A 3nh glossmeter measures the specular reflection. The light intensity is registered over a small range of the reflection angle. Our comprehensive range of competitive and reasonably priced gloss meters include economical models like HG268, HG60, HG60S as well as advanced versions touch screen measuring single angles or TRI angles like model NHG268, NHG60M, NHG60.
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 | 60° Value | Measure with | Notes |
| High Gloss | >70 GU | 20° | If measurement exceeds 70 GU, change test setup to 20° |
| Medium Gloss | 10 - 70 GU | 60° | / |
| Low Gloss | <10 GU | 85° |
If measurement is less than 10 GU, change test setup to 85° |