Textile colour measurement: Measuring Colour Differences Between Batches and Final Products
#color #spectrophotometer #ageral2 #colorflexl2 #spectratrendht #miniscanez
Workshop 4 – Measuring Colour Differences Between Batches and Final Products.
Why Colour Difference Matters.
Welcome to this session on measuring colour differences — a critical quality control task in the textile and manufacturing industries. Ensuring consistent colour across production batches protects brand identity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
In this session, we’re focusing on both inter-batch colour difference and how it relates to the final product. As highlighted in ASTM standards and competitor’s article presented at the AATCC symposium, HunterLab Agera’s® L2 0/45° directional geometry and ultra-large area of view (50 mm in diameter) provide superior human-to-instrument agreement compared to the conventional d/8° sphere spectrophotometer.
Understanding ΔE and Its Limitations.
ΔE, or total colour difference, is the standard way to quantify the distance between a sample and a reference in colour space. However, it has its shortcomings:
It doesn’t reveal whether the difference is due to lightness (L), redness/greenness (a), or yellowness/blueness (b).
ΔE values may not align with human vision. Our eyes are more tolerant of changes in some hues than others, making simple ΔE thresholds misleading.
Traditional ΔE calculations use Cartesian coordinates, which can mask perceptible differences by averaging directional shifts.
Smarter Equations for Accurate Results.
To overcome these limitations, newer models like ΔECMC and ΔE2000 have been adopted. These incorporate human perception using ellipsoidal tolerance zones based on MacAdam ellipses. ΔE2000, now ISO-standard, provides more accurate and meaningful comparisons.
How to Measure Colour Differences Accurately.
Consistent colour evaluation starts with good technique:
Use reference samples and standardized tools.
Control temperature and moisture.
Use proper sample holders, clamps, and accessories like infrared thermometers.
At HunterLab, we use directional spectrophotometers such as the Agera L2, ColourFlex® L2, and MiniScan® EZ-4500L, paired with EasyMatch® QC software.
HunterLab solutions for the textile industry:
If your need is routine lab work on smooth or slightly irregular materials like cotton, wool, lab fibers, yarns. Then the best HunterLab solution is ColorFlex L2 — ideal for standard applications in a controlled lab environment, offering reliable and accurate color measurements.
If your need is measuring bulky, irregular, or textured fabrics like loose staples, slivers, denim, corduroy, camouflage, safety garments. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is Agera L2 — best suited when an ultra-large port is needed to handle open, bulky fibers or textured materials. Accommodates a wide range from raw to finished textiles.
If your need is portable verification on-site like at beams, looms, or warehouse sampling. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is MiniScan EZ — rugged, portable instrument designed for quick verification in production or inventory settings, rather than core lab use.
If your need is Inline color measurement during manufacturing. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is SpectraTrend® HT — recommended for real-time, continuous monitoring on the production line. Ensures consistent color quality and immediate detection of deviations.
What Causes Colour Variation.
Colour differences can stem from:
Changes in substrate or fibre
Variations in dye strength or percentage
Environmental conditions like pH or pressure
Storage conditions, including light or humidity exposure
Keeping detailed records of these factors helps troubleshoot and minimize inconsistencies.
Aligning Instrumental and Human Observations.
Mismatch between what we see and what instruments report often comes down to:
Poor lighting
Non-neutral backgrounds
Incorrect optical settings
To reduce discrepancies, always use certified light sources and neutral gray backgrounds. Stick to recommended geometries for the most accurate match.
Best Practices and Industry Trends.
ΔE*2000 is quickly becoming the global standard. It offers better agreement with human perception than older models.
Remember: one unit in ΔE is not equal to one unit in ΔE*2000.
Use real product standards to set meaningful pass/fail limits in collaboration with your clients.
Demonstration.
Elevate Your Colour Quality Control.
Measuring colour differences isn't just about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring brand consistency, minimizing waste, and exceeding customer expectations. With HunterLab, you can take your QC process to the next level.
