+44(0)1424 739 622

Industries & Applications
  • Automotive Exterior
  • Automotive Interior
  • Furniture
  • Metal Finishing
  • Plastics
  • Polished Stone
  • Smartphone, Tablet & Laptop Covers
  • Yacht Manufacturer

Rhopoint IQ Flex 20

  • Measure small and curved surfaces using 20° angle (high gloss)
  • Gloss /DOI / RIQ Meter, (quantify orange peel)
  • Hazemeter (reflectance haze)
  • Custom adaptors available for the measurement of non-flat surfaces

£4,545

All GBP prices are exclusive of UK VAT (where applicable)

Prices exclude local duties – Purchase through your local agent

Try before you buy

Find out more

Extended warranty

Find out more

Glossmeter Configurator

Find out more

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 quantifies surface quality problems such as orange peel and haze that are invisible to a standard glossmeter. It profiles how light is reflected from a surface.

Previously only available for measuring flat surfaces, this technology is now available in a new format specifically designed for curved surfaces, as well as small and delicate parts. Flex 20 gloss measurements are fully compatible with existing Rhopoint IQ results.

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 can measure:

  • 20° Gloss
  • Reflectance haze
  • Reflected Image Quality (RIQ)
  • Distinctness of Image (DOI)
  • Goniophotometric curves
  • RSPEC (peak specular reflectance)
IQ flex 20 application
IQ flex 20 application

What does the IQ Flex 20 measure?

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 quantifies surface quality problems such as orange peel and haze that are invisible to a standard glossmeter. It profiles how light is reflected from a surface.

Combined gloss, haze and orange peel (DOI/RIQ values) information has made the IQ essential for controlling appearance finish. The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 brings this technology to a new format specifically designed for curved surfaces, as well as small and delicate parts.

IQ Flex 20 application

Measurement of curved surfaces

Conventional gloss instruments are suited to large flat test areas, as curved surfaces will cause errors. The small footprint of the IQ Flex 20 makes it much more effective on curved surfaces than a conventional glossmeter; its compact size and shape also allows access to difficult to reach areas.

IQ Flex 20 application

Measurement of small surfaces

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 can be customised with magnetically attached adaptor plates. These can be easily interchanged for different applications. The measurement spot size of these adaptor plates can be reduced to as low as 2mm.

Measure Complex - 3D printed

3D printed adaptors

Bespoke 3D printed adaptor jigs for repeatable control of curved surfaces (requires a .dxf drawing of the part to be measured).

Interchangeable adaptors

Interchangeable adaptors

Easy customisation for every application with bespoke measuring adaptors.

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 can be customised with magnetically attached adaptor plates to allow for the measurement of irregular surfaces. These can be easily interchanged for different applications.

Small surfaces adaptor
Small surfaces
Reduced spot size adaptor
Reduced spot size
3D printed adaptor
3D printed adaptor
Convex surface adaptor
Convex surface
Complex curve adaptor 3d printed
Complex curve
Concave surface adaptor
Concave surface

Why measure gloss?

The gloss level of an object is one of the visual attributes used by a consumer to determine whether or not that object is fit for purpose.

Gloss has been defined as ‘The attribute of surfaces that causes them to have shiny or lustrous, metallic appearance.’

Manufacturers design their products to have maximum appeal: from highly reflective car body panels to glossy household appliances or matt finish automotive interior trim.

This is especially noticeable where parts may be produced by different manufacturers or factories but will be placed adjacent to one another to create the finished product.

Gloss can also be a measure of the quality of the surface, for instance a drop in the gloss of a coated surface may indicate problems with its cure, leading to other failures such as poor adhesion or lack of protection for the coated surface.

The gloss of a surface can be greatly influenced by a number of factors, for example the smoothness achieved during polishing, the amount and type of coating applied or the quality of the substrate.

It is for these reasons that many manufacturing industries monitor the gloss of their products, from cars, printing and furniture to food, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics.

It is important therefore that gloss levels are achieved consistently on every product or across different batches of products.

How is gloss measured?

Gloss is measured by shining a known amount of light at a surface and quantifying the reflectance.

Which angle should I use for my application?

ISO 2813 and ASTM D523 (the most commonly used standards) describe three measurement angles to measure gloss across all surfaces.

Gloss is measured in gloss units (GU) and is traceable to reference standards held at NIST (USA).

