Gloss Meter Family - Micro-Gloss Glossmeters
Advanced Gloss Meter Micro-Gloss Models
Low-cost QT-Gloss 60 & QT-III Gloss Family
20 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-Gloss 20, Model SGB-4420
60 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-Gloss 60, Model SGB-4460
85 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-Gloss 85, Model SGB-4485
20, 60, 85 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-TRI-Gloss, Model SGB-4430
20, 60, 85 degree Gloss Meter, with F/NF Thickness Gauge Sensor, Model GB-4435 NEW*
45 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-Gloss 45, Model SGB-4535
75 degree Gloss Meter, Micro-Gloss 75, Model SGB-4553


A glossmeter measures the specular reflection. The light intensity is registered over a small range of the reflection angle. |
Metals have a much higher reflection and are less angle dependent than non-metals. |
Example:Non-metal versus Metal |
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Measurement of specular reflection |
The measurement results of a gloss meter are related to the amount of reflected light from a black glass standard with a defined refractive index, and not to the amount of incident light. The measurement value for this defined standard is equal to 100 Gloss Units (calibration). |
| The intensity is dependent on the material and the angle of illumination. In case of non-metals (coatings, plastics) the amount of reflected light increases with the increse of the illumination angle. The remaining illuminated light penetrates the material and is absorbed or diffusely scattered dependent on the color. | Materials with a higher refractive index can have a measurement value above 100 gloss units (GU), e.g. films. In case of transparent materials the measurement value can be increased due to multiple reflection in the bulk of the material. Due to the high reflection capabilities of metals values of up to 2000 GU can be reached. For these applications it is common to document the measurement results in % reflection of the illuminated light. |

Gloss meters and their handling procedures had to be internationally specified to allow comparison of measurment values. The angle of illumination is of high influence. In order to obtain a clear differentation over the complete measurment range from high gloss to matte, 3 different geometries, i.e. 3 different ranges, were defined:
In this case study 13 samples were visually ranked from mat to high gloss and measured with the 3 specified geometries. In the steep slopes of the curves the differences between the samples can be clearly measured, while in the flat part the measurement geometry no longer correlates with the visual.
Gloss Range |
60º value |
To be measured with |
We offer a complete line of glossmeters for any geometry: |
Semi Gloss |
10 to 70 |
60º geometry |
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High Gloss |
>70 |
20º geometry |
• Portable micro-gloss family |
Low Gloss |
<10 |
85º geometry |
• Reference laboratory instrument - haze-gloss |
In addition, there are industry specific applications for 45º and 75º measurement geometry.


For further information or to place an order for the Gloss Meter Family - Micro-Gloss Glossmeters, please CLICK HERE, call us Toll-Free at: 1.877.884.TEST, or click on the "HOW TO ORDER" Button


