Technical Information

The Spectura portable integrating-sphere spectrophotometer is designed for production teams that cannot afford rework, repeat measurements, or inconsistent color assessments across multiple facilities.

The Spectura series is a newly released line from X-Rite. Handheld integrating sphere spectrophotometer platform; this article introduces two models, the S62 and S64.

Its definition is a set of Interconnected Platform It integrates advanced portable spherical spectrophotometer technology, a workflow‑linked app, dedicated service plans, and cloud connectivity. On the instrument itself: a 4.0‑inch backlit color touchscreen, high‑resolution camera preview for precise positioning, measurements completed in approximately 2 seconds, a total weight of 750 grams (excluding accessories), and a light source rated for over 10 million measurements.

As the successor platform to the Ci6x series, Spectura remains compatible with Ci6x in terms of measurement baselines—by following the recommended migration process, you can carry forward your established color standards and historical data; the S64 also maintains excellent inter-instrument agreement with the Ci7000 series benchtop spectrophotometers.

 

Advantages of the Spectura Series

• Accurate measurement of reflective, uneven surfaces and various packaging materials

  D/8° integrating sphere measurement geometry, supporting simultaneous SPIN/SPEX output; reproducible measurement results can be obtained for gold and silver cardstock, metallic surfaces, textured samples, and dark-colored specimens.

• Audit and track color quality across devices and locations.

  Thanks to the excellent inter-instrument agreement with the Ci6x and Ci7000 series, measurement data across all stages of the supply chain can be compared, ensuring color consistency and brand integrity.

• High-definition camera preview for precise positioning, eliminating blind testing and rework.

  Accurately locate measurement points to improve measurement repeatability; combined with an ergonomic design, different operators can consistently select the same measurement area even when working on curved or textured surfaces.

• Complete digital audit trail.

  Image acquisition and sample temperature measurement (S62/S64) are recorded in the measurement log, enabling retrospective verification of the measurement conditions in case of disputes while also meeting compliance requirements.

• NetProfiler instrument consistency calibration.

  It compensates for the effects of on-site environmental conditions, equipment contamination, and component wear, ensuring that multiple instruments remain consistent with the X-Rite standard center value. A two-year calibration certification service plan is included, reducing the need to return instruments to the factory for calibration.

 

Two models, two tiers of positioning

S62——Routine Production Quality Control (Networked). Dual apertures, inter-instrument difference narrowed to an average of 0.18 ΔEab, and short-term whiteboard repeatability of 0.02 ΔEab. New features include non-contact sample temperature measurement, built-in NetProfiler, and secure Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling integration with the Color iQC, Color iMatch, ColorCert, Autura Ink, and other software ecosystems.

S64——Advanced Quality Control Across Multiple Facilities. Multi-aperture, with a spectral range extended to 360–750 nm; inter-instrument agreement averages 0.12 ΔEab, and repeatability is 0.01 ΔEab. The light source supports Ci6x and Ci7xxx illumination systems (including 400 nm and 420 nm UV cutoff, D65). Measurement data are compatible with the Ci6x and Ci7000 series, catering to stringent specification requirements and cross‑facility quality‑control workflows.

Common features of both models: standard observation angles of 2° and 10°, illuminants A, C, D50, D65, F series, and LED series, 8 GB of storage, a USB‑C port, and a full charge in 4 hours.

 

How do I transition from Ci6x?

Many customers are currently using the Ci6x. When switching platforms, the biggest concern isn’t the instrument itself, but rather… Standards and data are indispensable. This paragraph makes it clear:

First, data compatibility. The entire Spectura series is compatible with Ci6x series measurement data, and the S64 is also compatible with the Ci7000 series. By following the migration procedures recommended by the manufacturer for existing standard and historical data, continuity can be maintained.

Second, alignment of measurement datums. X-Rite clarifies that the Spectura maintains excellent consistency with the existing Ci6x handheld and Ci7x00 benchtop spectrophotometers. The S64’s light source system also includes Ci6x illumination and Ci6x D65 modes, ensuring compatibility with measurement conditions of older models. After upgrading, perform a side-by-side comparison—measure the same color target with both instruments to assess inter-instrument differences—and confirm that the data aligns before fully replacing the older equipment.

 

Applicable Scenarios

Spectura has identified three key industries: Plastics, Paints and Coatings, Textiles —These three industries have the most concentrated requirements for curved surfaces, textures, dark colors, and temperature-sensitive samples.

For the printing and packaging industry, Spectura takes over where the Ci6x left off.

Integrating-sphere instruments are suitable for measuring textured, rough, irregular, or high-gloss samples that are nearly mirror-like— This type of instrument is commonly used for measuring gold and silver cardstock, metallic surfaces, and spot color ink systems. It is widely used in cigarette pack printing, everyday consumer goods packaging, and high-end cosmetic packaging printing. Moreover, Spectura is data‑compatible with the Ci6x and retains the Ci6x illumination and D65 mode, so existing workflows and evaluation practices using the Ci6x can be seamlessly transferred.

Building on this, Spectura added two new scenarios:

First, dark-colored samples. With an adjustable LED light source and long-term stability, even challenging dark samples can yield reproducible results, minimizing rejects and rework.

