Online colour measuring system for quality control

June 2012 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Micro-Epsilon Eltrotec has introduced colorCONTROL ACS 7000, its first online colour measuring system based on spectral imaging. First, the target is illuminated with white light, and then the spectrum of the reflected light is compared to a white reference. The results are used to calculate CIE-xy colour coordinates for wavelengths of 390-780 nm. Spectral imaging is the most accurate method of colour measurement; colour value resolution exceeds E 0.01 for a spectral resolution of 5 nm. Observation characteristics such as illumination source and 2°/10° standard observers can be adjusted. The system works contact-free at a distance up to 55 mm with a measuring geometry of 30°/0°.

The unit supports three operating modes. The first measures the colour difference E to the reference value. A maximum of 15 learned reference colours can be stored. The second mode measures the sample’s reflectivity spectrum and the third measures colours and displays them in the relevant colour space (XYZ, L*a*b*, L*u*v*). In addition, users can display and track a trend analysis of E/L*, a*, b* for the individual colours over any period of time. All modes support measurement speeds of up to 2 kHz.

The system is operated via a web browser that displays relevant measuring parameters, including a black/white balance feature. Process interfaces such as Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS422, USB and digital I/O are included. Applications include automotive paint inspections; interior colour measurements; forensics; plagiarism detection in the processing of plastics, wood, veneers and textiles; printing and medical.

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