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With the new MA94/96/98 family, X-Rite now offers a wider range of solutions so customers can tailor their investments by selecting the instruments that best suit their applications, measuring anything from the most basic paints to sophisticated interference pigment coatings. The new spectrophotometers offer improvements such as better data repeatability and a more robust method for measuring flexible or curved surfaces, and customers will be able to utilize the advanced X-ColorQC® software that comes with the instruments to obtain more information from data.
"With the addition this year of the MA94 and MA96 instruments to our MA98 spectrophotometer, X-Rite offers a complete line of hand-held colour measurement solutions that give manufacturers affordable quality control solutions tailored to the specifics of the material used on the factory floor," he said. "The instruments are designed to make it easy for quality control personnel to obtain reliable colour measurements quickly on the factory floor or in the lab."
X-Rite representatives demonstrated the company's new solutions at the Surfex 2010 show held at the Harrogate International Centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Attendees of the Surfex 2010 were given demonstrations at X-Rite's stand. After-show information may be obtained by visiting: www.xrite.com or contacting Mike Smyth, Sales Director-UK, at e-mail: msmyth@xrite.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling +44 1625 87110.
Feld said the MA94, 96 and 98 multi-angle family can help manufacturers identify and maintain the colour quality of parts that may originate from different production lines, factories or supply sources, saving money and time by reducing scrap and rework. Weighing approximately 1 kilogram and covered with a soft over-mold case for two-handed use, all of the instruments are designed for frequent and comfortable measurement by the shop floor personnel.
The MA94 ensures reliable colour measurement of flat, flexible and curved test surfaces by using three pressure sensors that quickly indicate to personnel that they have positioned the instrument correctly for readings. In addition to the pressure sensors, the instrument can show the locations of where parts are to be measured using X-Rite's proprietary JOBS workflow routine with both text and visual cues and records data for analysis using the X-ColorQC® software. The MA94 illuminates test surfaces with a tungsten halogen module and takes readings from five aspecular angles in less than two seconds.
The more advanced MA96 has all the features of the MA94, but takes measurements from six aspecular angles, one of which is -15 degrees to provide additional information for collecting data on effect paints and coatings.
Introduced last year, the MA98 is a precision 31-point spectrophotometer that is designed especially to measure effect paints for research and development, process improvements, and product refinements. With 11 sensors and two illuminators, the MA98 can detect characteristics of effect paints that the other instruments miss entirely, Feld said. The MA98 ccollects and manipulates data through its X-ColorQC® software and proprietary xDNA algorithms to generate easy-to-understand graphs that show unique characteristics of effect paints.
The MA94, 96 and 98 instruments all feature:
1) Using X-Rite's proprietary JOBS workflow routine with both text and visual cues the instrument instructs the user where measurements need to be collected and records data for analysis using the bundled X-ColorQC® software. 2) Quick measurement time of about 1 second, with calculation and display in a total of 2 seconds. 3) Battery-powered operation that records more than 1,400 measurements per full charge, in addition to operation from an AC adapter. 4) Data collection via USB 2.0 or wireless data collection via Bluetooth. 5) Solid-state pressure sensors and indicator L.E.D.'s that signal when the instrument is applied properly against the test surface to improve measurement repeatability. 6) Lamp modules can be replaced without affecting the measurement performance or results of the instrument. 7) Compatibility with previous generations of X-Rite instruments, allowing continued use of existing databases. 8) A large colour display screen that is backlit for easy viewing under varying light conditions. 9) Software that instructs the operator on the proper techniques of measurement with both text and visual cues.
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X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT) X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT) offer its VS450™ spectrophotometer to enable laboratories to accurately control colour quality by measuring a wide range of wet and dry samples without touching test surfaces.
