Konica Minolta CM-3700A User manual

SPECTROPHOTOMETER
CM-3700A
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Before using this instrument,
please read this manual.

Safety Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual or CM-3700A to prevent accidents
which may occur as a result of incorrect use of the instrument.
Denotes an instruction regarding a safety warning or note.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes an instruction regarding the risk of electric shock.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes an instruction regarding the risk of fire.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes a prohibited action.
This action must never be performed.
Denotes an instruction.
This instruction must be strictly adhered to.
Denotes a prohibited action.
Never disassemble the instrument.
Denotes an instruction.
Be sure to disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
This symbol indicates A.C.
This symbol indicates D.C.
This symbol indicates class II protection against electric shock.
Trademarks
• Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Notes on this Manual
• Copying or reproduction of all or part of the contents of this manual without KONICA MINOLTA’s permis-
sion is strictly prohibited.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
• Every effort has been made in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of its contents.
However, should you have any questions or find any errors, please contact your retailer or a KONICA
MINOLTA-authorized service facility.
• KONICA MINOLTA will not accept any responsibility for consequences arising from the use of the instru-
ment.

1
Safety Precautions
To ensure correct use of this instrument, read the following points carefully and adhere to them.
After you have read this manual, keep it in a safe place where it can be referred to anytime a question arises.
WARNING (Failure to adhere to the following points
may result in death or serious injury.)
Do not use the instrument in places where
flammable or combustible gases (gasoline,
etc.) are present.Doing so may cause a fire.
Do not disassemble or modify the
instrument or the AC adapter. Doing
so may cause a fire or electric shock.
Always use the AC adapter supplied as
a standard accessory or the optional AC
adapter, and connect it to an AC outlet
of the rated voltage and frequency. If an
AC adapter other than those specified by
KONICA MINOLTA is used, it may result in
damage to the unit, fire or electric shock.
Take special care not to allow liquid or
metal objects to enter the instrument.
Doing so may cause a fire or electric
shock. Should liquid or metal objects
enter the instrument, turn the power
OFF immediately, disconnect the
AC adapter plug from the AC outlet,
and contact the nearest Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
If the instrument will not be used for a
long time, disconnect the AC adapter
plug from the AC outlet. Accumulated
dirt or water on the prongs of the
AC adapter’s plug may cause a
fire and should be removed.
The instrument should not be operated if it
is damaged or the AC adapter is damaged,
or if smoke or odd smells occur. Doing
so may cause a fire. In such situations,
turn the power OFF immediately,
disconnect the AC adapter plug from the
AC outlet and contact the nearest Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
Do not forcibly bend, twist, or pull the AC
adapter power cable. Do not scratch or alter
the power cable or place heavy objects
on it. Doing so may damage the power
cable and cause a fire or electric shock.
Always hold the plug itself when
disconnecting the AC adapter plug
from the AC outlet. Pulling on the
power cable may damage it and
cause a fire or electric shock.
Insert the power plug fully and
securely. Incomplete inserting may
cause fire or electric shock.
Do not insert or disconnect the AC adapter
plug from an AC outlet with wet hands.
Doing so may cause electric shock.
CAUTION (Failing to adhere to the following points may result in
injury or damage to the instrument or other property.)
Do not perform measurement with the
specimen measuring port
directed towards your eyes.
Doing so may damage your eyes.
Do not place the instrument on an
unstable or sloping surface. Doing so
may result in its falling or overturning,
causing injury. Be careful not to drop
the instrument when carrying it.
Be careful not to get your hand caught in
the openable section of the instrument.
Doing so may result in injury.
When carrying the instrument, fix it with tape,
etc. to prevent the transmittance specimen
chamber cover from opening and closing.
Doing so may result in your hand caught by
the cover and result in injury.
Make sure that the AC outlet is located
near the instrument and that the AC
adapter plug can be connected to and
disconnected from the AC outlet easily.
When cleaning, disconnect the power plug.
Connecting may cause electric shock.

2
INTRODUCTION
This spectrophotometer is designed for spectral measurement of color and color differences in
various industries. It can measure both reflected and transmitted color with high accuracy.
Packing Materials
General Packing Materials
Keep all packing materials (cardboard box, cushioning material, plastic bags, etc.) in a safe
place. The CM-3700A is a precision measuring instrument. They can be used to protect the
instrument from impact and vibration during shipment to Konica Minolta for maintenance.
Should they be lost or damaged, contact the nearest Konica Minolta-authorized service facility.
Protective cap for the specimen measuring port (integrating sphere opening)
The CM-3700A is delivered with no target mask attached. To protect the specimen
measuring port, a protective cap is attached to the specimen measuring port.
This protective cap must be removed before using the CM-3700A.
When you transport the CM-3700A to another place, the protective cap
must be attached. Keep the protective cap in a safe place after putting it in the accessory case (CM-A156).
Protective cap