Universal Measurement Angle: 60°

All gloss levels can be measured using the standard measurement angle of 60°. This is used as the reference angle with the complimentary angles of 85° and 20° often used for low and high gloss levels respectively.

Low Gloss: 85°

For improved resolution of low gloss a grazing angle of 85° is used to measure the surface. This angle is recommended for surfaces which measure less than 10GU when measured at 60°.

This angle also has a larger measurement spot which will average out differences in the gloss of textured or slightly uneven surfaces.

High Gloss: 20°

The acute measurement angle of 20° gives improved resolution for high gloss surfaces. Surfaces that measure 70GU and above at the standard angle of 60° are often measured with this geometry.

The 20° angle is more sensitive to haze effects that affect the appearance of a surface.

Speciality measuring angle: 45°

This measuring angle is in accordance with the ISO 2457 standard for the gloss measurement of plastic films and solid plastic parts as well as according to the standard ASTM C346 for the gloss measurement of ceramics

Universal Measurement Angle: 60°

All gloss levels can be measured using the standard measurement angle of 60°. This is used as the reference angle with the complimentary angles of 85° and 20° often used for low and high gloss levels respectively.

Low Gloss: 85°

For improved resolution of low gloss a grazing angle of 85° is used to measure the surface. This angle is recommended for surfaces which measure less than 10GU when measured at 60°.

This angle also has a larger measurement spot which will average out differences in the gloss of textured or slightly uneven surfaces.

High Gloss: 20°

The acute measurement angle of 20° gives improved resolution for high gloss surfaces. Surfaces that measure 70GU and above at the standard angle of 60° are often measured with this geometry.

The 20° angle is more sensitive to haze effects that affect the appearance of a surface.

To quantify haze, distinctness of image, reflected image quality and other surface texturing please consider the Rhopoint IQ.

What is haze and why measure it?

Haze can be described as near specular reflection. It is caused by a microscopic surface structure which slightly changes the direction of a reflected light causing a bloom adjacent to the specular (gloss) angle. The surface has less reflective contrast and a shallow milky effect.

In the coatings industry, this microscopic surface texture is often due to poorly dispersed raw materials, incompatible raw materials or oxidisation and weathering. For polished metal surfaces, haze is often associated with polishing marks or chemical residue.

Haze

Haze is light that has been reflected by small surface structures adjacent to the main specular component.

Reflectance haze – An optical effect caused by microscopic texture or residue on a surface.

Haze equation
Car rim application

Reflection Haze

Reflection haze is an optical phenomenon usually associated with high gloss surfaces.

It is a common surface fault that reduces appearance quality. A hazy surface has a visibly shallower reflection with a milky finish and halos appear around reflections of strong light sources.

Haze Sample 1
Sample 1

No Haze, deep reflection

Haze Sample 2
Sample 2

High Haze, ‘shallow’ finish

A high gloss finish with haze exhibits a milky finish with low reflective contrast, reflected highlights and lowlights are less pronounced.

Haze Sample 3
Sample 3

Low Haze

Haze Sample 4
Sample 4

Higher Haze

On surfaces with haze, halos are visible around the reflections of strong light sources.

Causes of Haze

Coating & Raw Materials
  • Dispersion
  • Pigment properties
  • Particle size
  • Binder compatibility
  • Influence and migration of additives
  • Resin types and quality
Curing
  • Drying conditions
  • Cure temperature
Post Coating
  • Polishing marks
  • Cleanliness
  • Ageing and oxidisation
HAZE EXAMPLES
Haze: Often visible as milky finish on high gloss surfaces

Gloss and Haze Measurement with Array Technology

The IQ Flex 20 uses a 512 element linear diode array which profiles reflected light in a large arc from 14° to 27°. The instrument processes this high resolution data, selecting individual elements within the array that equate to the angular tolerences outlined in international measurement standards.

In a single 20° measurement, the following calculations are made:

FLEX 20 CALCULATIONS

Curved Surface Adjustment

A major advantage of the IQ Flex 20 is that it automatically compensates for curved or textured sample surfaces by virtually adjusting the measurement position. Conventional gloss- hazemeters have fixed optics which can make measurement unreliable as any sample curvature will reflect light away from the centre of the measurement sensor causing errors.

The IQ Flex 20 automatically adjusts the sensor position by detecting the peak of the reflected light. The laws of reflection state that the incident angle is equal to the reflection angle thus the peak equates exactly to the 20° gloss angle.

