Gloss Meter Applications: Gloss Meter Uses For Measurement And Quality Control

By Author: Erica Ronchetti
Total Articles: 738
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Gloss is a facet of visual perception in surfaces and various objects, created by the interaction of light and physical characteristics. Gloss meters are devices that measure the gloss factor of various surfaces, including how much reflection a particular surface gives off and how much light is scattered, spread and reflected. Gloss meters measure light reflected by a light source at a specific angle, also known as a specular reflection.


Specular reflection is defined as light reflected from a surface (be it liquid or material) at a defined outgoing direction. Your gloss meter instrument will emit a ray of light at a predetermined angle, which is reflected off the material to be tested. The reflected light is then received by the gloss meter sensor and then processed. The type of surface to be measured determines the gloss meter angle to be used and the model of gloss meter required for measurement. Intensity is dependent on the material being measured—non-metal items including plastics and coatings reflect more light when illumination angle is increased. The remainder of illuminated light is ...
... penetrated by the material, absorbed, or scattered diffusely by the color. Metal products have a higher reflection and are less dependent on angles (as opposed to non metals). Gloss meter measurement results are related to the amount of light reflected from a black glass standard. When a specific amount of light is shone onto a surface, the generated reflection is measured. The specular reflection is then displayed on your gloss meter instrument.


Gloss meters are very precise tools—it is a specific science to properly measure gloss and cannot be done with normal lighting. Gloss meters are used to ensure that products are defect free—objects that are meant to look glossy should look glossy.


Gloss meters have many uses, although the majority are for measurement and quality control. Gloss meters allow manufacturers to create a consistent gloss factor—especially useful if a large number of the same item is being produced, it’s necessary to ensure all products meet certain gloss standards. Gloss meter instruments provide information that the human eye can miss. The automobile industry relies on gloss meter instruments as gloss paint is commonly used on the majority of cars. This gloss paint application protects the body of the car from weather damage and makes for a more appealing look. Vehicle finishes are measured to show customers before and after data if their vehicle has been resprayed or had detail work done. Gloss meters are also used to test marble surfaces to ensure they meet requirements. Interestingly, gloss level of a product has a psychological impact on customers, similarly to color. Products are designed with different combinations of matte and high gloss finishes to maximize their customer appeal. Gloss meters are also effective in determining surface quality—in many cases, paints that are poorly cured or coated will exhibit strange gloss levels and indicate flaking and chipping in later stages in the manufacturing process. Carefully monitoring a product’s gloss levels via gloss meter instruments mean that problems can be identified and eliminated early, avoiding re-coating or recalling costs.

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings USA, Inc., is the global leader in the industrial measurement of color, light and shape. Learn more about Minolta color analyzer technology and luminance meters by visiting us on the web.