Second, temperature-sensitive samples. Non-contact sample temperature detection on the S62/S64 indicates the temperature status when measuring hot or cold samples, reducing measurement deviations caused by sample temperature (the S64 further supports thermochromic correction).

 

Measurement principle

Spectura employs D/8° (8° illumination / diffuse viewing) integrating sphere geometry, holographic grating spectroscopy, and delivers reflectance data in either SPIN mode (including specular reflection) or SPEX mode (excluding specular reflection).

Integrating sphere instruments have a specular reflection port: when the port is open, the specular component is excluded, yielding data free of specular reflections (SPEX); when the port is closed, the specular reflection is included (SPIN). When measuring textured, rough, irregular surfaces, or high-gloss samples, an integrating sphere instrument should be selected.

The underlying principle in this section is consistent with that of the Ci6x.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Can Spectura replace a benchtop spectrophotometer?

No. It delivers measurement reliability on par with laboratory-grade instruments right at the production site, eliminating the need to send samples back to the lab each time. However, its role is to complement and extend the laboratory workflow, not to replace it. Inter-instrument consistency among benchtop models remains the best—when it comes to disputing data, the laboratory instrument still serves as the ultimate reference.

II. What does it rely on to improve production efficiency?

The key lies in three time frames: the measurement itself, verification and confirmation, and communication between people. With small inter‑instrument differences, there are fewer retests and color‑related disputes; combined with ergonomic handheld design, intuitive workflows, and data connectivity, testing throughput can be increased. Laboratories, production floors, and supply chains all obtain the same set of data, making decisions naturally faster.

3. What exactly is the use of cloud connectivity?

It extends color management from a single instrument to the entire quality-control process: operators can directly retrieve approved color standards on the device, and measurement data is synchronized in real time with the quality, laboratory, and production teams.

There are three benefits: everyone uses the same latest standard, there’s no need to export data manually, and data from multiple plants can be viewed together.

IV. Who is it suitable for?

Three categories are listed: quality managers who require precise, reproducible measurement results; production teams that prioritize testing efficiency and throughput; and manufacturing enterprises with multiple facilities or global supply chains.

Conversely, for a standalone, single-user setup that only performs simple comparisons, the S60 is sufficient; there’s no need for a high-end configuration.

5. Can paper and ink be measured, and can a determination be made before shipment?

Yes, that’s possible. This is also a use case explicitly endorsed by X-Rite: conduct color verification of incoming materials and finished products against approved color standards to detect color issues earlier, improve supplier compliance, and ensure the reliability of release decisions. For printing plants, this means measuring paper and ink upon arrival and again before shipment, giving them visibility at both ends of the process.

6. How does it differ from traditional handheld spectrophotometers?

Traditional handheld devices address only the “measurement” aspect. Spectura is a platform comprising “instrument + software + cloud”: beyond measurement, it also handles standard distribution, data transmission, and record-keeping. It achieves excellent measurement consistency with X-Rite integrating-sphere benchtop instruments, designed to seamlessly integrate into your existing laboratory workflow rather than requiring you to establish a separate system.

7. If we add more features in the future, will we need to buy a new machine?

No. Spectura is a modular platform; software, applications, and subscription services can unlock additional features, so you don’t need to replace your hardware as your business grows more complex.

8. Which software is compatible? What is Spectura Apps?

On the software side, it supports integration with X-Rite’s software ecosystem, including Color iQC, Color iMatch, ColorCert, and NetProfiler.

Spectura Apps is a suite of applications that extend instrument capabilities beyond basic measurements, configured to meet workflow needs—think of it as equipping the same device with different functional packages to provide enhanced quality control, guided workflows, and networked color management.

9. What should be noted during routine maintenance?

The claim about adjustable LED illumination is that it provides stable, repeatable lighting while reducing warm-up time and lowering maintenance requirements. Daily white calibration should still be performed according to procedure, and the calibration white board and target window must be kept clean. The instrument may have changed, but the rules haven’t.

 

About Kaiyin Technology

High-tech enterprises: Kaiyin Technology is a national high-tech enterprise, a specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative company, and an innovation-driven enterprise. Located in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone, it is dedicated to providing end-to-end prepress and color management solutions and services for commercial printing and packaging as well as brand owners.

Scope of Business: The company’s business encompasses X-Rite color measurement and closed-loop systems, Kodak prepress CTP solutions, GMG color consistency solutions, ESKO packaging design, and Kongsberg digital cutting systems, and it holds certifications for after-sales service engineers of these related products.

Success Stories: We provide prepress and color management services to numerous international and domestic brand owners and printing and packaging companies. Our brand‑owner clients include Apple, Huawei, Amway China, Microsoft, Disney, Harman, All Cotton Era, Bestore, Hasbro, and others; our printing and packaging clients include Meiyingsen, Gaoyi Packaging, Artron, Toppan Lifeng, Zhonghua Business, R.R. Donnelley, Hongxing Printing, and more.

Development philosophy: We consistently uphold the philosophy of “leading technology to drive the development of the printing industry,” introducing world‑class technologies and products to the domestic market. We provide consulting, sales, and after‑sales support for prepress, printing, and color management solutions. Our team of seasoned industry experts also offers training for international printing‑standardization certifications such as G7, GMI, and PSO, helping clients establish long‑term, stable color‑control systems.