To match color standards more efficiently during a color formulation, it is necessary to analyze different parameters and use appropriate technologies that provide ideal results.
by Konica Minolta
When formulating the color of dyes, inks, paints, plastics or other materials, standardized processes and conditions are required to match standards through a more efficient process.
This involves identifying variables within the laboratory or production process, establishing a more controlled environment, and defining conditions and methods to ensure that the formulation of results maintains accuracy and consistency.
In addition to this, accurate color measurement instruments and complex formulation software are required to obtain the correct color on the first try or with minimal waste and time.
Before the color formulation process, it is necessary to specify the following color measurement conditions and visual evaluations:
- Instrument model, type and geometry
- Standard illuminants
- Standard Observer
- Viewing angle
- Color space
- Color difference formula
- Color tolerance values
- Methods of sample preparation and preparation
- Light sources for visual assessments
Once the visual conditions are defined, a standardized color formulation process can be performed. Listed below are best practices for color assessment to match standards and decrease time and waste.
Best Practices
Ideally, the same color recipe that was used to create the standard should be used when formulating the color of a product. This, however, is not always possible. A color formulation process should be defined to create a recipe that matches the standard the first time, or with minimal time and waste.
First define a color standard internally, or between the supplier and the consumer. Using measuring instruments specific to the needs of your application, measure the color for the final product you would like to match and save these values.
Upload standard color values to color formulation software, such as Colibri software, to calculate the recipe that best matches the standard.
From the recipe calculated in the software, create a small sample of this color. After preparing and, if necessary, conditioning the sample in a standardized process, measure it using a spectrophotometer to compare its color values and reflectance curve with respect to the standard.
Visually compare the sample with the standard within a controlled environment such as a light booth to see if noticeable inconsistencies can be distinguished. Samples should be compared under at least three different light sources to obtain accurate results and identify metamerism.
Save the ideal recipe in color formulation software to access with future samples.
Importantly, color formulation software can calculate several recipes based on present parameters, such as "better color matching" or "better cost," that better match the standard.
It is important to identify the recipe that best matches the standard color under the defined illuminants and light sources, through visual and instrumental examinations (e.g., lower metameric properties). Dyes that the user considers to work according to history should also be considered.
Standardized color formulation conditions and procedures: In addition to establishing standardized color measurement and evaluation procedures, standardized formulation conditions are also required to maintain consistency and improve efficiency through a color matching process.
This includes maintaining equipment and defining conditions that can have an impact on the formulation of results.
Maintain formulation teams to make sure they work properly.
Monitor the weight of dyes and pigments to ensure consistency is maintained.
Establish precise measurement methods for substrates, dyes, pigments or auxiliaries based on the weight of the object being colored.
Calibrate balances and color measuring instruments regularly to maintain accuracy and optimal performance.
Maintain the light booth used for measurements by periodically replacing the lamps as recommended by your supplier.
Set a fixed room temperature so as not to cause a change in the color of the samples.
Standardize the processes from the beginning to the end so as not to impact the final result, including the creation of samples, mixing of the same, exposure time after mixing, oven temperature for drying, drying time.
By standardizing color formulation processes and establishing a controlled environment, users can work more effectively and match color standards with less time and waste. To formulate and control the color of samples more efficiently, the following technologies are recommended:
- Software Colibri ColorMatch
- Table Spectrophotometer CM-5
- Table Spectrophotometer CM-3700A
- Light Cabin MM-4E