Thank you for joining this workshop. Let’s continue driving precision and innovation in colour science.
https://www.hunterlab.com/en/
Workshop 4 – Measuring Colour Differences Between Batches and Final Products.
Why Colour Difference Matters.
Welcome to this session on measuring colour differences — a critical quality control task in the textile and manufacturing industries. Ensuring consistent colour across production batches protects brand identity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
In this session, we’re focusing on both inter-batch colour difference and how it relates to the final product. As highlighted in ASTM standards and competitor’s article presented at the AATCC symposium, HunterLab Agera’s® L2 0/45° directional geometry and ultra-large area of view (50 mm in diameter) provide superior human-to-instrument agreement compared to the conventional d/8° sphere spectrophotometer.
Understanding ΔE and Its Limitations.
ΔE, or total colour difference, is the standard way to quantify the distance between a sample and a reference in colour space. However, it has its shortcomings:
It doesn’t reveal whether the difference is due to lightness (L), redness/greenness (a), or yellowness/blueness (b).
ΔE values may not align with human vision. Our eyes are more tolerant of changes in some hues than others, making simple ΔE thresholds misleading.
Traditional ΔE calculations use Cartesian coordinates, which can mask perceptible differences by averaging directional shifts.
Smarter Equations for Accurate Results.
To overcome these limitations, newer models like ΔECMC and ΔE2000 have been adopted. These incorporate human perception using ellipsoidal tolerance zones based on MacAdam ellipses. ΔE2000, now ISO-standard, provides more accurate and meaningful comparisons.
How to Measure Colour Differences Accurately.
Consistent colour evaluation starts with good technique:
Use reference samples and standardized tools.
Control temperature and moisture.
Use proper sample holders, clamps, and accessories like infrared thermometers.
At HunterLab, we use directional spectrophotometers such as the Agera L2, ColourFlex® L2, and MiniScan® EZ-4500L, paired with EasyMatch® QC software.
HunterLab solutions for the textile industry:
If your need is routine lab work on smooth or slightly irregular materials like cotton, wool, lab fibers, yarns. Then the best HunterLab solution is ColorFlex L2 — ideal for standard applications in a controlled lab environment, offering reliable and accurate color measurements.
If your need is measuring bulky, irregular, or textured fabrics like loose staples, slivers, denim, corduroy, camouflage, safety garments. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is Agera L2 — best suited when an ultra-large port is needed to handle open, bulky fibers or textured materials. Accommodates a wide range from raw to finished textiles.
If your need is portable verification on-site like at beams, looms, or warehouse sampling. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is MiniScan EZ — rugged, portable instrument designed for quick verification in production or inventory settings, rather than core lab use.
If your need is Inline color measurement during manufacturing. Then the ideal HunterLab solution is SpectraTrend® HT — recommended for real-time, continuous monitoring on the production line. Ensures consistent color quality and immediate detection of deviations.
What Causes Colour Variation.
Colour differences can stem from:
Changes in substrate or fibre
Variations in dye strength or percentage
Environmental conditions like pH or pressure
Storage conditions, including light or humidity exposure
Keeping detailed records of these factors helps troubleshoot and minimize inconsistencies.
Aligning Instrumental and Human Observations.
Mismatch between what we see and what instruments report often comes down to:
Poor lighting
Non-neutral backgrounds
Incorrect optical settings
To reduce discrepancies, always use certified light sources and neutral gray backgrounds. Stick to recommended geometries for the most accurate match.
Best Practices and Industry Trends.
ΔE*2000 is quickly becoming the global standard. It offers better agreement with human perception than older models.
Remember: one unit in ΔE is not equal to one unit in ΔE*2000.
Use real product standards to set meaningful pass/fail limits in collaboration with your clients.
Demonstration.
Elevate Your Colour Quality Control.
Measuring colour differences isn't just about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring brand consistency, minimizing waste, and exceeding customer expectations. With HunterLab, you can take your QC process to the next level.
Thank you for joining this workshop. Let’s continue driving precision and innovation in colour science.
https://www.hunterlab.com/en/