CHNSpec MC03, MC06 & MC12 Multi-Angle Spectrophotometers

The CHNSpec MC03, MC06 and MC12 are portable multi-angle spectrophotometers designed to quantify color travel across metallic, pearlescent and other effect finishes. The series combines a 400–700nm spectral range, 0.02ΔE*ab color repeatability, camera-assisted positioning and a 9×12mm sampling aperture with 3-, 6- or 12-angle measurement geometries.

MC03 supports essential multi-angle color checks, while MC06 and MC12 add objective sparkle, color-sparkle and graininess evaluation. This model structure supports workflows ranging from refinish matching and production sampling to automotive OEM quality control and coating research.

Key Features

• 3/6/12-angle model range: select the angular coverage required for basic checks, advanced production control or detailed effect-finish analysis.
• 400–700nm spectral range: captures visible spectral data at 10nm wavelength intervals.
• 0.02ΔE*ab color repeatability: supports stable comparison of effect-finish samples and production batches.
• Effect parameter measurement: MC06 and MC12 quantify sparkle, color sparkle and graininess that are difficult to judge consistently by eye.
• Blue-enhanced full-spectrum LED: provides a long-life internal source rated for 10 years or five million measurements.
• 256-pixel dual-array CMOS detector: supports consistent spectral acquisition across the series.
• Camera preview: shows the target area before measurement to improve placement on components and coated surfaces.
• 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen: presents spectral data, color differences, pass/fail results and effect values directly on the instrument.
• Connected workflow: USB and Bluetooth support transfer and management of up to 10,000 stored records.

Applications

• Automotive metallic and pearlescent paint matching
• Vehicle body and exterior component quality control
• Effect coatings and pigment formulation
• Pearlescent plastics, appliances and 3C product finishes
• Cosmetics and premium packaging appearance inspection
• Production batch comparison and laboratory R&D

Model Differences & Selection

• MC03: uses three light sources and one 45° receiver to measure three angles in approximately 2.5s. Choose it for entry-level multi-angle color checks, refinish work and routine production sampling where dedicated effect parameters are not required.
• MC06: uses six light sources and one 45° receiver to measure six angles in approximately 4.5s. It adds sparkle, color-sparkle and graininess evaluation, making it suitable for automotive components, coatings production and advanced effect-finish QC.
• MC12: combines seven light sources with 45° and 15° receivers for twelve-angle coverage in approximately 5s. Its 0.18ΔE*00 inter-instrument agreement and extended angular data suit automotive OEM inspection, high-end coating development and demanding cross-site quality systems.

Why Choose the MC Series?

The MC Series replaces subjective visual descriptions of color travel and surface effects with repeatable numerical data. A common instrument platform lets organizations match measurement depth to each task while maintaining consistent operation, camera positioning and data handling across production and R&D teams.