Gloss Meter

1. Unboxing and Basic Familiarization with the Equipment

1.1 Key Technical Specifications

Specifications/Model Numbers	AGM-580	AGM-500	AGM-500PRO
Product Name	Three-Angle Gloss Meter	Single-angle Gloss Meter
Measuring Angles	20°, 60°, 85°	60°
Measurement Range	20°: 0–2000 GU	N/A
	60°: 0–1000 GU		60°: 0–1200 GU
	85°: 0–160 GU	N/A

1.2 Unboxing and Checking the Contents

1.2.1 Unpacking and Visual Inspection

When unpacking the device, handle it gently to avoid scratching the outer casing with sharp tools. After unboxing, first inspect the exterior of the device to ensure there is no visible deformation or dents, and that the buttons are not damaged or loose. If you notice any abnormalities with the device or its accessories, please contact us immediately.

1.2.2 Main Unit and Accessories

Number	Note
①	AGM-500/580 main unit; the calibration baseplate is attached to the measurement window on the bottom of the main unit
②	Charger
③	USB Cable
④	Quick Start Guide
⑤	Cleaning Cloth

Figure 1

Download links for the digital user manual, software, warranty card, and other materials have been sent via email. Please download them as soon as possible. If you missed the email, you may contact us to request the download links again.

1.3 Equipment Overview

1.3.1 Front of the Device

Number	Note
①	Host
②	Display
③	ENTER key
④	Arrow keys: Up
⑤	Arrow keys: Down
⑥	Calibration Base Plate. Note: A protective film is applied to the surface of the calibration base plate at the factory; remove the protective film before use.
⑦	The calibration data is marked on the calibration base plate.

Figure 2

1.3.2 Bottom and Sides of the Equipment

Number	Note
①	Measurement button. Power on (press briefly when the device is off), power off (press and hold when the device is on), return to the previous menu (press briefly in the parameter settings screen)
②	Measurement Window
③	USB port

Figure 3

2. Precautions for Use

2.1 Precautions Before Operation

2.1.1 Preparing the Environment

Before measurement, allow the device and the sample to be measured to rest in the same environment for at least 30 minutes to ensure their temperatures are consistent. The measurement environment must be free from direct bright light and stray light interference. Avoid operating in environments with high temperatures, high humidity, or excessive dust. The ambient temperature should be maintained between 10°C and 35°C, with relative humidity ≤80%(no condensation).

2.1.2 Sample Preparation

The surface of the sample being tested must be flat, clean, free of stains, and free of scratches. For powder or liquid samples, use a dedicated sample dish to ensure the sample completely covers the measurement window without any gaps. For irregularly shaped samples, ensure that the measurement probe fits snugly against the measurement area of the sample to prevent light leakage.

2.1.3 Equipment Inspection

Before turning on the device, check the measurement window for dust or smudges and ensure that the buttons and ports are functioning properly. After turning on the device, check that the battery is sufficiently charged (if the battery is low, charge it first to avoid a power outage during measurement).

2.2 Precautions for Use

2.2.1 Measurement Procedures

When taking a measurement, place the device’s measurement window directly against the sample’s surface, ensuring it is level and that no light leaks in. After pressing the device’s button, keep the device still until the measurement is complete (1 second); do not move the device during the measurement process. It is recommended to take 3–5 measurements of the same sample and use the average as the final result to minimize measurement errors.

2.2.2 Contraindications for Equipment Use

Do not touch the optical components inside the measurement window with your hands, and do not point the measurement window toward a strong light source. Since this is a handheld device, do not drop, bump, or crush it, and avoid exposing the body to water or other liquids.

2.3 Safety Warnings

Do not attempt to disassemble or replace any internal parts of the device. If the device malfunctions, contact official customer service or an authorized dealer for assistance. Unauthorized disassembly will void the warranty;

If any liquid, dust, or other foreign matter enters the device, immediately turn off the power, disconnect the charging cable, and contact customer service right away. Do not continue to use the device;

Do not place the device near heat sources, open flames, or in high-temperature environments to prevent the battery from swelling and damage to the device’s components.

3. Equipment Operation

3.1 Power-On Calibration

Instructions	Note
①	First, peel off the protective film from the calibration plate, and then reattach the calibration plate to the measurement window.
②	Press the measurement button briefly to turn on the device; the screen will automatically display a message indicating that the device needs to be calibrated.
③	Follow the prompts and press the measurement button to calibrate. Once the calibration is successful, the device will enter the measurement screen (pressing the ENTER button will cancel calibration and take you directly to the measurement screen). Note: The default measurement mode at the factory is Simple Mode.

Figure 4

3.2 Measurement of the Reference Base Plate

Instructions	Note
①	Make sure the calibration plate is still attached to the measurement window.
②	Press the measurement button briefly to take a measurement.
③	Check the measurement results; if they match the calibration data marked on the calibration plate, the device’s measurement function is operating normally. Note: The AGM-500 measures single-angle gloss, while the AGM-580 measures three-angle gloss.

