In the plastics industry, color consistency is crucial to maintain product quality, but it can be particularly challenging when working with recycled plastics. Unlike virgin materials, recycled plastics come with variables—different sources, contamination, and types of plastics mixed together. These factors can lead to unpredictable color outcomes, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain a…
Aperture size in spectrophotometers plays a critical role in ensuring accurate color measurement, especially across varied sample sizes and surface textures. The aperture refers to the opening through which light interacts with the sample before being measured by the spectrophotometer. Depending on the application, aperture sizes can vary, typically ranging from small (4mm) to large…
Opacity is a critical factor in the print industry, impacting everything from color consistency to readability and overall print quality. Measuring opacity accurately is essential, especially when working with various substrates and inks. This is where a spectrodensitometer becomes an important tool for print professionals. A spectrodensitometer is a sophisticated device that combines the functionalities…
Choosing the right color measurement tool is crucial for printers aiming to maintain consistent print quality. Both spectrophotometers and spectrodensitometers are valuable instruments, but their applications differ depending on the printing requirements. A spectrophotometer measures the complete light spectrum reflected or transmitted by a sample, providing detailed color data for quality control and color matching.This…
In any printing process — whether it’s screen printing, flexography, rotogravure, offset, or digital — dot gain can significantly impact the quality of your prints. Dot gain refers to the unintended increase in the size of halftone dots during the printing process. This expansion can lead to darker tones, muddy colors, and loss of detail,…
Inter-instrument agreement refers to the consistency of measurement results obtained from different instruments of the same model or different models under similar conditions. In color measurement, this concept is crucial, especially when multiple devices, like spectrophotometers, are used across various locations, departments, or production lines. The agreement between these instruments ensures that the color measurements…
Color measurement on flexible packaging films in the rotogravure industry is crucial for ensuring print consistency, brand identity, and maintaining overall product quality. Accurate color measurement can help minimize color deviations, maintain production standards, and reduce waste. Here’s a guide on how to effectively measure color on flexible packaging films: 1. Challenges of Measuring Color…
Color measurement is the process of measuring the colors of objects using specialized instruments like spectrophotometers or colorimeters. This method goes beyond subjective visual assessments by providing precise numerical values (LAB) that represent color. These values can then be used to compare, reproduce, or communicate colors consistently across different materials and environments. Accurate color measurement…
Achieving consistent, in-tolerance color is crucial for products in the textiles, plastics, and coatings industries. A product that fails to meet color standards can be rejected even before it hits the shelves, leading to costly delays and wasted resources. For brands that rely on multiple suppliers, such as those in automotive manufacturing where plastic, fabric,…
When measuring color using a spectrophotometer, understanding the various standard light sources is essential for achieving accurate and reliable color measurements. Different industries rely on specific light sources, known as illuminants, to simulate various viewing conditions. Here’s a guide to the most important light sources used in color spectrophotometry: D65 D65 is the most widely…