Best Practices for Measuring the Colour of Opaque Sheet Plastic

Consistent colour 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 colour to consumers. 

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

Factors that Affect the Appearance of Colour

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

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

Spectrophotometers for the Colour Measurement of Opaque Sheet Plastic

HunterLab offers instruments suited for colour measurement of opaque plastics. Our Agera spectrophotometer caters to opaque plastics like films, sheets, enclosures, and pellets. It measures colour 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 colour consistency throughout plastic manufacturing. They offer several benefits, such as:

• Accuracy and precision: They provide accurate and precise colour measurements in numerical terms.
• Versatility: They can measure colour in opaque and translucent plastics, making them suitable for various applications.
• Data collection: Spectrophotometers can capture data beyond colour, 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 colour measurement.

Colour Indices and Scales

The Agera model includes the ability to measure colour 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 colour, allowing for objective comparisons.

Promoting Sustainable Plastics Through Colour Measurement

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

Accurate colour measurement enables manufacturers to reduce waste associated with rework and scrap. Eliminating multiple production cycles reduces energy consumption, another ESG metric. Colour 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 colour control and minimizes landfill waste generation from the earliest stage.

Partner With HunterLab for Trusted Colour Measurement Solutions

HunterLab's specialists hold decades of experience offering colour-measuring instruments and software. Our colour 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.