ColorReader CR1 Entry-Level Color Reader
ColorReader CR1 | Portable Color Measurement, App Color-Card Search and Color Management
ColorReader CR1 is a portable color tool for quick on-site color reading, color-difference assessment, and color-card search. Stand-alone operation, a mobile app, and computer software help users review sample color values, assess differences, simulate colors, and find similar shades.
CR1 combines a compact colorimeter with a mobile color-reading app. Its multifunction smart button, non-contact automatic white-tile calibration, app-based color-card search, and color-difference management support color comparison in plastics, electronics, paints and inks, printing, textiles, leather, paper, automotive, medical, cosmetics, and food applications. Confirm suitability based on sample material and surface, measurement area, app functions, and quality-control workflow.
ColorReader CR1 Key Features
Real-time measurement, automatic calibration, an app-based color-card database, and portable operation support quick color checks and on-site communication.
Real-Time Color Measurement
CR1 quickly reads sample color data. Published specifications state repeatability below 0.1 and display resolution of 0.1. It suits applications that need quick on-site color data and preliminary color-difference assessment.
Actual measurement performance depends on sample surface condition, measurement location, lighting, operation, and internal quality-control procedures.
Non-Contact Automatic Calibration
CR1 uses non-contact automatic black-and-white calibration to reduce direct contamination of the white calibration tile during measurement and help maintain stable daily operation.
For organizations with a quality-control SOP, establish pre-measurement checks, calibration intervals, white-tile storage, and equipment-management procedures to maintain consistent data.
Multifunction Smart Button
The multifunction button supports basic measurement settings and review of stored data without a phone or computer, making CR1 convenient for quick field operation.
With the mobile app or computer software, users can also view color-difference charts, color simulations, manage data, and compare colors. Available functions depend on the software version and workflow.
Portable Design and Rechargeable Lithium Battery
The lightweight CR1 fits in a pocket or tool bag for quick color checks at customer sites, showrooms, sample rooms, production areas, or offices.
CR1 uses a Type-C charging port and a rechargeable lithium battery. Published information states approximately 12,000 measurements per full charge. Actual battery life depends on screen brightness, Bluetooth use, measurement frequency, and environment.
Industrial-Grade MCU and Bluetooth 5.0
CR1 uses an industrial-grade MCU and supports Bluetooth 5.0 for viewing data, analyzing colors, and searching color cards through the mobile app.
For integration with an internal database, reporting system, or custom workflow, have an engineer assess the implementation based on actual requirements.
App Color-Card Database and Color-Data Management
The CR1 app can display sample colorimetric values, color differences and charts, pass/fail results, color simulations, color cast, and reflectance data to improve on-site checks and data management.
The app can build a personal color database and search multi-color card sets for similar shades, reducing the need to carry bulky color cards. Use results for communication and preliminary comparison; make final decisions based on the sample and approval process.
Color Tasks Supported by CR1
Color Reading
Quickly read sample colors and obtain colorimetric and related color data.
Color-Difference Assessment
View color-difference values and charts, along with pass/fail results.
Color-Card Search
Search an app-based color-card database for similar shades to support matching and customer communication.
Data Management
Build a color database for sample records, comparison, and follow-up.
Where to Consider ColorReader CR1
Design Proofing
For quick color checks on design, print, packaging, coatings, and display materials.
On-Site Color Matching
Quickly read colors and search similar color cards at customer sites, showrooms, or job sites.
Sample Comparison
For preliminary color-difference checks among supplier samples, customer samples, standards, and trial samples.
Basic Quality Control
Use as a preliminary color-check tool to quickly assess differences and guide discussions.
Selection and Use Notes
ColorReader CR1 supports color reading, color-card search, on-site communication, and preliminary color-difference assessment. For glossy, transparent, translucent, heavily textured, fluorescent, or uneven samples, confirm the measurement location, lighting, sample surface, and internal criteria. For full spectral data, multi-illuminant analysis, SCI/SCE switching, or formal supply-chain acceptance, consider a handheld spectrophotometer.
Contact Fulcrum Technology to discuss your ColorReader CR1 applicationColorReader CR1 Specifications
The specifications below support evaluation, purchasing, and deployment of the ColorReader CR1. CR1 uses D/8 measurement geometry with an Φ8 mm aperture, supports Type-C USB charging and Bluetooth 5.0, and works with a mobile app to review color data, assess color differences, and search similar shades. Confirm implementation against sample material, surface condition, measurement area, app requirements, and quality-control workflow.
| Model | CR1 Color Reader |
|---|---|
| Measurement Geometry | D/8 (diffuse illumination, 8° directional viewing, SCI including specular reflection); complies with CIE No. 15 and GB/T 3978. |
| Detector | CMOS dual optical-path sensor |
| Spectral Separation | Optical filter |
| Integrating Sphere Size | Φ20mm |
| Illuminant | Full-spectrum LED source |
| Wavelength Range | 400–700 nm |
| Observer Illuminant | D65 |
| Display Resolution | 0.1 |
| Reflectance Range | N/A |
| Measurement Aperture | Φ8mm |
| Measurement Condition | SCI |
| Color Space | CIE LAB, LCh |
| Color Difference Formula | ΔE*ab |
| Other Colorimetric Data | N/A |
| Observer Angle | 10° |
| Displayed Parameters | sample colorimetric values, color differences/charts, pass/fail results, color simulation, color cast, and reflectance (some shown in the mobile app) |
| Measurement Time | Approx. 1.0 s |
| Repeatability | Colorimetric value: ΔE*ab ≤ 0.1 (average of 30 white-tile measurements at 5-second intervals after warm-up and calibration) |
| White-Tile Calibration | Non-contact automatic calibration |
| Measurement Mode | Single measurement or average measurement (2–99 readings, via the mobile app) |
| Positioning | Alignment positioning |
| Dimensions | Φ30 × 100 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 88 g |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium battery; up to approximately 12,000 continuous measurements per full charge |
| Light Source Life | Approx. 5 years or more than 3 million measurements |
| Display | 1.14-inch IPS full-color display |
| Connectivity | Type-C USB (charging only); Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Data Storage | Data storage can be expanded through the mobile app; the instrument has no measurement-data review function |
| Software Support | Android, iOS |
| Languages | Simplified Chinese, English |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40℃; 0–85%RH, non-condensing; altitude below 2,000 m |
| Storage Temperature | -20–50℃; 0–85%RH, non-condensing |
| Standard Accessories | Data cable, user manual, calibration box, SQCX PC quality-management software, and MOBCCS app (download from the official website) |
| Optional Accessories | Mini printer, powder test box |
| Note | Specifications may change. Please confirm details with Fulcrum Technology or consult the latest manufacturer documentation. |
Selection note: ColorReader CR1 supports color reading, color-card search, on-site color communication, and preliminary color-difference assessment. For glossy, transparent, translucent, heavily textured, fluorescent, or uneven samples, confirm measurement location, lighting, sample surface, and internal criteria. For full spectral data, multi-illuminant analysis, SCI/SCE switching, or formal supply-chain quality acceptance, consider a spectrophotometer.