CR3 Portable Color Reader
ColorReader CR3 | Real-Time Color Measurement, Color-Card Search and Preliminary Color-Difference Assessment
ColorReader CR3 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.
CR3 is suited to design proofing, on-site color matching, packaging color checks, customer-sample comparison, color-data logging, and basic quality control. For formal supply-chain acceptance, full spectral data, multi-illuminant analysis, or stricter quality traceability, evaluate a spectrophotometer or a higher-level color-management system based on the sample and test requirements.
ColorReader CR3 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
CR3 quickly reads sample color data. Published specifications state repeatability below 0.05 and display resolution of 0.01. 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
CR3 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 CR3 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 CR3 fits in a pocket or tool bag for quick color checks at customer sites, showrooms, sample rooms, production areas, or offices.
CR3 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
CR3 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 CR3 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 CR3
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 CR3
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 CR3 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 CR3 applicationColorReader CR3 Specifications
The specifications below support evaluation, purchasing, and deployment of the ColorReader CR3. CR3 uses D/8 measurement geometry with an Φ8 mm aperture, supports Type-C USB and Bluetooth 5.0, and works with a mobile app and PC quality-management software 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 | CR3 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, A, C, D50, D55, D75, F1, F2 (CWF), F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 (DLF), F8, F9, F10 (TPL5), F11 (TL84), F12 (TL83/U30) |
| Wavelength Interval | N/A |
| Reflectance Range | N/A |
| Measurement Aperture | Φ8mm |
| Measurement Condition | 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, DIN ΔE99, ΔE (Hunter) |
| Other Colorimetric Data | WI (ASTM E313, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313), metamerism index Mt, staining fastness, color-change fastness, color strength, hiding power, 555 hue classification, and Munsell (C/2) (via the mobile app) |
| Observer Angle | 2°／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 ≤ 0.05 (average of 30 white-tile measurements at 5-second intervals after warm-up and calibration) |
| Instrument-to-Instrument Difference | N/A |
| Measurement Mode | Single measurement or average measurement (2–99 readings; operated through the mobile app) |
| Positioning | Alignment positioning |
| Dimensions | Φ30 × 100 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 88 g |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium battery |
| Light Source Life | Approx. 5 years or more than 1.5 million measurements |
| Display | 1.14-inch IPS full-color display |
| Connectivity | Type-C USB; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Data Storage | 10 standard samples and 100 test samples; capacity can be expanded through the mobile app |
| Software Support | Android, iOS |
| Languages | Simplified Chinese, English |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40℃; 0–85% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Storage Temperature | -20–50℃, non-condensing |
| Standard Accessories | Data cable, user manual, calibration case, 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 CR3 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.