Figure 5

3.3 Sample Measurement

Instructions	Note
①	Remove the calibration baseplate from the measurement window.
②	Place the device’s measurement window directly against the sample surface; ensure that the sample completely fills the measurement window.
③	Press the measurement button briefly to take a measurement.

Figure 6

3.4 Measurement of Reference Standards and Samples

3.4.1 Change the measurement mode to “Statistics”

Following the instructions in Section 3.5, set the measurement mode to “Statistics” and return to the measurement screen.

3.4.2 Measurement of Reference Standards

Press the measurement button briefly to measure the standard sample data.

Figure 7

Use the up and down arrow keys to select “Save,” then press the ENTER key to save the standard sample data.

3.4.3 Sample Measurement

Then use the up and down arrow keys to switch back to the reference sample measurement, and press the ENTER key to enter the sample measurement screen. Press the measurement key briefly to measure the sample.

Figure 8

The screen displays the sample measurement results, the difference from the reference standard results, and whether the sample passed the test. To save the current sample measurement results, use the up and down arrow keys to navigate to “Save,” then press the ENTER key to save the sample data.

3.4.4 Exiting the Measurement Screen

Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate to “Exit,” then press the ENTER key to exit the measurement screen and enter the parameter settings navigation screen.

3.5 Parameter Settings

3.5.1 Navigation Interface

In Simple Mode, press the ENTER key to access the parameter settings navigation screen. In Statistics Mode, refer to Section 3.4.4 to access the parameter settings navigation screen.

Number	Note
①	Measurement Interface
②	Calibration Interface
③	View Data
④	System Settings

Figure 9

Note: Use the up and down arrow keys to make selections, press the ENTER key to enter the submenu, and press the Measure key to return to the previous menu.

3.5.2 Viewing Data

Number	Note
①	T represents the stored reference sample
②	S is the number of samples measured under the corresponding standard conditions
③	Corresponding reference sample data
④	Press the ENTER key to view the data for all samples measured under this standard sample.

Figure 10

Note: For information on measuring and storing data for reference standards and test samples, please refer to Section 3.4.

3.5.3 System Settings

Number	Note
①	Measurement Parameter Settings
②	Time Settings
③	Power Settings: You can configure the auto-standby and auto-shutdown times.
④	Restore Factory Settings
⑤	Switch Display Language
⑥	Device Version Information

Figure 11

Introduction to the Measurement Parameter Settings Interface:

Number	Note
① Measurement Mode	The default setting is Simple Mode. You can switch to Statistical Mode to measure reference standards and the differences between samples and reference standards.
② Average number of times	The factory default is 1 time; the higher the average number of times, the longer the measurement takes.
③ Error Range	The factory default is 2, meaning that the test is considered pass if the difference in gloss between the sample and the reference standard is within 2 GU; otherwise, it is considered a fail.

Figure 12

4. Daily Maintenance and Care of Equipment

4.1 Cleaning and Maintenance

4.1.1 Cleaning

Body Surface: Wipe off dust and stains from the body with a clean, soft cloth. For stubborn stains, lightly wipe the area with a small amount of water. Do not use detergents or other corrosive liquids;

Display: Gently wipe the screen with a dedicated screen-cleaning cloth to avoid scratching it. Do not touch the display directly with your fingers. If dust gets on the screen, gently brush it away with a lint-free brush.

Measurement Window and Calibration Baseplate: Clean with the provided cleaning cloth. If there are stubborn stains, contact us promptly for maintenance. Do not attempt to sand or repair the calibration baseplate yourself.

4.2 Battery Maintenance

4.2.1 Charging and Maintenance

Use the device’s standard charger and USB cable. Do not use non-standard fast-charging cables or high-power chargers to avoid damaging the battery. Avoid charging the device in high-temperature environments, and unplug the charging cable immediately after charging is complete to prevent overcharging. Charge the device promptly when the battery level falls below 15% to avoid deep discharge of the lithium battery, which can shorten its service life.

4.2.2 Battery Life Maintenance

The device’s built-in lithium battery is rechargeable; under normal use, a single charge allows for 10000 consecutive measurements;

When the device is not in use for an extended period, ensure that the battery charge remains between 50% and 80%. Recharge the battery once every three months to restore the charge to between 50% and 80%, thereby preventing the battery from discharging completely or swelling;

If the battery shows signs of swelling, leakage, or a significant decrease in battery life, stop using it immediately and contact us for repair.

5. Troubleshooting and Resolving Common Problems

Fault Symptoms	Possible Causes	Procedure
Unable to Power On	Low battery	Please use the dedicated USB cable to charge the device; if it still won’t turn on after charging, please contact us for repair.
Battery life has deteriorated	Battery degradation, excessive ambient temperature	Contact us for service; use in high-temperature environments causes the battery to drain quickly, so please use the device in a normal environment.
Significant Errors in Measurement Data	The sample is uneven or does not fully cover the measurement window; the calibration plate is contaminated; the measurement window is contaminated	Replace with a suitable sample; clean or replace the calibration plate; clean the measurement window; if there are stubborn stains, contact us for service.