On this page:
See more:
Optical testing
In the field of photometric and colorimetric tests and measurements we perform measurements of photometric and colour characteristics of vehicle lighting and road safety devices, as well as others. We also carry out comprehensive tests of lamps and lighting fittings, including those with LED light sources.
Spectroradiometric testing (UV, VIS, NIR)
BOSMAL performs:
- spectroradiometric measurements at resolutions down to 2 nm for the ranges:
- UV (200-400 nm),
- VIS (380-780 nm),
- NIR (780-1100 nm).
- radiometric measurements (200-1100 nm):
- UVA, UVB, UVC,
- radiation intensity, others.
- measurements of light colour in the VIS range:
- chromaticity coordinates,
- colour temperature,
- colour rendering index,
- spatial distribution of light colour.
Test equipment
- Stellar Net Inc. SILVER NOVA TEC X2 spectrometer (shown in the photo opposite), together with SpectraWiz software and the following accessories:
- 2” integrating sphere,
- tungsten-halogen lamp, deuterium lamp,
- heads for reflection and transmission measurements.
Norms and regulations
- UNECE Regulations Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7, 23, 27, 38, 69, 70, 87
- CIE 15.3, CIE 54.2, CIE 63, CIE 84
- PN-EN 13032-1, PN-EN 13032-4
- IES LM 79.
Colour and colour change testing
Visual assessment
Visual assessment of colour change made using the grey scale
This test (along with the photometric method) can be used to assess the product’s resistance to weather conditions.
The assessment is made by comparing the colour change of the working sample under test with the unexposed sample, using a grey scale.
The grey scale for assessing colour change is used in a 5-grade range (basic scale) and in a 9-grade range, corresponding to half-grade colourfastness indicators.
Standards
- PN-EN 20105-A02
- ISO 105-A02
In the photo: Byko-spectra chamber (BYK) for visual assessment using a grey scale
-
Visual assessment chamber -
Grey-scale standards -
Grey-scale assessment of samples after light ageing
Instrumental methods
We perform colour and colour change measurements using spectrophotometers. Measurements are made at standard measurement geometries: 45/0, d / 8, d / 0 for various types of reflecting, transmitting and light-scattering materials, as well as fluorescent materials.
Test objects
- plastics,
- paint layers,
- reflective films,
- safety clothing,
- glass.
Testing range
- material colour measurements (results in the form of coordinates: xy, CIEXYZ, CIELAB, CIELUV, etc.),
- change in colour following ageing and light resistance tests
- spectral reflection coefficient, transmission of light,
- spectral plots (spectral reflection coefficients, transmission),
- measurements of wide-angle spread (haze).
Devices
- X-Rite Color i5 spectrophotometer
- X-Rite CF57/CA spectrophotometer
- BYK-mac and spectrophotometer
See more: Spectrophotometric colour measurement
Test norms
- PN-EN ISO 105-A05
- PN-EN ISO 105-J01
- PN-EN ISO 105-J03
- PN-ISO 7724-1
- PN-ISO 7724-2
- PN-ISO 7724-3
- CIE 15:2004
- CIE 015:2018
- DIN 53236:2017-09
- SAE J1545:2014-10
- PN-EN ISO 11664-1
- PN-EN ISO 11664-2
- PN-EN ISO 11664-3
- PN-EN ISO 11664-4
- PN-EN ISO 11664-5
- PN-EN ISO 11664-6
- VW 50195
- PN-EN ISO 20471
- PN-EN 1150
- PN-EN 13356
- PN-EN 12899
- UNECE Regulations Nos.: 27, 69, 70
- ASTM D1003
-
BYK-mac and spectrophotometer -
X-Rite-Color-i5 spectrophotometer -
X-Rite-CF57-CA spectrophotometer
Colour measurements – X-Rite spectrophotometers
-
Spectrophotometric measurement of colour and light transmission -
Spectrophotometric measurement of colour and light transmission -
X-Rite-Color – screen view
Gloss measurement of product coatings
Test methods consist of determining the mirror gloss of coatings using three geometries: 20°, 60°, 85°
- the method with 60° measuring geometry is used for all coatings
- the method with 20° measuring geometry in which (in comparison to the 60° measuring geometry) a smaller angle of diaphragm aperture is used, allowing better differentiation in the case of high gloss coatings
- the method with 85° measuring geometry allows better differentiation (compared to the method with 60° measuring geometry) in the case of matt coatings.
Testing norm
- PN-ISO 2813
Equipment
- micro-Tri-gloss BYK 20°/60°/85°
Photometric measurements
The laboratory offers a wide range of tests in the field of lighting technology. Measurements are carried out in a photometric darkroom with dimensions of 12.5 × 4.5 × 7.5 m. The darkroom is equipped with a photometric tunnel that ensures a measurement distance of 25 m. Measurements are performed under the stable thermal conditions required to obtain reliable and reproducible results.