SURFACE ADJUSTMENT DIAGRAM
The IQ Flex 20 automatically adjusts for non-flat surfaces by sensing the reflected peak and virtually adjusting the position of the sensor.
REFLECTION HAZE DIAGRAM
The IQ Flex 20 compensates for reflection from within the coating for highly reflective pigments, metallic coatings and speciality pigments, allowing the haze of any painted surface to be measured.

Diffuse Corrected Measurement with Array Technology*

Reflection haze is caused by micro texture on a surface which causes a small amount of light to be reflected adjacent to the gloss angle.
For white surfaces, bright colours and metallics, a certain amount of diffuse light, reflected from within the material, is also present in this region.

This diffuse light exaggerates the haze signal for these surfaces causing higher than expected readings.

* Only enabled when the instruments is set to haze measuring mode of ASTM E430

Corrected Haze Measurement on Metallic Coatings

For non metallic surfaces, the diffuse component is Lambertian: it is equal in amplitude at all angles in relation to the sample surface. Conventional gloss-hazemeters measure diffuse reflection using a luminosity sensor positioned away from the gloss angle. Luminosity is subtracted from the haze signal allowing metallic surfaces to be measured independently of their colour.

COMPENSATION DIAGRAM
Goniophotometric information profiling the reflection from white, grey and black panels with an identical topcoat.
METALLIC COATING DIAGRAM
The Rhopoint IQ captures compensation information from a region adjacent to the haze measurement angle. This means it can be used on metallic coatings which reflect light.

An advantage of the IQ Flex 20 is that unlike a conventional instrument, compensation is calculated using a region adjacent to the haze angle. This technique gives compatible readings on solid colours but also compensates for directional reflection from metallic coatings and speciality pigments.

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 measures reflected image quality; it is the only hand held instrument that profiles how light is reflected from a surface.

The Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 quantifies surface quality problems that are invisible to a standard glossmeter.

Reflected Image Quality (RIQ)

RIQ is used to quantify effects such as orange peel and surface waviness. This new parameter gives higher resolution results compared to Distinctness of Image (DOI) measurement and better mimics human perception of surface texture, especially on high quality finishes.

Symptoms of Poor RIQ: Orange peel, brush marks, waviness or other structures visible on the surface. Reflected images are distorted.

Causes: Application problems, incorrect coating flow, coating viscosity too high/low, sag or flow of coating before curing, incorrect particle size/distribution, overspray, improper flash/re-coat time, inter coat compatibility, incorrect cure times or cure temperature.

REFLECTANCE HAZE COMPENSATION APPLICATION

Reflectance Haze Compensation

The instrument compensates for reflection from within the coating for highly reflective pigments, metallic coatings and speciality pigments, allowing the haze of any painted surface to be measured.

Hub with low reflectance haze
Hub with low reflectance haze
Hub with high reflectance haze

Distinctness Of Image (DOI)

A measure of how clearly a reflected image will appear in a reflective surface.

Reflectance Haze

An optical effect caused by microscopic texture or residue on a surface.

Visible Symptoms: A milky finish is apparent on the surface with a loss of reflected contrast. Halos and patterns can be seen around reflections of high intensity light sources.

Causes: Poor dispersion, raw material incompatibility, additive migration, vehicle quality, stoving/drying/ curing conditions, polishing marks, fine scratches, ageing, oxidisation or poor cleanliness/surface residue.

Haze is a common problem associated with coatings and polished materials. Surfaces with haze have a milky finish with a shallow reflected image. This important characteristic is directly measured with the Rhopoint IQ Flex 20.

Features

Designed for the measurement of small and curved surfaces.

IQ FLEX 20 NO BACKGROUND
Full colour easy to read screen, display can be rotated from landscape to portrait
Touch control buttons
Measurement button
Measuring head
Interchangeable measuring adaptor

Touch sensitive button interface

Easy to control and take measurements

Easy batching

User definable batch names and batch sizes for quicker and more efficient reporting

Automatic measurement

Single button push to initiate a defined number of measurements

Measurement features

Fast measurement of all parameters and instantly transmit measured readings.

PARAMETERS MEASUREMENT

Measurement

Simultaneous measurement of all parameters, date and time stamped.

STATISTICS MEASUREMENT

Statistics

Displays full statistics for the number of readings in the current batch.

GRAPHS MEASUREMENT

Graphs

Graphical reporting for quick trend analysis.

PASS FAIL RESULTS

Pass / Fail Parameters

Pass / Fail parameters can be defined for instant identification of nonconformances.

REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENT

Goniophotometric curves

Different types of surface textures produce identifiably shaped reflectance profile. This goniophotometric data can be downloaded to a PC for further analysis and comparison via the USB cable or Bluetooth data widget.

STORED DATA MEASUREMENT

Stored data

View and inspect data saved on the instrument.

Data Transfer Options

Full on-board statistics with graphical trend analysis and reporting.

DATA TRANSFER

Software-free data transfer

USB connection to PC instantly recognises the device as a drive location which facilitates the quick transfer of .csv files using Windows Explorer or similar.

Direct data input via BT wireless

Instantly transmit measured readings directly to programs such as MS Excel on your PC / tablet to greatly simplify the reporting process.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS GRAPH

Statistical analysis via Novo-Gloss Multi Gauge software

The included software provides an easy means to measure, import and compare data and export the measurements into several other file formats, e.g. PDF, Excel® or CSV.

Configuring the IQ Flex 20

Absolute v comparative measurement

Sample curvature naturally reflects light away from the measurement sensor. This can be compensated by using a smaller measurement spot which is less affected by the curvature. However, on highly curved surfaces readings should be used comparatively i.e. the same spot on similar shaped samples and is therefore ideal for comparing batch to batch consistency.

CALIBRATION CONFIGURATION
IQ Flex 204mm Reduced Spot
Size Adaptor
2mm Reduced Spot
Size Adaptor
Curved Part
Adaptor
Custom 3D
Printed Adaptor
RepeatabilityFlat SurfaceExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentN/A
Large radius curved
e.g. car body
GoodGoodGoodGoodExcellent
Cylinder >20mm øPoorPoorPoorGoodExcellent
Cylinder <20mm øNot recommendedNot recommendedNot recommendedPoorVaries according
to application
Small flat parts
>10 x 10mm
ExcellentExcellentExcellentNot recommendedExcellent
Small flat parts
<10 x 10mm
PoorVaries according
to application
Varies according
to application
Not recommendedExcellent
Complex shapes
(curved in both directions
Not recommendedNot recommendedNot recommendedNot recommendedExcellent
Correlation to standard glossmeter readings by gloss levelFlat surface – high
gloss >50GU at 20°
ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentN/A
Flat surface – mid
gloss 30-50GU at 20°
ExcellentGoodGoodExcellentN/A
Flat surface – low
gloss <20 at 20°
ExcellentGoodNot recommendedExcellentN/A
Correlation to standard glossmeter readings by sample shapeLarge radius curved
(car body)
GoodGoodGoodGoodExcellent
Cylinder >20mm ø
GoodGoodGoodGoodExcellent
Cylinder >20mm øComparative
reading
Comparative
reading
Comparative
reading
Comparative
reading
Comparative
reading
Cylinder <20mm øNot recommendedNot recommendedNot recommendedPoorVaries according
to application
Small flat partsExcellent areas
>8mm x 8mm
Good
>4mm x 4mm
High gloss: Good
Areas >2mm x 2mm
Poor for low gloss
finishes
Not recommendedExcellent
Complex shapes
(curved in both directions)
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
MEASURING GLOSS DIAGRAM

Gloss Levels Measured

ISO2813 recommends surfaces measuring mid to low gloss finishes using 60° and 85°. Is the Flex 20 suitable or measuring these surfaces?

60° and 85° give greater resolution of measurement at these gloss levels (small visible differences in finish = a large difference in gloss value).

Whilst 20° has a smaller measurement resolution, visible differences in gloss can be quantified with the Flex 20.

The measuring head should only be connected to the instrument for measuring larger flat surfaces. It is recommended to connect the instrument to the measuring head using the cable for ease and stability of measurement.

CURVED PARTS ADAPTORS

Custom adaptors

Custom adaptors will increase the repeatability of measurement for irregular shaped objects, curved surfaces or small parts.

IQ Flex 20 application

Curved part adaptors

Curved part adaptors should be used for the measurement of all cylindrical objects.

Calibration

For accurate measuring calibrating the IQ Flex 20 every day, when changing between standard head and 2/4mm adaptor is essential.

