Technical Information

The spectrophotometer’s inaccurate data readings are primarily caused by inadequate hardware maintenance, in addition to operator-related factors.

• Calibration component “failure”: Damage or contamination of the standard calibration plate (whiteboard / green brick / UV plate) directly leads to the invalidation of the calibration reference.

• Optical system “failing”: Changes in temperature and humidity affect the spectral resolution efficiency of gratings and analyzers; dust accumulation on integrating spheres and filters, as well as contamination and deformation of aperture plates, can also interfere with the optical path.

• Hardware “aging”: Degradation of light source intensity, battery aging, and malfunctioning screens or buttons can all leave devices feeling “underpowered.”

• Component “Wear and Displacement”: The target window is worn and contaminated, and the reset mechanism has shifted, causing deviations in measurement and positioning.

When the device experiences issues such as failure to calibrate via Netprofiler, unsuccessful daily self-calibration, internal contamination of the integrating sphere, alerts like 116/160/100 popping up in the iQC software, or weak light source energy, be sure to contact the manufacturer’s after-sales service promptly—don’t let minor problems escalate into major headaches.

When faced with equipment malfunctions, some companies opt for third-party maintenance services or attempt to repair the equipment themselves by disassembling it, hoping to cut costs. However, this often leads to even bigger problems: mismatched third-party parts causing secondary damage to the equipment; non-standard calibration procedures failing to pass customer factory audits; and significant discrepancies in data readings after repairs, which disrupt supply-chain collaboration... In contrast, the advantages of having X-Rite’s original manufacturer perform in-house maintenance are immediately apparent—they address the core pain points of equipment maintenance at their root.

1. Identify potential hazards in advance to extend equipment lifespan.

   A X-Rite professional engineer will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the equipment’s optical performance, mechanical structure, and circuit system through a full set of testing procedures. This not only repairs existing faults but also identifies hidden signs of aging and wear, allowing for the timely replacement of vulnerable components—thus nipping potential failures in the bud and extending the equipment’s service life by more than 30%.

2. Stable data output, reducing production losses.

   Regular factory-maintained calibration ensures that equipment consistently remains at the original factory’s data center standards, thereby avoiding production rework caused by data drift. For enterprises with multiple facilities and diverse equipment, unified factory calibration also enables precise control of inter-unit variations, guaranteeing color consistency across different factories and batches of products. This significantly reduces raw material waste and order returns resulting from color discrepancies.

3. Equipped with genuine factory parts, ensuring safety and quality.

   All parts replaced or repaired by X-Rite are genuine, factory-original components that have undergone rigorous quality inspections and compatibility tests. This ensures both stable device performance after repair and eliminates safety risks—such as short circuits or component detachment—that can arise from using non-genuine parts. Moreover, the factory’s repair procedures strictly adhere to the ISO9001 quality management system, with traceable records for every step of the process, giving businesses greater confidence in their maintenance and warranty services.

4. Authorized calibration certification, meeting supply chain requirements.

   The X-Rite China Service Center is an ISO 17025-certified laboratory. Its calibration services provide NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) traceability. Upon completion of calibration, the center issues either the manufacturer’s original certificate or an ISO 17025-certified report. This report serves as a “pass” for companies undergoing factory audits by their brand customers’ supply chains, effectively demonstrating that the measurement accuracy of the equipment meets international standards and helping companies secure high-end orders.

5. Standardized control to achieve color consistency across the entire chain.

   Equipment calibrated by the original manufacturer can return to a unified data benchmark. Whether it’s equipment from the same factory at different time periods or equipment distributed across various regional facilities, all can maintain consistent measurement standards, enabling standardization of the color acceptance process throughout the entire supply chain and eliminating collaboration barriers caused by equipment differences.

For commonly used models in the printing and packaging industry, X-Rite has launched the ISO Plus Maintenance Package, covering a variety of portable and desktop spectrophotometers (eXact, eXact 2, Ci62, Ci64, Ci7800, Ci7600, Ci7500). The package offers benefits that can be described as “all-around equipment protection”:

• Damage Prevention, Warranty, and Repair: Includes labor and replacement parts, capable of repairing accidental damage and product defects/failures.

• Preventive Maintenance: Enjoy the manufacturer’s regular maintenance services to reduce the likelihood of failures from the source.

• Authoritative factory calibration: Replace and recalibrate the reference standards, support NIST traceability, and issue factory-certified or ISO17025-accredited certificates simultaneously.

• 24-hour technical support: A professional team is available at any time to answer questions about common malfunctions and also provides exclusive training.

• One-way shipping fee waiver: When equipment needs to be returned to the factory for repair, X-Rite will cover the one-way shipping fee.

• Dedicated Management Platform: Equipped with an X-Rite Link device management platform account to enable real-time monitoring of device status.

In the color management system of the printing and packaging industry, stable hardware equipment forms the foundation, while specialized software tools enable fine-grained control across the entire process—from equipment maintenance to data management. Leveraging its two core tools, NetProfiler and X-Rite Link, along with deep collaboration with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) maintenance services, X-Rite has established a robust, end-to-end color management framework for businesses.

The X-Rite China Repair Service Center is a laboratory certified under both ISO9001 and ISO17025, and it also holds A2LA accreditation from the United States. Its service capabilities cover the entire Greater China region (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). The center has three repair service laboratories located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, and can handle maintenance and repair requests for all products currently sold as well as those that have been discontinued.

Under our warranty policy, newly purchased instruments come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. Starting from October 2025, you can also opt for extended warranties ranging from 1 to 5 years. For instruments purchased after the initial sale, you’ll enjoy annual calibration services, repair services—whether returning the instrument to the factory or receiving on-site repairs—as well as brand-specific color measurement, training, and certification services.