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The TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer (part number TCS-520) is a portable colour measurement instrument for professional colour control. It uses d/8 geometry with both specular component included (SCI) and excluded (SCE) modes, and transfers data over Bluetooth to Android, iOS and Windows software.
Colour consistency is hard to judge by eye, and disputes over whether a batch matches the standard cost time and material. A spectrophotometer gives an objective numerical reading, so production, suppliers and customers can all work to the same colour values and difference tolerances rather than to a subjective opinion.
The TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer uses a full spectrum LED source over a 400 to 700nm wavelength range at 10nm intervals, read by a 256 pixel CMOS sensor through a 40mm sphere. It reports a wide set of colour spaces and indices including CIE-Lab, CIE-LCh, HunterLab, XYZ, Yxy and RGB, colour difference formulae (ΔE*ab, ΔE*cmc, ΔE*94, ΔE*00), and whiteness and yellowness indices, with 2 degree and 10 degree observers and a broad illuminant set. Interchangeable apertures of 11mm, 6mm and 1.3mm suit different sample sizes, and the TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer measures UV included or excluded. Automatic calibration runs from a multi-function base that also charges the unit, an integrated camera confirms the target area, and a reading takes about 1 second. The rechargeable battery gives 8000 continuous tests, inter-instrument agreement is ΔE*ab under 0.2, and the TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer weighs about 300g.
The TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer conforms to ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73 and ASTM D1925. Used in paint, plastics, textile and printing colour control, it is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised distributor.
TIME TCS-520 Spectrophotometer
The TIME TCS-520 has a powerful performance configuration which makes professional colour measurement simple and effective. The unit boasts excellent inter-instrument processing, ensuring consistency of the measurement data between multiple devices. The TCS-520 can seamlessly transfer data via Bluetooth, allowing you to use the software with your Android or IOS devices.
- Automatic calibration
- Interchangeable apertures for different testing applications
- 20 options of colour indexes, and 26 options of illuminants
- Inter-instrument communication allows for consistency of readings
- Measures UV Included/ UV Excluded
- Interchangeable apertures of 11mm/6mm/1.3mm
- Multi-functional calibration base
- Mobile app allows for on-the-go adjustments and data transfer
- Integrated camera to verify the measurement area.
Specifications
- Model
- TCS-520
- Geometry
- d/8 (diffused illumination, 8° viewing) SCI (Specular Component Included), SCE (Specular Component Excluded)
- Light Sources
- LED (Full Spectrum)
- Colour Spaces and Indices
- Reflectance, CIE-Lab, CIE-LCh, HunterLab, CIE Luv, XYZ, Yxy, RGB, Colour difference (ΔE*ab, ΔE*cmc, ΔE*94, ΔE*00), WI (ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, Taube Berger Stensby), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73), Blackness (My, dM), Colour Fastness, Tint (ASTM E313-00), Colour Density CMYK (A, T, E, M), Milm, Munsell, Opacity, Colour strength
- Illuminants
- A, B, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, CWF, U30, U35, DLF, NBF, TL83, TL84
- Observer Angles
- 2°, 10°
- Sensor
- 256 pixel CMOS Sensor
- Calibration
- Automatic
- Wavelength Interval
- 10nm
- Wavelength Range
- 400-700nm
- Reflectance Range
- 0-200%
- Reflectance Resolution
- 0.01%
- Sphere Size
- 40mm
- Repeatability
- Chromaticity value: Max.: dE*ab < 0.04 Average: dE*ab < 0.03 Standard deviation within ΔE*ab 0.02 (when a white tile is measured 30 times at 5-seconds interval) Reflectance: Standard deviation < 0.1%
- Illumination Area/Aperture