Measuring less than 100 GU
(plastics and coatings)
Measuring polished metals
>100GU
Standard spot sizeCalibrate on black tile every shift (8 Hours)
MUST BE RE-CALIBRATED with standard spot
size adaptor when switching from
small spot size measurement.
Calibrate on optional mirror tile (if required)
MUST BE RE-CALIBRATED with standard spot size
adaptor when switching from
small spot size measurement.
Small spot sizeCalibrate with small spot size adaptor (8 Hours)
MUST BE RE-CALIBRATED with small spot size
adaptor when switching from
standard spot size measurement.
Calibrate on optional mirror tile (8 Hours)
MUST BE RE-CALIBRATED with small spot size
adaptor when switching from
standard spot size measurement.
ADAPTOR FOR SMALL SURFACES

IQ Flex 20 with standard spot size adaptor

CALIBRATION TILE

IQ Flex 20 with calibration tile

Measuring process

  • Ensure that the instrument is calibrated following the procedure in the product manual
  • Select the measuring adaptor appropriate for the surface to be measured
  • Place the measuring head on the surface and hold this as indicated
  • Ensure that the no ambient light can be detected by the measuring head.
MEASURING PROCESS

Applications

The DOI, Haze and RSPEC values measured by the Rhopoint IQ Flex 20 allow the user to quantify and control the surface textures that reduce the perceived quality of manufactured products.

Accessories

IQ FLEX 20 MAIN
Instrument with 20 ̊ Flex head and USB data cable
CALIBRATION TILE
Calibration tile with holder
CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE IQ FLEX 20
Calibration certificates for the instrument and tile

Also included:

1 x USB drive containing:
  • Instruction manual
  • Example Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
  • Bluetooth data app
  • Instructional videos
Order Codes - adaptors
Rhopoint IQ Flex 20A6000-016
Adaptor for reduced spot size (4mm)B6000-501/2
Adaptor for reduced spot size (2mm)B6000-502/2
Curved part adaptorM6000-504/NEW
Customer adaptor (requires drawing of the
part to be measured in .dxf format)
M6000-505

Specifications

ProductInstrument Specifications
Gloss / 20 ̊ GlossRanges (GU)0-100 / 100-2000
Repeatability0.2 (GU) / 0.2%
Reproducibility0.5 (GU) / 0.5%
Resolution (GU)0.1
Measurement area6mm x 6.4mm
StandardsSO 2813, ASTM D523, ISO 7668, ASTM D2457, DIN 67530, JS Z 8741
Calibration StandardTraceability: NIST traceable, Uncertainty: 1.1GU
RSPECPeak specular reflectance20 ̊ ±0.09905 ̊
Measurement range0GU - 2000GU
HazeNear specular reflectanceMeasured at 17.2 ̊ - 19 ̊, 21 ̊ - 22.8 ̊
Switch-able betweenHaze Units (HU) and Log Haze Units(LogHU)
Resolution 0.1HU
Repeatability±0.5HU
Reproducibility±1.5HU
StandardsASTM E430
RIQResolution0.1
Repeatability±0.2
Reproducibility±0.5
Measurement Range0 - 100
DOIResolution0.1
Repeatability±0.2
Reproducibility±0.5
Measurement Range0 - 100
StandardsASTM E430
Instrument SpecificationPowerRechargeable lithium ion, 6 hours operation
4,000+ readings per charge
Recharge timeMains charger: 4hrs
Memory8MB = 999 readings
Dimensions150mm (H) x 79mm (W) x 34mm (D) - without head
Packed dimensions180mm (H) x 330mm (W) x 280mm (D)
Weight550g
Packed weight≈1.5kg
Commodity code9027 5000
Free extended warranty

Free extended 2 year warranty: Requires registration at www.rhopointinstruments.com/help-services/forms-feedback/instrument-registration/ within 28 days of purchase. Without registration, 1 year standard warranty applies.

Free light source warranty

Guaranteed for the life of the instrument.

Calibration and service

Fast and economic service via our global network of accredited calibration and service centres. Please visit www.rhopointinstruments.com/help-services/calibration-servicing/ for detailed information.

Answers to common questions about our instruments and measurements

Why measure gloss?

Gloss is an aspect of the visual perception of objects that is as important as colour when considering the psychological impact of products on a

Read More »

What is RSpec?

RSpec is the peak reflectance measured over a very narrow angular band in the specular direction (+/-) 0.0991º. RSpec is very sensitive to any texture

Read More »

Please email me a price confirmation and product summary

Please note, this is NOT a quotation, just a confirmation of the price when purchased in the UK exclusive of VAT/duties

By submitting this request, your email address will NOT be added to any mailing lists
Please click ‘official quote request’ for a formal quotation