Select a Gloss Meter
1. Gloss Meter Selection by Surface Characteristic
a. Medium or Semi Gloss Surface
b. Low Gloss Surface
c. High Gloss Surface
d. Small Surface Area
e. Irregular Surfaces or Curved Surfaces
f. Cylindrical Surfaces with Jig for Cylinders and Rolls
2. Gloss Meter Selection by # of Angles Required or Geometries
3. Gloss Meter Selection by Industry.
1) Gloss Meter Selection by Surface Characteristic
ISO 2813 and ASTM D523 (the most commonly used standards) describe three measurement angles for the measurement of gloss across surfaces of all levels. The standard gloss unit (GU) is used; this is traceable to standards held at BAM (Germany), NRC (Canada) or NPL (UK).
a) Semi Gloss – 60 degree - Universal Measurement Angle for Gloss Meters
All gloss levels can be measured using the standard measurement angle of 60 degree. This is used as the reference angle with the complimentary angles of 85º and 20º often used for low and high gloss levels respectively. US Gloss Meter Prices Canadian Gloss Meter Prices
b) Low Gloss – 85 degree
For improved resolution of low gloss, the 85 degree angle is recommended for surfaces which measure less than 10 GU when measured at 60 degree. This angle also has a larger measurement spot which will average out differences in the gloss of textured or slightly uneven surfaces. US Gloss Meter Prices Canadian Gloss Meter Prices
c) High Gloss – 20 degree
The acute measurement angle of 20 degree gives improved resolution for high gloss surfaces. Surfaces that measure 70 GU and above at the standard angle of 60 degree are often measured with the 20 degree geometry. US Gloss Meter Prices Canadian Gloss Meter Prices
High glossy surfaces can be affected by another characteristic called, “Haze”. Thus the 20 degree angle measurement is more sensitive to haze effects. These affect the appearance of a surface. Please see our section on Haze and Hazemeter to measure both Haze and Gloss.
d) Small Surface Areas
The Novo Curve resolves the gloss differences across holograms and the polish on coins, steering wheels and extruded pipe work. The Novo Curve Small Area Gloss Meter has a very small measurement spot of 2mm.
e) Irregular Surfaces or Curved Surfaces
When irregular or textured surfaces are measured, the small measurement area can give different gloss values compared to a standard meter that has larger measurement area. To produce comparable results, take 10 measurements on the Novo Curve Curved Surface Gloss Meter and use the statistic function to calculate the average reading.
f) Cylindrical Surfaces w/Jig for Cylinders and Rolls
All standard gloss meters are designed for flat surfaces, if they are used on a curved surface, the measurement beam is reflected away from the instrument detector resulting in incorrect readings. The solution to this problem is to using a very small area. The light is slightly scattered by the curved surface, however as long as the reflected beam remains sufficiently narrow to remain within the instrument detector the reading will be correct. The Novo Curve with Jig Gloss Meter is specified for measuring cylinders and spheres with very low diameters. The Novo Curve with Jig Gloss Meter was developed in conjunction with the National Physics Laboratory (NPL).
2) Gloss Meter Selection by Angles or Geometry
Now you should know which angle is appropriate for your application and industry. We have a selection grid for you to choose from.
Single angle instruments are available in each of the measurement geometries (20/45/60/75 and 85 degree).
Dual Angle instruments give improved performance for medium to high gloss applications with a geometry of 20 degree and 60 degree in one unit.
Triple angle instruments have an additional geometry; the 85 degree geometry for improved resolution on low gloss surfaces offering you the 20/60/85 degree.
Single Angle Gloss Meters
To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.
Dual Angle Glossmeters
To view full product information and downloads click on the product name below.
|
Angle |
Application |
Model |
|
20/60 |
60 - Universal measurement geometry. Measure any surface from ultra matt to mirror finish.
20 - Improved measurement on high gloss (>70GU @60) e.g. plastics, coatings and polished metals.
|
Novo-Gloss LITE 20/60 |
Triple Angle Glossmeters
To view full product information click on the product name below.
|
Angle |
Application |
Model |
|
20/60/85 |
20 - improved measurement
of high gloss levels.
60 - universal measurement angle.
85 - improved resolution on matt surfaces.
|
Novo-Gloss Lite 20/60/85 TRIO
-
Micro-Tri-Gloss 20-60-85 |
|
20/60/85
Plus
Coating
Thickness
0-20 mils
0-500μm |
20 - improved measurement
of high gloss levels.
60 - universal measurement angle.
85 - improved resolution on matt surfaces
Dual sensor Fe/NFe measures thickness on steel as well as on aluminum |
Micro-Tri-Gloss μ |
1) Gloss Meter Selection by Industry
Many industries measure gloss to ensure the quality of their products. It has been shown that the gloss level of a product has as much psychological impact on a consumer as its color. Many products are designed with combinations of high gloss and matt finishes, maximizing their customer appeal.
