Whether you manufacture natural products or use natural colorants to dye or color your supplies, some variation is likely within your final outcomes. Minor variations are acceptable — but how much is too much, and when does color variation start affecting your sales profitability? Learn more and see how HunterLab's colorimetry tests can deliver the most accurate color measurements.
Color variation refers to the slight differences in pigment that come from natural color sources or even between different batches of the same artificial colors. It most commonly occurs in:
These natural color differences can come from a variety of factors, like the location of origin, the development process, and even the environmental factors during development, such as humidity and temperature.
The answer to this question differs from application to application, as most people cannot see the full range of colors in the world. Some applications require tight tolerances to ensue ‘color harmony’, meaning two samples placed side by side will have the same color and appearance. Examples are automotive coatings, vinyl siding, textile applications, beverage products, packaging, etc. Other applications allow for a wider tolerance, or ‘color range’, because natural color variation is expected. Examples here include tree nuts, potato chips, and other snack foods. Still, there are some ways to gauge color similarity and make sure your newer creations stay true to the original design. To maintain consistency on a scientific level, many manufacturers turn to DeltaE, or E-Factor.
E-Factor is a color scale that assigns a numerical value to hues, allowing you to align your colors as closely to your ideal as possible. A uniform appearance in your products instills confidence in your customers, assuring them that you've taken the time to ensure precision in all parts of your product.
Manufacturers can gauge a sample's E-Factor through a process called a colorimetry test. A colorimetry test puts all color ranges on a graph so you can see exactly where your color falls in relation to past designs.
With a colorimeter, you can view and measure your product through a light source and three calibrated photocells. These aspects measure the color and transmit it to online software so you can replicate the color and improve overall product consistency and value.
Turn to color measurement tools from HunterLabWhen minimal color variation is crucial to delivering a consistent, reliable product to your customers. We offer both portable spectrophotometers and benchtop models so you can obtain accurate measurements in the field and at home.
Mr. Philips has spent the last 30 years in product development and management, technical sales, marketing, and business development in several industries. Today, he is the global market development manager for HunterLab, focused on understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions and education, and helping to solve customer color challenges across these industries and cultures.LinkedIn