With the new MA94/96/98 family, X-Rite now offers a wider range of solutions so customers can tailor their investments by selecting the instruments that best suit their applications, measuring anything from the most basic paints to sophisticated interference pigment coatings. The new spectrophotometers offer improvements such as better data repeatability and a more robust method for measuring flexible or curved surfaces, and customers will be able to utilize the advanced X-ColorQC® software that comes with the instruments to obtain more information from data.   

"With the addition this year of the MA94 and MA96 instruments to our MA98 spectrophotometer, X-Rite offers a complete line of hand-held colour measurement solutions that give manufacturers affordable quality control solutions tailored to the specifics of the material used on the factory floor," he said. "The instruments are designed to make it easy for quality control personnel to obtain reliable colour measurements quickly on the factory floor or in the lab."

X-Rite representatives will demonstrate the company's new solutions at the Surfex 2010 show to be held 8 and 9 June at the Harrogate International Centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Attendees of the Surfex 2010 show can view demonstrations at X-Rite’s stand in Hall M, stand M7. Pre-show information may be obtained by visiting www.xrite.com or contacting Mike Smyth, Sales Director-UK, at e-mail  msmyth@xrite.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling +44 1625 87110.

Feld said the MA94, 96 and 98 multi-angle family can help manufacturers identify and maintain the colour quality of parts that may originate from different production lines, factories or supply sources, saving money and time by reducing scrap and rework. Weighing approximately 1 kilogram and covered with a soft over-mold case for two-handed use, all of the instruments are designed for frequent and comfortable measurement by the shop floor personnel.

The MA94 ensures reliable colour measurement of flat, flexible and curved test surfaces by using three pressure sensors that quickly indicate to personnel that they have positioned the instrument correctly for readings. In addition to the pressure sensors, the instrument can show the locations of where parts are to be measured using X-Rite's proprietary JOBS workflow routine with both text and visual cues and records data for analysis using the X-ColorQC® software. The MA94 illuminates test surfaces with a tungsten halogen module and takes readings from five aspecular angles in less than two seconds. 

The more advanced MA96 has all the features of the MA94, but takes measurements from six aspecular angles, one of which is -15 degrees to provide additional information for collecting data on effect paints and coatings.

Introduced last year, the MA98 is a precision 31-point spectrophotometer that is designed especially to measure effect paints for research and development, process improvements, and product refinements. With 11 sensors and two illuminators, the MA98 can detect characteristics of effect paints that the other instruments miss entirely, Feld said. The MA98 collects and manipulates data through its X-ColorQC® software and proprietary xDNA algorithms to generate easy-to-understand graphs that show unique characteristics of effect paints.

The MA94, 96 and 98 instruments all feature:

-- Using X-Rite's proprietary JOBS workflow routine with both text and visual cues the instrument instructs the user where measurements need to be collected and records data for analysis using the bundled X-ColorQC® software

-- Quick measurement time of about 1 second, with calculation and display in a total of 2 seconds

-- Battery-powered operation that records more than 1,400 measurements per full charge, in addition to operation from an AC adapter

-- Data collection via USB 2.0 or wireless data collection via Bluetooth

-- Solid-state pressure sensors and indicator L.E.D.’s that signal when the instrument is applied properly against the test surface to improve measurement repeatability

-- Lamp modules can be replaced without affecting the measurement performance or results of the instrument

-- Compatibility with previous generations of X-Rite instruments, allowing continued use of existing databases

-- A large colour display screen that is backlit for easy viewing under varying light conditions

-- Software that instructs the operator on the proper techniques of measurement with both text and visual cues

Journalists who would like to schedule an interview with the X-Rite management team or a product demo at Surfex 2010  can contact Maya Staels at Duomedia Public Relations on 003224548550 or via mail maya.s@duomedia.com.

About X-Rite 

(NASDAQ: XRIT) X-Rite is the global leader in colour science and technology. The company, which now includes design industry colour leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative colour solutions through measurement systems, software, colour standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching colour helps users get colour right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.

Contact Maya Staels at Duomedia Public Relations at 0032 2 454 85 50 or maya.s@duomedia.com for more information on this release or to obtain accompanying illustrations.