3
Notes on Use
Be sure to use this instrument properly. Use of this instrument in ways other than those specified in
this manual may result in risk of injury, electric shock, instrument damage, or other problems.
Operating Environment
• Use the CM-3700A at an ambient temperature between 13°C and 33°C and relative humidity 80% or less (at
33°C) with no condensation. Be sure to use the instrument within this range. Do not use it in areas of rapid
temperature changes.
• Do not leave the CM-3700A in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as stoves, etc. The internal
temperature of the instrument may become much higher than the ambient temperature in such cases.
• Do not use the CM-3700A in areas where dust, cigarette smoke or chemical gases are present. Doing so
may cause deterioration in performance or a breakdown.
• Do not use the CM-3700A near equipment which produces a strong magnetic field (such as speakers, etc.).
• The CM-3700A belongs to installation category I products (equipment which is powered by an AC adapter-
connected to commercially available power).
• The CM-3700A belongs to pollution degree 2 products (equipment which may cause temporary electrical
hazards due to contamination or condensation or products which are used in such an environment).
• Do not use the CM-3700A at altitudes higher than 2,000 m.
• The CM-3700A and the AC adapter supplied as a standard accessory have been designed exclusively for
indoor use. They should never be used outdoors because rain or other factors may damage the instrument.
Measurement
• Make sure no dirt or dust get into the specimen measuring port.
• When using the instrument for long periods of time, the measurement value may change depending on
changes in the environment. Therefore, in order to achieve accurate measurements, we recommend that
white calibration be done regularly using the White Calibration Plate.
White Calibration Plate
• The calibration data for the White Calibration Plate was measured at 23°C.
To achieve the highest accuracy when measuring absolute values (colorimetric values), calibration and
measurement should be performed at 23°C.
• Do not allow the White Calibration Plate to get scratched or stained with such as fingerprints.
• Do not move the White Calibration Plate while it has been caught by the sample holder. Doing so may
damage the White Calibration Plate.
• When the White Calibration Plate is not in use, be sure to close the cover so that the White Calibration
Plate is not exposed to ambient light.
Target Mask
• Do not touch the Target Mask’s inner surface (white-coated surface) by hand, scratch it or make it dirty.
• When not in use, Target Masks should be stored in the accessory case (CM-A156) so that they will not be
exposed to ambient light.
Power Source
• Make sure that the power switch is set to OFF (“ I “) when the CM-3700A is not in use.
• Always use the AC adapter supplied as a standard accessory (AC-A308) and connect it to an AC outlet of
the rated voltage and frequency.
• Use an AC power supply of the rated supply voltage (within ±10%).
• Do not connect the AC adapter to an overloaded electrical circuit. In addition, do not wrap or cover the AC
adapter with cloth or other material while in use. Doing so may cause an electric shock or fire.

4
System
• Do not subject the CM-3700A to strong impact or vibration. Doing so may cause deterioration of perfor-
mance or breakdown.
• The specimen measuring port and integrating sphere are extremely precise components, and great care
should be taken to prevent them getting dirty or exposing them to impacts. When the CM-3700A is not in
use, be sure to attach a target mask to the measuring port to prevent entry of foreign matter.
• The CM-3700A may cause interference if used near a television, radio, etc.
• Since the CM-3700A uses a microcomputer, external magnetic noise may cause malfunction. In this case,
turn the power OFF, and wait 30 minutes, and then turn it ON again.
About Transmittance Measurement
• Do not spill a specimen or other liquid on the instrument. If any liquid is spilled on the instrument, wipe it off
immediately with a soft, dry cloth.

5
Notes on Storage
• The CM-3700A should be stored at temperatures between 0°C and 40°C, and at a relative humidity of 80%
or less (35°C) without condensation. Do not store the instrument in areas subject to high temperatures,
high humidity, sudden changes in temperature, or where freezing or condensation may occur, because
these circumstances may cause a breakdown. It is recommended to store the CM-3700A with a drying
agent at a temperature around 20°C.
• Do not leave the CM-3700A inside a car such as in the trunk. Otherwise, the temperature and/or humidity
may exceed the allowable range for storage during midsummer or midwinter, resulting in a breakdown.
• Keep the packing materials used for shipment and use them to transport the CM-3700A. This protects the
instrument from sudden changes in temperature, vibration, and shock.
• Do not store the CM-3700A in areas where dust, cigarette smoke or chemical gases are present. Doing so
may cause deterioration in performance or a breakdown.
• Entry of dust into the specimen measuring port will hinder accurate measurement. When the instrument
is not in use, you must close the transmittance chamber cover and cover the instrument with the supplied
Dust Cover to prevent the entry of dust into the integrating sphere.
• The White Calibration Plate may become discolored if left exposed to light. Therefore, make sure to close
the cover when it is not in use so that the White Calibration Plate is not exposed to ambient light during
storage.
• The Target Masks may discolor if they are left exposed to light. When they are not in use, keep them in a
safe place to prevent exposure to light and to protect them from scratches and dust. And store them in the
accessory case (CM-A156).
• Take care not to leave the CM-3700A for a long period of time with a target mask attached. The sample
holder may stick to the target mask.
• Be sure to keep all packing materials (cardboard box, cushioning material, plastic bags, etc.). They can be
used to protect the instrument during transportation to the service facility for maintenance (re-calibration
etc.).
Notes on Cleaning
• If the CM-3700A becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft, clean dry cloth. Never use solvents such as thinner or
benzene.
• If the White Calibration Plate becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft, clean dry cloth. If dirt is difficult
to remove, wipe it off with a cloth dampened with commercially-available lens cleaning solution.
Then remove the solution with a cloth dampened with water, and leave the plate to dry.
• If the inner surface (white-coated surface) of the Target Masks, or the inside of the integrating sphere, get-
dirty, contact a Konica Minolta-authorized service facility.
• Should the CM-3700A break down, do not try to disassemble and repair it by yourself. Contact a Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
Disposal Method
• Make sure that the CM-3700A and its accessories and packing materials are either disposed of or recycled
correctly in accordance with local laws and regulations.

