Positioning Techniques - X-Rite CDM Operation Manual

2.

Positioning Techniques

The variety of items the CDM can measure is almost endless. However,
in order to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements, the bottom of the
shoe must be:
•
Parallel with the surface to be measured if the surface is flat.
•
Tangent to the surface to be measured if the surface is curved.
The reason for this is that any movement during measurement can cause
the reading to vary. To obtain the most accurate and repeatable
measurements, there are a few guide rules you can follow.
If the item to be measured is smaller than the shoe, you may want to
make a platform (the same height of the item) for the instrument to sit on.
If the item to measure is curved, you may want to make a jig for the item
to rest in.
Shown below and on the next page are some examples of methods used
to accomplish this. Example 1 shows a platform for measuring a paint chip
Example 2 shows a jig being used to measure a cup. Example 3 shows a jig
being used for measuring a small knob.
Note: A Spectrophotometer Stand is available from X-Rite (P/N
968-80). The stand can hold objects that are a maximum of 4" in width, or
2" to the center of the object. Refer to Appendix A3 for further information
about this mounting fixture.
Paint Chip
INCORRECT
Example 1 - Measure a Paint
Platform
CORRECT
6