Online Color Measuring System for Quality Control

MICRO-EPSILON Eltrotec introduces colorCONTROL ACS 7000, the first online color measuring system. The measuring principle is based on spectral imaging. First, the target is illuminated with white light, then the spectrum of the reflected light is compared to a white reference. The results are used to calculate CIE-xy color coordinates for wavelengths of 390-780 nm. Spectral imaging is the most accurate method of color measurement; color value resolution exceeds ΔE 0.01 for a spectral resolution of 5 nm. Observation characteristics such as illumination source (A, C, D65, D50, D75, E, F4, F7, F11 or customised) and2°/10° standard observers can be adjusted. The system works contact-free for a distance of up to 55mm with a measuring geometry of 30°/0°.

colorCONTROL ACS 7000 supports three operating modes. The first mode measures the color difference ΔE to the reference value. A maximum of 15 learned reference colors can be stored. The second mode measures the sample's reflectivity spectrum. The third mode measures colors and displays them in the relevant color space (XYZ, L*a*b*, L*u*v*). In addition, users can display and track a trend analysis of ΔE / ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* for the individual colors over any period of time. All modes support measurement speeds of up to 2kHz.

The system is operated via a web browser, that also displays relevant measuring parameters, including a black/white balance feature. Process interfaces such as Ethernet / EtherCAT, RS422, USB and Digital I/O are included.

colorCONTROL ACS 7000 supports online and offline measuring. The measuring system is suitable for automotive paint inspections, interior color measurements, forensics, plagiarism detection; in the processing of plastics, wood, veneers, textiles; and in printing and medical technology.