Best Practices for Measuring the Color of Opaque Sheet Plastic

Consistent color is crucial for plastic products since it impacts brand identity and marketability. Plastic's appearance is based on opacity, texture, and gloss. Every modern manufacturer of opaque sheet plastic must always deliver the correct color to consumers. 

HunterLab's color measurement solutions help execute quality control throughout manufacturing processes. 

Factors that Affect the Appearance of Color

Environmental factors, optical illusions, and surface conditions determine the appearance of an object's color. Other factors include:

• Subjectivity: Eye sensitivity varies from person to person, causing color to appear different.
• Light sources: Different types of light, such as fluorescent, incandescent, and sunlight, have different effects on the appearance of color.
• Surfaces: Surface conditions such as texture and glossiness influence the object's color.
• Background: An object can appear a different color against a bright or dark background.
• Surface area: A color covering a large surface area appears brighter and more vivid than when covering a small object.

Spectrophotometers for the Color Measurement of Opaque Sheet Plastic

HunterLab offers instruments suited for color measurement of opaque plastics. Our Agera spectrophotometer caters to opaque plastics like films, sheets, enclosures, and pellets. It measures color across a spectrum with UV control. Additionally, it incorporates a 60-degree gloss measurement and a 5-megapixel camera to assist with sample positioning.

Spectrophotometers are the ideal solution for monitoring color consistency throughout plastic manufacturing. They offer several benefits, such as:

• Accuracy and precision: They provide accurate and precise color measurements in numerical terms.
• Versatility: They can measure color in opaque and translucent plastics, making them suitable for various applications.
• Data collection: Spectrophotometers can capture data beyond color, including transmittance, reflectance, and haze. This comprehensive data allows a deeper understanding of the plastic's optical properties.
• Standardization: They adhere to industry standards like ASTM E1164 and JIS Z 8722, ensuring consistency and reliability in color measurement.

Color Indices and Scales

The Agera model includes the ability to measure color using various scales and indices, including:

• CIE L*a*b
• Hunter L,a,b
• Yellowness index
• Whiteness index

These scales provide a numerical representation of a plastic's color, allowing for objective comparisons.

Promoting Sustainable Plastics Through Color Measurement

Government regulations in the plastic manufacturing industry emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. HunterLab's color measurement solutions facilitate adherence to ESG principles by maintaining high accuracy throughout production.

Accurate color measurement enables manufacturers to reduce waste associated with rework and scrap. Eliminating multiple production cycles reduces energy consumption, another ESG metric. Color measurement practices indicate a company's commitment to sustainability. A dedication to minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization enhances a brand's reputation and builds trust with eco-conscious consumers.

HunterLab goes beyond offering individual tools. Our solutions provide a holistic approach, encompassing the entire plastics product lifecycle. We offer solutions during raw material sourcing, end-of-life disposal, and responsible recycling practices. This comprehensive approach ensures consistent color control and minimizes landfill waste generation from the earliest stage.

Partner With HunterLab for Trusted Color Measurement Solutions

HunterLab's specialists hold decades of experience offering color-measuring instruments and software. Our color measuring solutions will enhance quality, improve consistency and reduce waste. We offer installation, calibration, and equipment maintenance services. Our professionals are always available to answer queries and concerns.

Contact us today to get started.