Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Measuring the Color of Transparent Sheet Plastic

Manufacturers of transparent plastics know all too well that haze can present challenges in achieving the desired outcomes. Too much scattering of the transmitted light produces a cloudy appearance that impacts consumer quality perceptions of quality and buying decisions. As a result, upholding consistent quality requires sophisticated tools that accurately and scientifically quantify color and haze.

Spectrophotometers inspect these attributes objectively, providing numerical values to compare. These devices help eliminate product appearance variations so you can regularly and effectively meet consumer expectations for quality.

Choose the Right Color Spectrophotometer

Benchtop spectrophotometers are ideal for measuring color and ensuring uniformity in plastic products. To ensure consistency, manufacturers should measure points across the entire range of production.

Using a spectrophotometer to measure the color of transparent sheet plastic offers several benefits, such as:

• Accurate data: Spectrophotometers provide reliable color data that reflects its actual color.
• Repeatability: These instruments provide a repeatable way to measure color, minimizing errors and facilitating consistent color throughout production.
• Standard compliance: HunterLab's spectrophotometers follow industry standards for color measurement, ensuring consistency across the supply chain.

Find Your Color Space

A color space is a numerical way of experiencing color. The CIE defines color spaces to help communicate and express an object's color. Use defined color spaces such as CIE L*a*b*, CIE L*C*h, and CIE XYZ to test color attributes, identify inconsistencies, and express findings. 

Color measurement equipment makes it easier to quantify these color attributes. This standardized method allows for easy comparison of color data across different batches, facilitating adherence to color standards.

Establish Tolerances

Establishing color tolerances ensures consistency and accuracy throughout the quality process. A color tolerance is the acceptable color difference between the standard and the sample. 

Standardize Your Samples

Standardize the preparation and presentation of your samples during each reading to prevent errors and inconsistencies. These samples can be used to ensure future batches meet your desired color measurements.

Precise Color Measurement for Sustainable Practices

The plastics industry faces a crucial challenge — balancing quality standards with environmental responsibility. HunterLab's color measurement solutions address this by providing precise color control throughout production.

One key example is the management of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resin. PET tends to become yellow due to oxidation. Yellowing requires optical brighteners in finished products to maintain clarity. Assessing the degree of yellowing in a batch of resin is crucial for determining the optimal dosage of optical brighteners. Accurate assessment minimizes waste and ensures a consistent, high-quality final product.

Increasing regulations and consumer demand drive the inclusion of recycled PET (rPET) in new products. This focus on a circular economy calls for reliable color measurement tools across the supply chain. These tools enable manufacturers to adjust brightener usage by measuring the color and fluorescent qualities of virgin PET and rPET. This process ensures consistent color across finished goods, preventing costly errors and waste.

Choose HunterLab for Transparent Sheet Plastic Color Measurement Equipment

Our Vista spectrophotometer can measure transmittance and offer haze data for clear plastics. HunterLab's spectrophotometers are built to the highest standards, offering precision, traceability, and consistency to your production processes. 

Contact our team today to get started with a free consultation