- MAV: Φ8mm/Φ11mm MAV: Φ4mm/Φ6mm MINI: 1*3mm
- Inter-instrument agreement
- ΔE*ab < 0.2 BCRA Series II, average measurement of 12 tiles, MAV/SCI
- Test Time
- About 1s
- Storage
- APP mass storage
- Battery
- Rechargeable, 8000 continuous tests, 3.7V/3000mAh
- Screen
- IPS Full Colour Screen, 2.4 inches
- Interface
- USB, Bluetooth
- Lamp Lifetime
- 10 years, 1 million tests
- Language
- English and Chinese
- Software
- Android, IOS, Windows
- Pass Metrology
- Yes, metrology level I
- Camera
- Included
- Instrument Size
- 77.8mm x 53.2mm x 185.7mm
- Weight
- ±300g
Specifications
Specifications
- Model
- TCS-520
- Geometry
- d/8 (diffused illumination, 8° viewing) SCI (Specular Component Included), SCE (Specular Component Excluded)
- Light Sources
- LED (Full Spectrum)
- Colour Spaces and Indices
- Reflectance, CIE-Lab, CIE-LCh, HunterLab, CIE Luv, XYZ, Yxy, RGB, Colour difference (ΔE*ab, ΔE*cmc, ΔE*94, ΔE*00), WI (ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, Taube Berger Stensby), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73), Blackness (My, dM), Colour Fastness, Tint (ASTM E313-00), Colour Density CMYK (A, T, E, M), Milm, Munsell, Opacity, Colour strength
- Illuminants
- A, B, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, CWF, U30, U35, DLF, NBF, TL83, TL84
- Observer Angles
- 2°, 10°
- Sensor
- 256 pixel CMOS Sensor
- Calibration
- Automatic
- Wavelength Interval
- 10nm
- Wavelength Range
- 400-700nm
- Reflectance Range
- 0-200%
- Reflectance Resolution
- 0.01%
- Sphere Size
- 40mm
- Repeatability
- Chromaticity value: Max.: dE*ab < 0.04 Average: dE*ab < 0.03 Standard deviation within ΔE*ab 0.02 (when a white tile is measured 30 times at 5-seconds interval) Reflectance: Standard deviation < 0.1%
- Illumination Area/Aperture
- MAV: Φ8mm/Φ11mm MAV: Φ4mm/Φ6mm MINI: 1*3mm
- Inter-instrument agreement
- ΔE*ab < 0.2 BCRA Series II, average measurement of 12 tiles, MAV/SCI
- Test Time
- About 1s
- Storage
- APP mass storage
- Battery
- Rechargeable, 8000 continuous tests, 3.7V/3000mAh
- Screen
- IPS Full Colour Screen, 2.4 inches
- Interface
- USB, Bluetooth
- Lamp Lifetime
- 10 years, 1 million tests
- Language
- English and Chinese
- Software
- Android, IOS, Windows
- Pass Metrology
- Yes, metrology level I
- Camera
- Included
- Instrument Size
- 77.8mm x 53.2mm x 185.7mm
- Weight
- ±300g
Standards
Standards
Downloads
Frequently asked questions
Will multiple TCS-520 units give consistent results across my lab?
Yes. The TCS-520 is designed for inter-instrument agreement better than ΔE*ab 0.2 on BCRA Series II tiles. This ensures consistent colour measurement data across multiple devices in your facility.
How repeatable is the TCS-520?
Measurements are highly repeatable. On a white tile measured 30 times at 5-second intervals, the average colour difference is ΔE*ab < 0.03, with maximum < 0.04. Reflectance repeatability has a standard deviation < 0.1%.
Which colour difference calculations does the TCS-520 support?
The TCS-520 calculates ΔE*ab, ΔE*cmc, ΔE*94, and ΔE*00. This lets you choose the formula that best matches your quality standard or customer requirement.
Which standards does the TCS-520 report whiteness and yellowness against?
Whiteness indices follow ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, and Taube Berger Stensby. Yellowness is reported under ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-00, and ASTM E313-73.
How long does a measurement take, and how many tests will one charge support?
A single measurement takes approximately 1 second. The rechargeable battery supports 8000 continuous tests on a full charge, making field work practical without frequent recharging.
Can the TCS-520 handle small samples or textured surfaces?
The TCS-520 offers three aperture configurations: MAV (Φ8mm or Φ4mm illumination) and MINI (1 x 3mm). This range allows measurement of small samples, edges, and textured areas where larger apertures will not fit.
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Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.