The main benefits of the VS450 are: 1) Ability to measure samples at a distance without contact, permitting technicians to easily measure cosmetics, wet paint, soil samples and other wet or powdered substrates that prove difficult for instruments that use contact technology. 2) Line of Sight™ visibility enables technicians to quickly and easily position the sample for measurement. 3) Active Visual Targeting™ projects a prominent illuminated target ring onto the sample for precise and accurate measurements. 4) Two aperture sizes of 6mm and 12mm that can easily and quickly be switched with the click of a button, without the need to recalibrate the instrument. 5) Integrated gloss sensor for gloss measurements on wet and dry samples. 6) Versatile design improves measurement capabilities on two and three-dimensional objects. 7) Best-in-class colour accuracy and repeatability.
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"The VS450 is an industry-changing technology for colour measurement and quality control," says Kenneth Phillips, product manager in X-Rites Industrial Colour and Appearance Division that developed the instrument. "It is a response to demand from customers operating in industries as varied as the manufacture of cosmetics, paints and chemicals - even unique applications like soil sampling - that have asked for a cost-effective and precise way to measure samples without special sample apparatus, such as Petri dishes or cuvettes."
Accurate non-contact colour measurement
The VS450 can measure test surfaces of materials such as powders, liquids, pastes and suede leather in their natural, unaltered states to yield better 'truer' results. Unlike hand-held or benchtop spectrophotometers currently used in laboratories that must physically contact the sample with the viewing port, the VS450 measures any sample accurately from a distance of about 38mm (1.5 inches). Prior technology relied on pressing glass or clear plastic over test surfaces to protect the instruments from being contaminated by the test samples and altering the test data.
"Not only can the VS450 directly measure wet or powdered samples without contact, but also it provides an easy and effective way to measure and QC samples such as plastic plaques, which can be tedious and time consuming with today's contact-based devices," Phillips said.
Consistent data
The instrument is repeatable to 0.025 dEab when used with its 12mm aperture, which means data is consistent when the instrument measures the same part in the same place. Phillips said the VC450 instrument is an extension of the company's VeriColor® Spectro™ non-contact spectrophotometer, which set the standard two years ago for online non-contact colour measurement in demanding industrial applications. The VS450 uses 45/0° geometry and correlates well with other 45/0° instruments and databases.
Targeting the correct sample area
The VS450 also tackles the problem of incorrect data when the measurement is taken in the wrong sample area. The VS450 allows technicians to quickly and easily position the instrument over a sample using its Line of Sight™ design and Active Visual Targeting™ feature, which projects either a 6mm (1/4-inch) or a 12mm (1/2-inch) diameter illuminated ring on to the sample to target the desired measurement area.
Accurate gloss measurements
The VS450 has advanced optics and sensors that accurately measure gloss as well as colours. When used with X-Rite's iMatch formulation software, the VS450 can help to speed up the initial formulation process because the instrument can compensate for the difference in appearance between dry and wet samples. "This feature is valuable in providing increased throughput when formulating new colours or QC testing production samples that would normally have to be dried for 24 to 72 hours before a colour measurement can be taken," says Phillips.
Employing the same technology as the VeriColor Spectro instrument, the VS450 uses light-emitting diodes (LEDS), which are more efficient and more stable than typical gas-filled illumination sources such as halogen and tungsten. With a predicted life of more than 20 million flashes - many more than illumination systems that rely on flash tubes - LEDs provide accurate results for years before needing replacement.
Ambient light detection
The VS450 also detects and ignores ambient light, such as incandescent, fluorescent or sodium vapor illumination, which can greatly affect results when samples are not positioned properly with prior contact-based technology.
Weighing about five pounds, the VS450 takes up little room on a laboratory work bench and can be quickly positioned on its feet or on its side to measure odd-shaped or bulky samples.
X-Rite in profile
X-Rite is the global leader in colour science and technology. The company, which now includes colour industry leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative colour solutions through measurement systems, software, colour standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching colour helps users get colour right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical.
For further information on the VS450, view website: www.xrite.com or contact Reinhard Feld, e-mail: rfeld@xrite.com
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