement for you.

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.

The main instruments used to detect color are spectrophotometers and colorimeters (including photoelectric integrating colorimeters). 

Spectrophotometer: High-precision option. It analyzes the full visible light spectrum to measure color accurately. Suitable for complex scenarios like textured surfaces, special effect colors, or batch consistency checks in industries such as paint and coatings. 

Colorimeter (Photoelectric Integrating Colorimeter): Cost-effective and portable. It uses RGB filters to measure tristimulus values directly. Ideal for quick color difference detection in simple applications. Key Selection Tip Choose based on accuracy needs: use a spectrophotometer for high-precision color measurement, and a colorimeter for fast, basic color difference checks.


For professional paint matching (decorative, automotive, industrial, metallic/pearlescent), these are the top-performing spectrophotometers from 3nh — optimized for formulation, batch consistency, metamerism control, and field/shop matching:


1. 3nh YS6060 Premium Benchtop (Best Lab & Formulation)

  • d/8° sphere, SCI/SCE, UV control (360–780nm)

  • ΔE*ab ≤ 0.015, IIA ≤ 0.2 — ultra-precise for R&D

  • Multi-apertures (Φ4/8/15/25.4mm)

  • Transmission + reflection modes

  • Best for: Paint lab formulation, fluorescent pigments, color standardization

2. 3nh TS7700 Portable (Best On-Site / Production)

  • d/8° (SCI/SCE), ΔE*ab ≤ 0.02

  • Large Φ20mm aperture — averages texture/sheen

  • Fast, handheld, rugged

  • Best for: Paint store counters, job-site matching, production QC

3. 3nh MS3008 Multi-Angle (Metallic / Pearlescent Paints)

  • 8-angle measurement (15°/25°/45°/75°/110° + others)Threenh

  • For flip-flop, sparkle, pearlescent, metallic coatings

  • High stability for special-effect finishes

  • Best for: Automotive paint, powder coatings, metallic pigments, High-end industrial coatings, automotive OEM

4. 3nh YS3010 / YS3060 (Mid-Range Portable)

  • d/8°, SCI/SCE, UV adjustable

  • Interchangeable apertures (Φ4/8mm)

  • Bluetooth + USB

  • Best for: General paint store matching, routine QC

Short Best Recommendations

  • Lab formulation / R&D: 3nh YS6060

  • Portable on-site / paint store: 3nh TS7700

  • Metallic / pearlescent paint: 3nh MS3008

  • Entry-level portable: 3nh YS3010


All deliver stable spectral data, minimal metamerism, and perfect batch-to-batch consistency — critical for paint matching.


Related Portable Spectrophotometers You May Also Like

Copyright ©1998 - 2026 Guangdong Threenh Technology Co.,Ltd. Privacy Policy

Give us a call!

Discuss your project with one of our product specialists:

0086 755 26508999

Need pricing?

We respond to quote requests within 1 business day.

service@3nh.com

Already know what you need?

Submit a demo request for the product you're interested in.

Get a Demo
Leave Your Message
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy policy