How to define color tolerances using spectrophotometry?

At first glance, color measurement may seem simple, but due to the limitations of the human eye, instrumental color measurement tools quickly become necessary to create consistent and repeatable colors. Color quality plays an important role in almost every industry, and establishing a color system based on professional color Measurement Instruments can change product quality and appearance. Although setting up a color system may seem tedious and difficult at first, especially with all the details of today's Spectrophotometer s, with the right support, these steps will definitely pay off in the long run. Implementing a color system is not only important to establish standards for color measurement, but also clearly defines color tolerances, which is key to creating an effective system.

With spectrophotometry, you can create an efficient color system and use a method of monitoring that system to save time and money. A good color system begins with identifying color variations. These changes or differences are commonly referred to as Delta-E. Delta-E (dE) means "the 'distance' between two colors" and can be expressed numerically using color measurement data. A dE value of 1.o represents the smallest measure of chromatic aberration that the human eye can perceive. Any value below dE 1.0 will appear as the same color regardless of who is viewing the sample regardless of angle or light source. Sightlines with a dE measurement above 1.0 are usually not noticeable to the average viewer and can be considered "acceptable" chromatic aberrations, but establishing these boundaries with an effective color system is an essential element of quality control and production efficiency. The range of acceptability is defined as the color tolerance and is the basis for establishing an effective color system.

Detect color changes early

Professional spectrophotometric technology can measure Delta-E levels that cannot be discerned by the human eye. Despite the fact that these small differences are often overlooked by the average consumer, the effect quickly becomes apparent as the dE value increases. This often results in timely and expensive recalculations as well as wasted material. Professional Spectrophotometer s provide quantifiable data that can be used to 'capture' these slight color changes during infancy and can prompt quick and effective recalibration to ensure color quality and product acceptability. When a specific level of color tolerance is established as part of a color system, the results lead to higher quality products, greater productivity and greater profits.

A "close enough" approach to color matching

Color matching plays an important role in many industries where color is often the first impression that influences consumer choices. When determining tolerable levels of color variation in product appearance, it is usually up to the customer to determine what is acceptable. When color expectations are not met, products are often rejected, wasting time and money. Knowing the precise tolerances and desired standards that a product needs to meet is critical to creating an effective color system and cannot be overemphasized. Using spectrophotometric techniques, these variations can be quantified and expressed as a numerical value that determines the acceptable range of color differences based on product and customer needs. This data is then stored as part of a color system that can be efficiently replicated during the production phase,