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.

Further reading:

Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.

Read more...

---

The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.

Read more...

---

Vibration test system supports international space industry
TANDM Technologies Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.

Read more...

---

Sensor technology for brewing
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.

Read more...

---

Loesche gets dirty
Loesche South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.

Read more...

---

Water systems with energy savings and sustainability
Labotec Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.

Read more...

---

Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.

Read more...

---

Technology for water sustainability
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.

Read more...

---

Reducing water consumption in the cement industry
Loesche South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on earth. LOESCHE’s vision is to enable its customers to produce high-quality cement, without any water consumption.

Read more...

---

Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.

Read more...

---