In the plastics industry, color accuracy and consistency are essential for product quality, brand identity, and customer satisfaction. Spectrophotometers are widely used to measure color, but one key factor that influences accuracy is the type of light source—typically LED or UV. Each light source interacts differently with plastic materials, affecting how color is captured and interpreted.
LED light sources are popular due to their long lifespan, low maintenance, and stable spectral output. They offer consistent performance over time, which is ideal for routine color quality checks in plastic production. LED-based spectrophotometers excel in measuring solid, non-fluorescent plastic components such as housings, containers, or automotive parts. Their repeatability and quick startup make them a practical choice for inline or lab-based applications.
However, many plastics—especially those used in packaging or consumer goods—contain optical brightening agents (OBAs) or fluorescent dyes to enhance visual appeal. These additives absorb UV light and emit visible light, which affects how the color appears under different lighting. This is where UV light sources become critical. UV-enabled spectrophotometers can detect and measure the effect of these additives, ensuring that the plastic color is accurately represented under various lighting conditions.
For example, a plastic bottle may appear bright white under daylight but dull under indoor lighting if its fluorescent content isn’t properly accounted for during color matching. Ignoring UV impact can lead to mismatches in production and end-use environments.
In summary, LED light sources are ideal for measuring opaque, non-fluorescent plastics with high consistency. Meanwhile, UV light sources are essential for accurately capturing the color of plastics that fluoresce under UV exposure. Selecting the right light source based on material type ensures precise color measurement, fewer rejections, and better product quality.