# 60° Gloss (Aesthetix)

## Parameter description
Definition: Gloss refers to the overall shiny appearance of a surface when light is reflected directly off it. It is often measured using glossmeters which quantify the amount of reflected light at specific angles. 

Importance: Gloss is the most widely used measure of a surface's ability to reflect light in a specular manner, contributing to its shiny appearance.  

High gloss values indicate bright, mirror-like finishes, while low values indicate matt or dull surfaces.

## How is it measured?

Aesthetix specular light source (1) projects a controlled light beam onto the surface (2) at 60° and captures the reflected intensity with the gloss camera (3).

![image description](../_images/1767093483656-Aesthetix-Gloss-Camera.png)
**The optical layout of the gloss sensor**

The signal is compared to a calibrated reference standard and expressed in gloss units, measurements comply to ISO2813 & ASTM D523, the recognised standards for gloss measurement.

![The gloss reflection from a glass calibration tile captured by the gloss sensor](../_images/1767191029152-Screenshot-2025-12-31-142140-gloss-in-sensor.png)
**Specular reflection from a calibration standard captured by the gloss camera. To comply with the angular tolerances in the standard, light in the yellow area is integrated. **

## Applications

Routine control of high-gloss, semi-gloss and matt coatings in automotive, furniture, plastics, packaging and consumer goods.

Verifying that production parts match master panels or customer specifications for gloss level before shipment.

## Technical specifications


| Item                              | Specification / Value                                          |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gloss index                       | 60° Gloss (all Aesthetix modules that report gloss)           |
| Gloss unit                        | GU (Gloss Units)                                              |
| Measurement geometry              | 60° specular gloss geometry                                   |
| Field of view (FOV)               | 18 × 24 mm                                                    |
| Standard analysed gloss area      | 18 × 9 mm                                                     |
| Optional small gloss spot         | 4 × 2 mm                                                      |
| Other analysed areas (modules)    | Effect Finish: 10 × 10 mm; Texture: up to 15 × 15 mm; Polishing Quality: 10 × 10 mm |
| Surface resolution                | 9.2 µm/pixel (109 pixels/mm)                                  |
| Repeatability, 0–10 GU           | ±0.1 GU                                                       |
| Repeatability, 10–100 GU         | ±0.2 GU                                                       |
| Repeatability, 100–1000 GU       | ±0.2% of reading                                             |
| Reproducibility, 0–10 GU         | ±0.2 GU                                                       |
| Reproducibility, 10–100 GU       | ±0.5 GU                                                       |
| Reproducibility, 100–1000 GU     | ±0.5% of reading                                             |

These repeatability and reproducibility values assume correct calibration on a certified gloss tile, stable environmental conditions and consistent sample positioning and measurement practice.