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Fineshut KIWAMI XX Ultrablack sheet
The Strongest, Blackest Grade in the Fineshut Series
Fineshut KIWAMI XX is the darkest and most advanced sheet in the entire Fineshut lineup. This ultra-fine foamed polyurethane sheet was developed as an anti-reflection material for the interiors of optical and precision instruments. With a total reflectance of just 0.5% — even under omnidirectional light — it is the blackest product Fineshut has ever made, outperforming both the standard Fineshut SP (1.2%) and the Fineshut KIWAMI (0.7%).
Fineshut KIWAMI in detail
Click an image to enlarge.
✓ 0.5% total reflectance
The lowest reflectance in the Fineshut series. KIWAMI XX absorbs almost all incoming light for an exceptionally deep, stable black that suppresses stray light in high-precision optical systems.
✓ Omnidirectional absorption
Unlike the standard KIWAMI, which absorbs best perpendicular to its grooves, KIWAMI XX absorbs light effectively from every direction — no need to align the sheet to a light source.
✓ Low particle emission
The foamed-polyurethane structure generates far fewer particles than flocked materials, making it safe for sensitive components, sensors and clean-room environments.
✓ JAXA-adopted material
The Fineshut series is trusted in demanding aerospace and precision-optics applications, and complies with RoHS 2.0 environmental regulations.
Why Fineshut KIWAMI XX?
Every anti-reflection material is a trade-off between light absorption, durability and cleanliness. Fineshut KIWAMI XX pushes light absorption to its extreme while keeping the practical strengths that make the Fineshut foams so widely used: contact resistance, water resistance, near-infrared absorption and very low outgassing.
The secret is a unique micro-porous surface structure. The foamed polyurethane traps incoming light inside the material and forces it through repeated internal reflections until it is absorbed. This suppresses both specular (mirror-like) and diffuse (scattered) reflection to a degree that ordinary paints and sheets cannot reach — delivering a true, stable black for optical systems that must run without stray light.
How Dark Is 0.5% Reflectance — Omnidirectionally?
Total reflectance combines both scattered and mirror-like reflection, so it is a comprehensive measure of how black a surface really is. Values are measured on the industry-standard AOI 8° index. On paper the gap between 1.2%, 0.7% and 0.5% looks small, but in a precision optical path even a fraction of a percent of stray light can raise the noise floor of a sensor or wash out contrast.
What sets KIWAMI XX apart is that it holds this ultra-low reflectance omnidirectionally. Many high-performance blacks only reach their best figures at a specific angle; KIWAMI XX stays deep and stable regardless of how light strikes it — ideal for complex enclosures where light arrives from many directions.
Light Absorption Across the Spectrum
Fineshut KIWAMI XX maintains high, stable absorption from ultraviolet through visible light and deep into the near-infrared — exactly where flocked fabrics tend to fail. This makes it well suited to LiDAR, sensors and instruments that work with near-infrared light.
| Wavelength | Fineshut SP | Fineshut KIWAMI | Fineshut KIWAMI XX |
| UV 250 nm | 98.3% | 99.2% | 99.4% |
| Visible 500 nm | 98.8% | 99.3% | 99.5% |
| N-IR 950 nm | 98.8% | 99.3% | 99.4% |
| N-IR 1500 nm | 98.6% | 99.3% | 99.4% |
Light absorption rate = 100% − total reflectance. Measured on the AOI 8° index (diffuse + specular reflection combined).
Fineshut KIWAMI XX Compared with the Other Fineshut Grades
| Grade | Fineshut SP | Fineshut KIWAMI | Fineshut KIWAMI XX |
| Best for | First stray-light treatment | High-performance imaging gear | The ultimate darkness |
| Total reflectance | 1.2% | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| Absorption direction | Omnidirectional | Perpendicular to grooves | Omnidirectional |
| Thickness | 0.22 / 0.40 mm | 0.37 mm | 0.71 mm (ref.) |
| Grade | Standard | Darker | Darkest |
Application Areas
🔭 Optical Instruments & Baffles
KIWAMI XX suppresses stray and scattered light inside cameras, telescopes, spectrometers and sensor housings. Its omnidirectional absorption is ideal for baffles and enclosures where light arrives from many angles.
📡 LiDAR & Near-Infrared Sensing
Because absorption stays high deep into the near-infrared (99.4% at 1500 nm), KIWAMI XX is well suited to LiDAR targets, ToF sensors and other systems that rely on near-infrared light where flocked materials lose performance.
📷 Photography & Machine Vision
Use it as a non-reflective background, workbench mat or internal lining to raise contrast and eliminate glare in product photography, 3D scanning and visual-inspection setups.
