Spectrophotometric Analysis & Color Matching Capability
We define color by numbers, not by eye: we measure the sample with a spectrophotometer and compare it with the approved standard.
Color is measurable data.
The spectrophotometer measures the sample’s reflectance curve across the visible light range (approximately 400–700 nm) and defines the color using CIE L*a*b* coordinates.
The difference between the sample produced and the approved standard is calculated as the ΔE value. The tolerance is set together with our customer, and approval is granted based on this limit.
Measurements are repeated under different light sources to check for metamerism, where a color matches under one light but differs under another.
A color on three axes
CIE L*a*b* is a color space designed to approximate human visual perception.
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L* · Lightness
From 0 (black) to 100 (white): how light or dark a color is.
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a* · Green ↔ Red
Negative values toward green, positive values toward red.
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b* · Blue ↔ Yellow
Negative values toward blue, positive values toward yellow.
How does color matching work?
- Reference
Define the color
Pantone, RAL, a catalog code, or a physical sample.
- Recipe
Formulation
A pigment recipe for the target polymer is prepared in the laboratory.
- Sample
Trial production
A plaque or film sample is produced.
- Measurement
ΔE check
Comparison with a spectrophotometer and under different light sources.
- Approval
Standard
The approved recipe becomes the reference for series production.
Related pages
Let’s plan tests and samples for your product.
Share your application and target values; our laboratory will recommend the right product and prepare your sample along with its measurement results.