Below: a presentation of the photometric darkroom at the BOSMAL Automotive Research and Development Institute Ltd
(music: www.bensound.com)
Quantities measured
- spatial distribution of light in geometrical systems C-γ, H-V (B-β),
- luminous flux,
- luminance and surface distribution thereof; uniformity and contrast,
- illuminance,
- spectral distribution of radiation, light colour,
- reflective factor,
- effective light (for flashing devices).
Test objects
- interior and exterior lights of vehicles, fulfilling lighting, signalling, information and decorative functions; other lighting devices,
- special warning lamps,
- decorative and reflective material,
- road markings: road signs, signal lights, warning lights,
- lighting fixtures, modules and lighting devices with LED light sources,
- monitors, displays, illuminated advertising.
Measuring and testing equipment
- Spectro-Color goniophotometer for measurement in H-V geometry,
- photometer for measuring flash signals (sampling frequency: 10 kHz),
- LumiCam 1300 Advanced matrix luminance and colour meter;
- GL Optic photometric sphere with a diameter of 0.5 m,
- transmission and reflection screen (dimensions 3 × 2.5 m),
- Spectro Color stand for measuring the reflection coefficient,
- spectroradiometers: GL OPTIC Spectis 1.0, Jeti Spectbos 1201,
- Sonopan RF-100 light meter.
Norms and regulations
- UNECE Regulations Nos.: 3, 4, 6, 7, 23, 27, 38, 69, 70, 87
- CIE 15.3
- IES LM 79
- PN-EN 13032-1+A1:2012
- PN-EN 13032-4:2015-09
- IES LM 79-08:2008
- CIE 13.3:1995
- CIE 15:2004
- CIE 015:2018
- CIE 54.2:2001
- CIE 63:1984
- CIE 70:1987
- CIE 84:1989
- PN-E-04040-03:1983
- PN-E-04040-04:1983
- SAE J1757-1:2015-05
- PN-EN 12966:2015-03
- PN-EN 12368:2015-07 p. 8.3
- PN-EN 12464-1:2012
- PN-EN 12464-2:2014-05
- PN-EN 12899-1:2010
- ASTM D1003:2013
- PN-EN 12899-3:2010
- PN-EN ISO 20471:2013-07
- PN-EN 1150:2001
- PN-EN 13356:2004
- PN-EN 13201-4:2016-03
- PN-EN 1463-1:2009
- PN-EN 15152:2007
- PN-EN 60809:2015-07
- PN-EN 62471:2010
- IEC TR 62778
Photometric darkroom
Testing range
- Distribution of light (measurement by grid and isofootcandle maps)
- Light distribution for flashing devices (e.g. special warning lamps)
- Light colour, spectral analysis of light sources
- Luminous flux
- Luminance using a matrix or dot matrix
- Coefficient of reflection: retro-reflecting devices, road signs and others
- Measurements of lights and flashing signals
- Colour of materials and products
- Coefficients of reflection and transmission, haze (wide-angle spread)
Photo: Goniophotometer in a photometric darkroom
Equipment
- Goniophotometer:
- Rotation angle: H ± 180°, V ± 90° (±0.01°)
- Measuring distance: 25 m
- Maximum load: 40 kg
- Maximum dimension: 1.2 m
- Photometer class f’1 ≤ 1.5% (CIE S 023)
- Luminance meter
- Matrix luminance and colour meter
- Measuring range 0.1 mcd/m2 to 10000000 cd/m2
- Dynamic range 6000000:1
- Photometer for measuring flash signals
- Measuring range: 0.001 lx to 10 klx
- Sampling frequency: 10 kHz
- Photometric sphere
- Diameter 0.5 m
- spectroradiometer for measuring luminous flux and colour
- Stand for measuring the reflection coefficient
- Viewing angle: 12′, 20′, 1°, 1°30′, 2°
- Measuring range: 0.1 to 10000 mcd/lx
- Spectrophotometers for measuring colour
- Measurement geometry (reflection): d/8, 45/0
- Measurement geometry (transmission): d/0
Measurements of vehicle lamps in a photometric darkroom – photometric darkroom, goniophotometer
-
Measurements of car lamps in a photometric darkroom -
Measurements of car lamps in a photometric darkroom
-
Measurements of car lamps in a photometric darkroom -
Measurements of car lamps in a photometric darkroom
Photometric sphere (integrating sphere) closed and open – with light source visible
-
Photometric sphere (integrating sphere) -
Photometric sphere (integrating sphere) -
Photometric sphere (integrating sphere)
Positioning of headlights (dipped beam)
Measurements of light and colour with a matrix luminance meter
-
Light and colour measurements with a luminance matrix meter -
Light and colour measurements with a luminance matrix meter
Thermovision measurements
Thermovision, sometimes referred to as thermography, is one of the available methods for thermal inspection of products. It uses the phenomenon of non-contact detection of electromagnetic radiation in the mid-infrared band (wavelengths from approx. 0.9 μm to 14 μm). An infrared camera can therefore register the thermal radiation emitted by physical bodies at temperatures of about -40°C to about 2000°C. Typically, thermal imaging cameras record a range from -20°C to 250°C.
