Color and appearance tests
The color as you should see it
Color is not an intrinsic characteristic of materials. It is a psychophysical phenomenon that arises from the interaction between a light source, an object, and an observer.
Color can be defined as a psychological response to a physical stimulus. Humans perceive color by receiving light through their eyes and projecting it onto the retina, which has specialized cells to detect different wavelengths in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
In the industrial world, color perception can be a critical factor in a product's quality and reliability. However, what we see is a psychophysical phenomenon that depends on three main factors: the light source, the measurement geometry, and the observer. Light, with its spectral distribution and color temperature, strikes an object, and the way this light is reflected or transmitted (the geometry) is captured by a detector that emulates the human eye. This interdependence of factors means that the same sample can appear different depending on the ambient light or the viewing angle, creating challenges for large-scale production.
Therefore, colorimetry, the field of science dedicated to the numerical measurement of color, is fundamental. At Eyco, we have the technology and experience necessary to quantify color objectively, eliminating subjectivity and guaranteeing uniformity across different types of products, from plastics and textiles to glass and food-grade liquids. By standardizing how optical properties are measured, we offer you a precise and repeatable solution that ensures the quality and consistency your brand needs.
Why Is This Important?
Color measurement is crucial because it allows for the objective and repeatable evaluation, quantification, and characterization of an object's color, eliminating the subjectivity of human perception. Standardizing color measurement ensures consistency in production and quality, which is vital in industries such as automotive, plastics, textiles, and food. Our colorimetric-based tests determine the chromatic properties of a material or product according to international standards.
How do we do it
At Eyco, we use high-precision spectrophotometers and colorimeters to perform instrumental color measurements on a wide variety of materials, whether opaque solids, translucent solids, or liquids.
We apply methodologies standardized by the CIE (International Commission on Illumination), with different measurement geometries (such as 0/45, 0/d, or diffuse/8º), and different illuminants (A, C, D65) to simulate various light conditions.
Furthermore, we are accredited by ENAC to determine chromaticity coordinates, color differences, and other parameters such as brightness.
The result
The tests carried out by Eyco are documented in a technical report that includes:
- The identification and description of the sample
- The standardized methods applied
- Test conditions
- The equipment used
- The results obtained
- Measurement uncertainty
The data is presented in a clear and traceable manner, meeting the necessary quality requirements.