Surface quality can often be assessed by measuring gloss. For example poorly cured paints or coatings can exhibit unusual gloss levels and can lead to chipping and flaking at a later stage in manufacture.
Imbotec has gloss meters in single, dual and triple angle format, and the Novo Curve Gloss Meter for measuring irregular, curved and round surfaces, making www.imbotec.com the company with the largest range of Gloss Meters with the most comprehensive range of instruments on the market today.
|
|
20 deg |
60 deg |
85 deg |
45 deg |
75 deg |
|
Application |
Coatings, plastics and related materials |
Ceramic, Film |
Paper, Vinyl |
|
|
High Gloss |
Semi Gloss |
Low Gloss |
Semi Gloss |
Low Gloss |
Automotive Industry Gloss Meter
The car industry invests in delivering products with gloss levels that have maximum appeal to end customers. Gloss levels vary from mirror finish chrome parts to very matt “soft touch” internal plastics. High gloss finish paints for bodywork are controlled for gloss using the 20 degree angle. Mid-gloss plastic and wood finishes are controlled using the 60 degree geometry and matt interior plastics using the 85 degree.
Some automotive companies use the 60 degree gloss meter for interior parts, "IP", thus Byk gardner has come out with a new improved version that reads better at the lower end of the scale. This model is the 4460-S.
The three angles of our 20/60/85 degree Novo Gloss TRIO Gloss Meter or the Byk Gardner tri gloss meter give maximum flexibility. If unsure about which company to choose, click here for a Comparison.
Curved parts such as steering wheels, exhausts, chromed fittings and switches are measured using the Novo Curve.
Paints and Coatings Gloss Meter
Most paints and coatings are gloss controlled from formulation, checked regularly during manufacture and finally during application. Changes in gloss levels in the process can lead to substantial visual differences in batches offered to the end user. Closely controlling gloss means maximum visual impact and rejections are avoided. Imbotec also has an inline process Gloss Sensor. Call 1-866-462-6832
The protective coatings industry monitors gloss during the lifetime of a coating because as the paint ages its gloss level drops. When it reaches a preset level the structure is re-painted ensuring that a maximum lifespan is achieved from the coating without the risk of corroding the structure it protects.
Paints and coatings are primarily controlled using the 60º degree angle geometry, with the additional 20º and 85º geometries for high gloss and matt coatings. Choose from the Byk Gardner 60 degree or Novo Gloss LITE 60 degree or the
Furniture Industry Gloss Meter
Furniture can be painted, coated, varnished or stained to any gloss level from very matt to the highest gloss. Throughout this process it is necessary to control the gloss of the products for batch consistency and to check that the coating has been applied and is drying correctly.
Unexpected gloss levels are often an early warning of a problem with the formulation of a coating, the amount that has been applied or the way it has cured.
The 60º geometry is standard in the furniture industry with some customers also specifying the additional 20º and 85º angles. Large coated surfaces can be checked for gloss variations in seconds using the "Continuous Read" feature which is standard in every Novo Gloss meter. Choose from the Novo Gloss LITE 60 degree or the Byk Gardner 60 degree
Plastic Industry Gloss Meter
The plastic industry manufactures products of all shapes and sizes needing gloss measurement. Small gloss differences in these products can lead to rejections by customers and can be an indication of problems in the manufacturing process or the quality of the raw plastic material. Choose from the Novo Gloss LITE 60 degree or the Byk Gardner 60 degree
Extruded pipe work is controlled using the Novo Curve with Jig Gloss Meter which is designed for curved surfaces. Small injection molded parts, such as PDA or mobile phone parts are often curved or have an area that is too small to be measured with traditional gloss meters. The Novo Curve is used for these components.
Metal finishing Gloss Meter
Metallic parts and products are often plated, finished with a protective coating or polished to make them attractive to the end user or as a functional protection from corrosion or wear.
Gloss is often used as a quality control measure. In the rolled steel industry the Byk Gardner 45 micro gloss meter are used to access the quality of the rolled steel. The 60 degree and 20 degree glossmeters are used to check the finish on flat plated and polished metals.
The Novo Curve is also used for the polish of stainless steel pipe and for small surfaces are such as gold plated pen nibs or metal watch bracelets.
Polished Stone Gloss Meter
Natural stone is processed to produce items with many finishes dependent on their end use. Marble and similar materials are polished to produce high gloss surfaces where other stone is left rough and matt in appearance.
Glossmeters are used to ensure batches of stone products match visually and to optimize the amount of finishing is consistently applied to each surface.
The three angles of our 20/60/85 degree Rhopoint TRIO Gloss Meter or the Byk Gardner tri gloss meter give maximum flexibility on both matt and high gloss stone finishes. If unsure about which company to choose, click here for the Gloss Meter Comparison.
Printing Industry Gloss Meter
Packaging and magazine covers are regularly UV varnished for a quality glossy appeal to consumers and company brochures are given that professional edge with lamination and varnish |
Select by Ind./Std.;)
