Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Measuring the Color of Opaque Plastic Enclosures

A company producing opaque plastic enclosures relies on color consistency across batches to reflect its brand. If this applies to you, here are five of the most important things to know about opaque color measuring.

1. Opaque Plastic Enclosures Can Be Glossy or Hazy

Depending on a company's preference, their plastic enclosures can have a glossy, semi-gloss, or matte finish. This finish can affect the color measurement and product appearance under several conditions, especially in different lighting. Glossy finishes can range from high to low, and you must be aware of which type you are measuring to maintain consistency. 

2. Opaque Colors Require Geometry

Solid opaque colors have a specific measurement geometry. Opaque plastic is measured by two standards of geometry measurement to ensure product consistency:

• 45/0-degree and 0/45-degree directional, annular and circumferential
• Diffuse d/8

3. Opaque Plastic Should Reflect Light

A vital characteristic of opaque colors is their ability to absorb light. For example, if you shine a light on an opaque plastic, you should see the light reflecting back at you. If the light goes through the piece of plastic, it is not opaque — instead, it would be considered translucent or transparent.

4. Opaque Colors Can Change Under Various Lighting

As we mentioned earlier, lighting significantly affects a product's overall appearance. To maintain an opaque plastic enclosure's consistency, test it under various lighting options, such as average daylight and fluorescent lighting. These tests will put into perspective what a customer sees in the store versus when they walk out to their car with the product.

5. A Spectrophotometer Is the Right Tool for the Job

To make every step and test a breeze, you will need a spectrophotometer to effectively measure opaque plastic enclosures. The Agera is a benchtop spectrophotometer from HunterLab equipped with everything you need to ensure product quality and color consistency across batches. Some notable features include:

• Directional 0/45-degree circumferential geometry
• A built-in 60-degree gloss meter
• Full spectrum LED illumination

How HunterLab Promotes Sustainability

HunterLab is passionate about promoting end-to-end solutions to minimize waste and maximize resource allocation through the Circular Economy approach. Our spectrophotometers have advanced technology to effectively help you achieve energy sustainability and governance objectives. Some specific benefits of using a HunterLab spectrophotometer include:

• Detecting color problems early: HunterLab spectrophotometers can detect any color discrepancies early in production. Measuring the color of materials before producing the end product can allow you to fix issues and prevent large quantities of waste.
• Allocating resources efficiently: Instead of focusing efforts on redoing a defective batch, your manufacturing team can allocate resources toward successful outcomes. This strategy increases team efficiency, revenue, and delivery timelines.
• Reducing product returns and reworks: Product returns and reworks impact efficiency and energy savings. Catching color problems early reduces energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
• Influencing your ESG metrics: As government regulations evolve, HunterLab's solutions can help your company stay one step ahead. We can help your business improve its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics.

HunterLab Is Your Industry Expert

HunterLab is dedicated to helping businesses achieve product consistency. Our color measurement tools are advanced and accurate, eliminating potential errors of the human eye and producing solid numerical data. Reach out to us today for a quote on the Agera or any of our other spectrophotometers.