🔬 Laboratory & Precision Measurement
Low outgassing and very low particle emission make KIWAMI XX suitable for clean environments and sensitive measurement equipment where flocking would shed fibers.
🧩 ArUco / QR Markers & High-Contrast Panels
Applied behind or around printed markers, it dramatically increases contrast and readability even under strong illumination — improving detection reliability.
🛠 Prototyping & Custom Cut Parts
The sheet is easy to handle and can be laser-cut into custom shapes for small lots and prototype parts. Contact us for custom sizes larger than the standard specifications.
Reflectance comparison across the Musou Black range
Click a diagram to enlarge.
Technical Specifications
| Product | Fineshut KIWAMI XX Ultrablack sheet |
| Grade | Darkest grade in the Fineshut series |
| Material | Ether-based foamed polyurethane |
| Total reflectance | 0.5% (omnidirectional) |
| Light absorption | UV 99.4% / Visible 99.5% / N-IR 950 nm 99.4% / N-IR 1500 nm 99.4% |
| Absorption direction | Omnidirectional |
| Thickness | 0.71 mm (reference value) |
| Backside | Pre-laminated with self-adhesive tape DIC #810TB |
| Available sizes | 136 × 112 mm / 230 × 190 mm / 330 × 330 mm (max) |
| Particle emission | Very low (suitable for clean environments) |
| Resistance | Contact resistance & water resistance |
| Compliance | RoHS 2.0 compliant |
| Origin | Made in Japan (JAXA-adopted series) |
Handling & Application
KIWAMI XX comes pre-laminated with an industrial self-adhesive tape (DIC #810TB) because the material is intentionally too fine to handle safely without a backing. Simply peel the release film and apply the sheet to a clean, dry surface. The foam is resilient to slight contact, but avoid rubbing the light-absorbing surface unnecessarily.
Custom shapes and sizes larger than the standard specifications can be made to order using our laser-cutting service — ideal for small lots and prototype parts. Please contact us for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes KIWAMI XX the strongest Fineshut?
It reaches the lowest total reflectance in the series (0.5%) and keeps that performance omnidirectionally, making it the blackest and most versatile grade for demanding optical work.
How is it different from the standard Fineshut KIWAMI?
The standard KIWAMI (0.7%) absorbs best when its grooves are perpendicular to the light source. KIWAMI XX (0.5%) absorbs omnidirectionally, is thicker (0.71 mm) and uses the DIC #810TB industrial tape.
Does it work in the near-infrared?
Yes. Absorption stays around 99.4% even at 1500 nm, so it performs well for LiDAR and near-infrared sensing where flocked fabrics drop off sharply.
Will it shed particles?
No — unlike flocked materials, the foamed-polyurethane structure produces very little particulate, so it is suitable for sensitive components and clean rooms.
Can I get custom sizes?
Yes. Beyond the standard 136×112, 230×190 and 330×330 mm sheets, we can laser-cut custom parts to order. Contact us for a quote.
Is it safe and compliant?
Yes. The Fineshut series complies with RoHS 2.0 regulations and offers good water and contact resistance for long-term use.
The Ultimate Black for Precision Optics
When your application demands the deepest possible black from every angle — in cameras, sensors, LiDAR, telescopes or precision measurement — Fineshut KIWAMI XX delivers the strongest light absorption in the Fineshut series, with the clean, durable handling that professionals rely on.
The diagrams below compare the reflectance of all Musou Black materials – on the left in the visible-light range, on the right across the full 250–2500 nm range from ultraviolet to near-infrared.
* When viewed by the naked eye, each person's perception of "blackness" may differ depending on the lighting environment and other conditions.
Total reflectance values of our materials are based on the industry-standard AOI 8° index. Total reflectance is the measurement result of combining both diffuse reflection and specular reflection measurements. AOI 8° means that the light is incident at an angle of 8° from the normal.
For example, based on this index, our "Foam" series consistently absorbs light from ultraviolet to near-infrared light ranges. This performance is achieved by the uneven structure derived from the foaming process and the composition of carbon atoms blended into the resin.
We also offer a variety of fabrics. Our entry-level “VL Flock Sheet” is cost-effective and provides strong light-absorption performance in the visible light range. In contrast, our “IR Flock Sheet” provides improved ultraviolet and excellent infrared light-absorption performance, which are the weak points of the entry-level VL Flock Sheet. Our premium fabrics, Musou Black Fabric FR and Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI, are our blackest products and have the best visible-light absorbing performances. The FR variant is treated to be fire-resistant and is great for indoor use. Meanwhile, our flagship, Musou Black Fabric KIWAMI, is the World’s Blackest Fabric in the visible-light range.
Musou Black Paint's light-absorption performance will vary depending on the painting method, so please keep that in mind when applying. For best results, please apply with an air-brush.
