Epson’s recently launched SD-10 spectrophotometer has won a Good Design Best 100 award 2021.
Good Design Award judges said: “The ability to match colours objectively based on numerical output instead of human sensory perception promises great benefits in terms of colour matching accuracy and efficiency. Digitisation of the last remaining analogue part of the printing process should remove a bottleneck. Also it will enable rapid advances in efficiency.
“The product is reasonably priced, thanks to sensor technology developed in house and it fits neatly in the hand with an inutitive graphic user interface. It displays colours as numerical values. Furthermore, it visualises differences in colour differences with a dedicated application that was developed at the same time. It is considering coordination with familiar colour samples such as Pantone. As a result, it is easy to imagine its widespread use in the future.”
Affordable colour matching
Epson describes the SD-10 as a highly accurate, compact and affordable spectrophotometer. Battery powered and equipped with a precision MEMS Fabry-Pérot tuneable filter, it fits in your hand or pocket. You can use it to digitise colour readings and colour matching. Also, you can link it with a smart device to centrally manage colour information. Portability means you can measure colours anytime, anywhere.
Epson says that the device helps solve issues around accurate colour matching, particularly with corporate logo colours. Previously, this work required a specifically trained and experienced operator. The company says anyone using the SD-10 can easily measure and quantify colours without specialised knowledge.
Its LCD screen enables you to measure colours and convert them into accurate values. You can also connect the SD-10 to a smart device via Bluetooth. Epson says its Spectrometer app is simple and straightforward to use, even for those new to colour measurement. Wired and wireless connection with a PC is also possible.
Measuring different surfaces
The SD-10 measures colour using nine light sources arranged in a ring. You can reduce the time required for colour matching further as you can get accurate values immediately that are unaffected by any uneven shape on the media’s surface. Accordingly, the SD-10 can also be used for media with uneven surfaces, such as fabric, and the colour measurement results are not affected by any external environment.
In terms of size, the SD-10’s main body measures 35 mm(w) x 80 mm(d) x 80 mm(h) and it weighs 190 g. It is also suitable for use in meetings and colour matching in the field such as on construction sites. In addition, it has a built-in battery for use without a cable.
Epson’s Spectrometer app displays the numerical values measured by the SD-10 as a colour picker with readings in a variety of formats including LAB, CYMK, LCH, RGB and more. You can also compare the colour differences between two measured colours and display the difference numerically. Moreover, the app also identifies similar colours of measured colours, colour scheme examples and complementary colours, and similar Pantone colours.
Key features of the SD-10 spectrophotometer
Compact hand-held design (35 x 80 x 80 mm)
Self calibrating and simple to operate
Large aperture lens with a wide spectral range
All-in-one with a high-capacity lithium ion battery for mobile operation
Take spot readings, compare colours or a patch set
Downloadable iOS and Android app extends functionality
Integrated annular multi-spectrum light source & LCD display
USB & Bluetooth interfacing, supports M0, M1e and M2 standards
One year warranty with service cover extendable to five years via CoverPlus
