CR-20, the successor to CR-11, CR-13 and CR-14,  is a easy-to-use, light-weight, portable and compact color reader. It is ideal for entry level absolute color measurement and inspection.

Color Reader CR-20

The handheld CR-20 (combined successor to the CR-11, CR-13, CR-14), color reader, measures the color and whiteness of foods or raw materials in paste, solid, or powder form. It boasts an impressive LCD screen that displays measurement results from one of eight color spaces/colorimetric indexes including L*a*b*, L*C*h, Yxy, Munsell, WI (CIE/ASTM E 313-96), Tint (CIE/ASTM E 313-96), YI (ASTM E 313-96).

This instrument can be utilized in order to control color from raw materials through the process of manufacturing. It can also quantify the effect that storage has inflicted on the whiteness of a product during transportation. The CR-20 fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. It is both battery-operated and light-weight, so it is extremely portable. This unit can also be connected to an AC adapter for external power.

This device is affordable and easy-to-use. It is particularly ideal for industries that are just beginning to measure color or need multiple devices that are reliable yet affordable. The functionality of this instrument is user-friendly and does not perform any unneeded processes. This makes things simple. There are 3 easy steps to operate the CR-20, switch on power, perform white calibration, and measure the sample. All color measurements are taken using conditions of the standard illuminant D65 and 10 degrees observer while offering a Xenon lamp light source for longer life and more stable readings.

The CR-20 color reader has a protective glass cap. This allows direct measurement of pastes, powders, or wet objects without needing to fill a cell. This device is printer-ready with USB connectivity in case you need a hard copy of your results. With built in software the CR-20 will allow you to take multiple measurement and average them with one touch averaging button, perfect for uneven color objects.

Color Reader CR-20

  • Simple operation, only necessary functions
  • Built in storage for up to 1,000 measurements including target data
  • On board Utility Software application
  • Instrument is battery operated and handheld providing maximum portability
  • Competitively priced, great for companies that need multiple instruments
  • Protective cap allows direct measurement of pastes, powders, or wet objects
  • Large LCD displays one of eight color spaces/colorimetric indexes
  • Printer connectivity provides for hard copies of data via USB
  • Averaging function allows for several measurement
  • Optional AC adaptor provides external power eliminating the use of batteries

Color Reader CR-20

ModelColor Reader CR-20
Illuminating/viewing geometry8° : de (8°illumination angle/diffuse viewing: specular component excluded)
(conforms to DIN 5033 Teil 7, JIS Z 8722 condition d, ISO 7724/1, CIE No. 15, ASTM E 1164)
DetectorSilicon photocells (6 pcs.)
Light sourcePulsed xenon lamps
Measurement timeApprox. 1 sec
Battery performanceApprox. 2,000 measurement at 10-sec. intervals when using alkaline-manganese batteries
Measurement areaApprox. : ø8 mm
RepeatabilityStandard deviation within ΔE*ab 0.1
(when a white calibration plate is measured 30 times at 10-second intervals)
Display languagesEnglish, Japanese
InterfaceUSB2.0
Observer10° Standard Observer
IlluminantD65
Display dataColorimetric data, average (up to 999 times)
Color spacesL*a*b*, L*C*h, Yxy, XYZ, Munsell (D65)
Colorimetric IndexesWI (CIE/ASTM E 313-96), Tint (CIE/ASTM E 313-96), YI (ASTM E 313-96)
Data memorySample data (up to 1,000)
Operation temperature/ humidity range0 to 40°C, relative humidity 85% or less (at 35°C) with no condensation
Storage temperature/ humidity range-20 to 40°C, relative humidity 85% or less (at 35°C) with no condensation
Power4 AA-size alkaline dry batteries or nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries, USB bus power or special AC Adapter
Size (W x H x D)66 x 159.5 x 85 mm
Weight420 g (without batteries)

Color Reader CR-20

Catalog Download: Download PDF (1.2MB)

Owner’s Manual: Download PDF (1.6MB)

Color Reader CR-20



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