Spectrophotometers | Konica Minolta
CM-M6
The Konica Minolta CM-M6 is a compact multi-angle spectrophotometer designed specifically for measuring special effect finishes such as metallic, pearlescent, and interference coatings that change color depending on the viewing angle. The CM-M6 spectrophotometer measures color at six different illumination/viewing angles (25°/45°, 45°/45°, 75°/45°, 110°/45°, 25°/-15°, 45°/-30°) to fully characterize the color travel and flop of effect finishes. With its pistol-grip design, auto-tilt mechanism for positioning on curved surfaces, and excellent inter-instrument agreement, the CM-M6 is the preferred instrument for automotive exterior paint approval and production QC.
About the Konica Minolta CM-M6 Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer
The Konica Minolta CM-M6 is a compact multi-angle spectrophotometer designed specifically for measuring special effect finishes such as metallic, pearlescent, and interference coatings that change color depending on the viewing angle. The CM-M6 spectrophotometer measures color at six different illumination/viewing angles (25°/45°, 45°/45°, 75°/45°, 110°/45°, 25°/-15°, 45°/-30°) to fully characterize the color travel and flop of effect finishes. With its pistol-grip design, auto-tilt mechanism for positioning on curved surfaces, and excellent inter-instrument agreement, the CM-M6 is the preferred instrument for automotive exterior paint approval and production QC.
Features
- Multi-angle measurement at 25°, 45°, 75°
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ideal for metallic and pearlescent finishes
- USB connectivity
- Compatible with SpectraMagic NX
Specifications
| Measurement Angles | 6 angles: 25°/45°, 45°/45°, 75°/45°, 110°/45°, 25°/-15°, 45°/-30° |
|---|---|
| Illumination Angle | 45° |
| Sensor | 36-pixel silicon photodiode array |
| Spectral Range | 400 nm to 700 nm |
| Light Source | Pulsed xenon lamp |
| Measurement Spot | Approx. 12 × 6 mm |
| Display | 2.36" color LCD |
| Interface | USB, Bluetooth |
| Memory | 1,000 target + 3,000 sample |
| Dimensions | 156 × 76 × 127 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 600 g |
| Compatible Software | SpectraMagic NX |
Measurement Principle of the CM-M6 Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer
Special effect coatings contain metallic flakes, pearlescent pigments, or interference pigments that create angle-dependent color shifts (flop). A single-angle measurement cannot capture this behavior.
The CM-M6 illuminates the sample at a fixed 45° angle and measures the reflected light at six different aspecular angles (25°, 45°, 75°, 110° in the specular plane, plus 25° and 45° in the opposite plane). Each measurement uses a pulsed xenon lamp and a 36-pixel photodiode array to capture the full spectral reflectance curve (400–700 nm) at each angle. The combination of six spectral curves fully describes the angular color behavior of the coating.
An integrated gravity sensor automatically detects the measurement angle relative to the vertical, ensuring correct orientation on flat panels and curved surfaces such as car body panels.
Applications of the CM-M6 Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer
Automotive Exterior Paint
The primary application is measuring and matching metallic, pearlescent, and tinted clearcoat finishes on car body panels, bumpers, and replacement parts.
Industrial Effect Coatings
Consumer electronics, appliances, and architectural panels with effect finishes.
Paint Formulation
R&D labs use the CM-M6 to develop and optimize special effect pigment formulations.
Q: Why do I need multi-angle measurement?
A: Metallic and pearlescent coatings look different at different viewing angles. Multi-angle measurement captures this behavior, enabling accurate color matching of effect finishes.
Q: Can the CM-M6 measure flat and curved samples?
A: Yes, the auto-tilt mechanism automatically adjusts to the measurement surface, ensuring correct angle positioning on both flat panels and curved automotive body panels.