The great advantage of the thermovision method is its lack of invasiveness. In addition, it is possible to conduct temperature measurements at hard-to-reach locations. With the use of thermovision methods, we can quickly diagnose the correct functioning of electrical and electronic components, including industrial automation systems, the uniformity of heating of objects such as machines, furnaces, etc.
BOSMAL uses thermovision measurements for research on (among others):
- car seat heating systems,
- heat exchangers,
- windows.
FLIR T1030sc infrared camera
Technical parameters of FLIR T1030sc infrared camera:
- Basic detector resolution: 1024 × 768 px
- Temperature range: -40°C to 2000°C
- Three temperature measurement ranges -40°C to 150°C, 0°C to 650°C, 300°C to 2000°C
- Sensitivity: < 20 mK @ 30°C
- Sequence registration: 30/120/240 Hz
- Field of view: 45° × 34°
Other features of FLIR T1030sc infrared camera:
- Time-lapse recording at user-defined intervals
- Possibility of numerically increasing the resolution of a single image (3.1 Mpx)
Examples of the use of thermovision measurements and various forms of presentation of results
-
Thermal imaging survey of a specialist light fitting -
Locating sources of heat -
Presentation of results in the form of a fusion (visible image and thermogram) -
Inspections of equipment operation
Thermovision measurements – comparative tests of heated car seats
-
Comparative tests (benchmarking) of heated car seats -
Comparative tests (benchmarking) of heated car seats – 1 min -
Comparative tests (benchmarking) of heated car seats – 1 min -
Comparative tests (benchmarking) of heated car seats – 3 min
Thermovision measurements of heated windows
-
Thermal imaging measurements of glass -
Thermal imaging measurements of glass -
Thermal imaging measurements of glass -
Thermal imaging measurements of glass
Thermovision measurements of heat exchangers
They are performed, for example, on heat exchangers after the “thermal shock” test.
-
Thermal imaging measurements of heat exchangers -
Thermal imaging measurements of heat exchangers -
Thermal imaging measurements of heat exchangers -
Thermal imaging measurements of heat exchangers
Thermovision camera analysis of a heat exchanger during testing: resistance to cold water thermal shocks – water splash test
Thermovisual analysis, water splash test
Other sample films made with our thermal imaging camera
Video showing the comparison of two views of the same object (left side standard thermovision; right side high sensitivity mode – visible air fluctuations of 0.1°C)
Video showing High Pressure Cleaning with Thermal Shock test
Other optical measurements
- tests of the homogeneity of screens and warning signs with a matrix luminance meter,
- photometric tests using a transmission/reflecting screen,
- testing the character of the reflections from various warning devices (e.g. reflective road markers – wildlife scarers),
- testing image distortion for windscreens,
- examination of new and prototype materials and lighting technology devices,
- development of new research methods, taking into account customer requirements.
-
Measuring equipment in a photometric darkroom -
Measurements of measurement screen luminance with LumiCam 1300 Advanced
Testing reflective road markers (wildlife scarers)
-
Testing reflective road markers (wildlife scarers) -
Testing reflective road markers (wildlife scarers) -
Testing reflective road markers (wildlife scarers)
Testing of light guide systems
- The standard light transfer characteristic and output device efficiency according to CIE 173:2012
- Light guide components efficiency: roof part (collector), diffuser, light guide
- Luminous intensity distributions
- Photometric files for specific weather conditions
-
Testing of light guide systems -
Testing of light guide systems -
Testing of light guide systems -
Testing of light guide systems
Night visibility measurements
Range of services
- Measurement of the RA coefficient for vertical road markings
- Measurement of the R` factor for reflective materials placed on clothing
- Measurement is possible both in the field and in the laboratory
- Measurement of all types of reflective materials with automatic colour detection
Application areas
- Manufacturers and users:
- vertical markings
- registration (license) plates
- reflective protective clothing
- reflective tapes
- Road administrations, road managers and supervisors/inspectors
Back
to top