YL4568 Inline 45°/0° Non-Contact Spectrocolorimeter

The YL4568 is an inline spectrocolorimeter for non-contact color measurement on automated production lines. Its 45°/0° geometry uses uniform annular illumination at 45° and detection at 0°. The probe measures without touching the sample and is intended for liquids, pastes, powders and other non-solid materials, including samples that are difficult to present to a contact instrument.

The probe can be positioned at a defined measurement point to support process color monitoring, color-difference comparison, batch tracking and quality-control workflows. Its listed configuration includes a 256-pixel dual-array CMOS image sensor, full-spectrum LED and UV sources, concave-grating spectroscopy, an industrial MCU and Bluetooth 5.0. Suitability depends on the sample, fixed working distance, line speed, installation and data workflow; validate the application with representative samples before routine use.

Designed for inline, non-contact color measurement

Keeping the probe away from the sample can be useful for wet, soft, loose or moving materials, or where direct contact is unsuitable. YL4568 is intended to be installed at a planned point in a production process. It does not eliminate the need to validate sample presentation, measurement geometry, environmental conditions and quality limits. For repeatable comparisons, keep the measurement position and sample presentation consistent.

Key features

45°/0° optical geometry and fixed working distance

The instrument uses uniform annular illumination at 45° and receives reflected light at 0°. The listed non-contact distance is 7.5 mm (±0.2 mm). Set and secure the probe height for the actual sample path; movement in distance, angle or sample position can affect comparability. The standard listed aperture is Φ20 mm. Φ10 mm and Φ4 mm apertures are optional/custom configurations and should be confirmed before ordering.

256-pixel dual-array CMOS sensor and concave grating

The dual-array CMOS image sensor and concave-grating optical system acquire spectral and color information. The listed wavelength range is 400–700 nm, with output at 10 nm intervals. Interpret performance against the applicable standard, color tolerance, instrument setup and sample preparation. Repeatability and inter-instrument figures depend on the stated test conditions; they should not be treated as guaranteed results for every material or production environment.

Full-spectrum LED and UV sources

The listed illumination includes a full-spectrum LED source and a UV source. Fluorescent materials may respond differently depending on UV conditions, sample properties and measurement purpose. If fluorescence is important to the application, provide representative samples and confirm the required settings and comparison method with the supplier before using readings for acceptance decisions.

Color spaces, illuminants and evaluation indices

Listed color spaces include CIE Lab, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE LUV, Munsell, s-RGB, HunterLab, βxy and DIN Lab99. Listed color-difference formulas include ΔE*ab, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc (2:1 and 1:1), ΔE*00, Hunter ΔE and DIN ΔE99. Other listed indices include whiteness, yellowness, metamerism, staining fastness, color fastness, strength and opacity; availability can depend on the software configuration.

Illuminant options include D65, A, C, D50, D55, D75 and F-series choices such as CWF, DLF, TPL5, TL84 and TL83/U30. Observer angles are listed as 2° and 10°. For supplier, batch or instrument comparisons, use the same illuminant, observer angle, color space, formula, calibration condition and sample preparation method.

Interfaces and configurable functions

The specifications list USB and Bluetooth 5.0 interfaces and camera-based positioning. Measurement time and software functions may be configured; special software functions require separate evaluation and may incur additional customization costs. PLC, MES, database, alarm or closed-loop control integration must be assessed for the actual hardware, communication protocol, data format and production process. The listed interfaces alone do not guarantee direct compatibility with every system.

Application areas to evaluate

Potential applications include color monitoring of liquids, pastes, powders and other non-solid materials in cosmetics, fruits and vegetables, food, plastics, electronics, paints, coatings, inks, printing, ceramics and related industries. These are application areas for evaluation, not a guarantee that every formulation, container or surface can be measured successfully. Check sample homogeneity, opacity, surface movement, container or conveying method, working distance and environmental light in a trial.

Selection and installation checklist

• Provide representative samples covering expected color variation, texture, opacity and fluorescence behavior.
• Confirm probe mounting, fixed sample height, 7.5 mm working distance, aperture, viewing area and available installation space.
• Review line speed, sample movement, trigger conditions, sampling interval, averaging method and maintenance access.
• Agree on the color space, illuminant, observer angle, color-difference formula, calibration schedule and acceptance tolerance used by the quality process.
• Confirm environmental-light control and the method for presenting or conveying the sample.
• Specify USB/Bluetooth communication, required data output, storage, software customization and any PLC/MES integration before commissioning.
• Define reference-tile checks, calibration, maintenance and operator procedures for the production environment.

Measurement time and actual production throughput

Product information lists a fastest measurement time of approximately 0.2 seconds and an adjustable measurement time of 0.1–1.5 seconds. The specification also lists sample and quality-control storage of about 18,000 records and continuous-statistics storage of about 30,000 records, with a combined total not exceeding 48,000. Actual line throughput depends on the selected settings, sample stability, trigger and data-transfer sequence, system integration and production workflow. Confirm performance in a site trial rather than treating a nominal measurement cycle as guaranteed line capacity.

YL4568 or YL4560: which should you evaluate?

YL4568 is positioned for fixed installation, inline non-contact measurement and automated production-line color monitoring. If the primary need is laboratory use, or samples and containers vary in height and the measurement position must be adjusted, compare the YL4560 non-contact spectrocolorimeter. To review the broader range, see the non-contact spectrocolorimeter series.

Frequently asked questions

What samples can YL4568 measure?

Product information lists liquids, pastes, powders and other non-solid materials that may not suit direct probe contact. Confirm performance with the actual sample, container, surface and measurement conditions.

What optical geometry does it use?

It uses 45°/0° geometry, with uniform annular illumination at 45° and detection at 0°.

How fast is a measurement?

Published information lists a fastest measurement time of about 0.2 seconds and an adjustable range of 0.1–1.5 seconds. Usable production-line takt time must also account for sample movement, triggering, data transfer and the quality decision process.

Can it measure fluorescent samples?

The system lists both LED and UV sources, but fluorescence results depend on the material, illumination conditions and test objective. Provide actual samples and confirm the method before relying on results for pass/fail decisions.

Can it connect to a PLC or MES?

USB and Bluetooth 5.0 are listed. PLC, MES or other system integration requires confirmation of protocols, software functions, hardware and data formats for the intended installation.

What should be provided for selection?

Provide sample photos and conditions, fixed measurement distance, measurement point, line speed, trigger method, installation space, environmental conditions, data-output needs and current color-difference acceptance criteria.

Discuss your production-line application

Share the sample type, line speed, measurement position, fixed distance and data-integration requirements so the application can be evaluated. Contact Fulcrum Technology to discuss YL4568 selection and implementation. Specifications, accessories and optional functions may vary by version and configuration; confirm the ordered configuration against current written supplier information.