6
CONTENTS
Safety Precautions .................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ....................................... 2
Packing Materials ................................................. 2
Notes on Use ........................................................ 3
Notes on Storage.................................................. 5
Notes on Cleaning ................................................ 5
Disposal Method ................................................... 5
CONTENTS ............................................... 6
Using the CM-3700A
Standard Accessories ............................. 8
Optional Accessories .............................. 9
System Diagram .................................... 10
Names and Functions of Parts ............. 11
Measurement Procedure ....................... 12
Flow of Preparation and Measurement .............. 12
Connecting a Personal Computer ........ 13
Connecting the AC Adapter .................. 14
Turning Power ON and OFF .................. 15
Attaching a Target Mask ........................ 16
Notes on Use of Target Mask ............................. 16
Calibration of Reflectance and
transmittance measurements ............... 17
Calibration for Reflectance Measurements ........ 17
White calibration data ......................................... 17
Calibration for Transmittance Measurements ..... 17
100% calibration data ......................................... 17
Performing calibration ......................................... 18
Attaching the Zero Calibration Box ..... 19
Notes on Use of Zero Calibration Box ................ 19
Attaching the White Calibration Plate .. 20
Notes on Use of White Calibration Plate ............ 20
Updating White Calibration Data ........................ 20
Attaching the Transmittance Zero
Calibration Plate (Optional Accessory) ..... 21
Notes on Use of Transmittance Zero Calibration Plate ... 21
Performing 100% calibration ................ 22
S etting up instrument for 100% calibration to air.... 22
Setting up instrument for 100% calibration to water ... 22
Setting a Specimen ............................... 23
Reflectance measurement ................................. 23
The sample holder for measuring the reflectance ... 24
About opacity measurements ............................. 24
Transmittance measurements ............................ 25
The transmittance chamber for transmittance measurement .... 26
About haze measurements ................................. 26
Cleaning the CM-3700A and Accessories ... 27
Zero Calibration Box and White Calibration Plate .. 27
Target Mask ....................................................... 27
Inside Integrating Sphere ................................... 27
Receiving Window ............................................. 28
ERROR MESSAGE ................................. 29
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................ 31
Explanations
lIIumination/Observation System ......... 34
Measuring Reflected Colors ............................... 34
Measuring Transmitted Colors ............................ 34
Illumination and Measurement Areas .. 35
Target Mask ....................................................... 35
Measurement Area ............................................. 35
System Configuration ........................... 35
Fluorescent Measurement .................... 36
UV Adjustment ................................................... 36
WHEN FLUORESCENT CALIBRATION IS
PERFORMED .................................................... 36
WHEN FLUORESCENT CALIBRATION IS NOT
PERFORMED .................................................... 36
Dimensions ............................................ 37
Specifications ........................................ 38

7
Using the CM-3700A

8
White Calibration Plate CM-A154
Used to perform white calibration for measurement
of reflectance and to perform measurement
of transmittance. A CD-ROM containing white
calibration data and software for writing the white
calibration data is supplied with this accessory.
Target Mask CM-A91
CM-A92
CM-A93
Used to change the illumination area (measurement
aperture) according to the specimen.
Measurement and illumination (aperture area at specimen
surface) areas for each target mask are as follows:
CM-A91 (SAV) : 3 × 5 mm / 5 × 7 mm
CM-A92 (MAV) : ø8 mm / ø11 mm
CM-A93 (LAV) : ø25.4 mm / ø30 mm
Zero Calibration Box CM-A155
Used to perform zero calibration for measurement
of reflectance and to perform haze measurement
at measurement of transmittance.
AC Adapter AC-A308
Used to supply power from an AC
outlet to the CM-3700A.
Input: 100 to 240 V 50/60 Hz
Output: 8 V 1.5 A
Plug design: Center-negative
USB Cable (3 m) IF-A21
Used to connect the instrument to
a personal computer (PC).
Accessory Case CM-A156
Dust Cover CM-A69
Standard Accessories