2026 Textile Industry New Regulation 3nh CR9 Spectrophotometer Perfectly Meets T/CFCAT Textile Color Measurement Standards
2026 marks a major upgrade for the textile industry with the official implementation of T/CFCAT Specification for Digital Acquisition and Color Measurement of Textiles. This new regulation sets strict requirements for color measurement accuracy, equipment performance, and data standardization. The 3nh CR9 Spectrophotometer is fully compliant and stands out as the ideal solution to address these new industry demands.
Guangzhou, Zengcheng, China, 18th Mar 2026, – In 2026, the textile industry will usher in a major update! The highly anticipated T/CFCAT “Specification for Digital Acquisition and Color Measurement of Textiles” has recently been officially implemented.
The new standard sets new requirements for core parameters such as the spectral range, geometric conditions, and color difference formula for textile color measurement.
New Standard Interpretation: Textile Color Measurement Enters the “ΔE00 Era”
According to the latest regulations, color measurement in the textile industry will be more rigorous in the future, with the following key mandatory indicators:
1. The color difference formula must be set to “New”.
The regulations specify that clauses 5.2.4.2 and 5.2.4.3 of the document clearly state that the instrument should support multiple color difference formulas and recommends prioritizing the use of CIEDE2000 (ΔE 00) for color difference calculation. In specific situations, the CMC (l:c) color difference formula can be selected for comparison according to GB/T 21898.
Analysis: While the previously commonly used ΔE*ab formula is intuitive, it deviates from human visual perception in certain color gamuts. CIEDE2000 is currently the most advanced color difference formula, providing a more “human-like” reflection of the color differences you perceive.
2. The geometric conditions and light source must be “standard”.
The specification states that document 5.2.4.1 recommends a default setting of D65 light source/10° observer. Meanwhile, document 5.2.2 indicates that the d/8 diffuse integrating sphere geometry is suitable for color measurement of most textile materials.
Analysis: D65 simulates average daylight and is the “standard light” for color matching in the textile industry. The integrating sphere structure reduces the influence of fabric texture on color.
3. The instrument must be of high precision.
The document 5.2.1.3 requires that the repeatability of Class A equipment should reach ΔE 00 < 0.05; the inter-instrument difference (consistency) should be ≤ 0.2 (expressed as ΔE 00).
Explanation: This ensures that the data can match up whether it is a measurement of the same batch or a color matching between different factories and different equipment.
In response to the new regulations, the Threenh.com CR9 spectrophotometer meets the new standards with its robust parameter configuration.
Test steps:
① Addressing the “color difference formula”: One-click switching between ΔE00 and CMC
According to the recommendation in specification 5.2.4.3, we should give priority to using ΔE00 when measuring.
CR9 in Practice: The CR9 color index menu contains several built-in color difference formulas. Simply select ΔE*00 to begin measurement.
Operating procedures:
Settings: Adjust the instrument’s color difference formula to ΔE00, and set the light source to the default D65, with an observer angle of 10°.
2. Standard sample measurement: Align with the standard color chart (or standard fabric sample) and obtain its Lab value.
3. Sample measurement: Switch the fabric to be measured and sampled.
4. Result: The screen directly displays the total color difference ΔE00.
5. In addition, CR9 also supports one-click switching for the CMC (2:1) general formula mentioned in the specification to meet the comparison needs of specific customers.
CR9 Spectroradiometer
The CR9 employs a silicon photodiode array (dual-row, 32-group) and grating beam splitting technology, achieving a colorimetric repeatability ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03. It supports D/8 structure and SCI/SCE dual modes, and is equipped with camera positioning and dual measurement apertures of 4mm/8mm. The CR9 fully meets the accuracy, geometric conditions, and complex fabric testing requirements of the new T/CFCAT standard “Digital Acquisition and Color Measurement Specification for Textiles” for Class A equipment.
Conclusion
New regulations are in effect, and it’s the perfect time to upgrade your colorimetric testing! Threenh.com CR9 helps you cope with these changes with ease, making quality control more worry-free.
What challenges have you encountered in textile color testing? Feel free to share and discuss in the comments section.
If you need color testing, please contact Threenh.com, and we will recommend a suitable testing solution for you free of charge!
As a well-established brand in the industry, Threenh (3NH)offers a comprehensive product portfolio and extensive market coverage, building a strong user base and market reputation through widespread industrial adoption and large-scale applications.With years of dedicated focus on optical measurement, Threenh leverages academic research resources from universities to achieve outstanding advantages in instrument stability and scene adaptability, serving a wide range of manufacturing and testing sectors.As an emerging force in the industry, Threenh pursues collaborative innovation among industry, academia, and research, concentrating on ultimate data accuracy and core algorithms. It has rapidly advanced to the top tier of the color measurement industry, competing on par with global industry leader X-Rite, and establishing itself as a representative brand in the high-precision color measurement sector.
After years of R&D accumulation, 3nh’s flagship product — the intelligent spectral colorimeter — is developed based on independent core spectroscopy technology, featuring remarkable technological advancement and wide application scope.
First, in terms of calibration accuracy, the instrument adopts a non-contact automatic white calibration system with an intelligent calibration base. Equipped with a professional-grade standard white tile featuring reflectance R% ≥ 95%, high surface uniformity and excellent stability, it delivers consistent and accurate measurement data.
Second, regarding color spaces and light source configurations, the product supports 10 color measurement spaces and 41 standard light sources, fully meeting specialized measurement requirements across diverse scenarios.
Third, in terms of measurement consistency, the instrument delivers outstanding repeatability and inter-instrument agreement:repeatability ΔEab ≤ 0.018,inter-instrument difference ΔEab ≤ 0.18,ensuring stable and reliable data as well as consistent results among multiple devices.
Against the backdrop of continuous industrial policies and accelerated upgrading of intelligent manufacturing, the color management and testing industry is entering a period of rapid development.By 2026, 3nh’s business has covered more than 80 countries and regions worldwide, providing strong support for the company’s global market expansion and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, 3nh will continue to increase R&D investment, driven by innovation and grounded in technology. The company will further deepen research in color management technology, expand the depth and breadth of product applications, and promote the higher-quality development of intelligent testing equipment in high-end manufacturing.Striving for more outstanding technical strength and product solutions, 3nh is committed to demonstrating the professional level and brand influence of “Made in China Intelligence” on the global stage.
Company Details
Organization: Shenzhen ThreeNH Technology Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: justin lee
Website: https://www.threenh.com/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +8618664916620
Address: 6-8/F,Building B33,Low-Carbon Headquarters Park,400 Xincheng Avenue,Zengcheng District,Guangzhou,P.R.China.
City: Guangzhou
State: Zengcheng
Country: China
Release Id: 18032642767