Colour matching on a plate

Citation

(2000), "Colour matching on a plate", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2000.12929bad.006

Colour matching on a plate

Colour matching on a plate

Keywords: Johnson Matthey, Spectrophotometer

Johnson Matthey Colours & Coatings Division, one of the world's largest integrated suppliers of ceramic and associated raw materials, is using a GretagMacbeth Color-Eye 2180 spectrophotometer to predict colour formulations for the printing inks used in the production of its ceramic decals. The decals are used to decorate a wide range of ceramic products, including fine china, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic giftware and glassware; and the Color-Eye 2180 is reported to provide Johnson Matthey with a reliable method of ensuring that its colour specifications are efficiently met.

The correct formulation of the inks for the decals is an essential requirement in faithfully reproducing the colours of any particular decorative design. Colour measurements can be taken from the original design; which may be in the form of an artist's drawing, photographic transparency or existing piece of pottery; or from customer specified Pantone references.

The Color-Eye 2180 spectrophotometer uses a pulsed-xenon light to take accurate colour readings from the samples. Where the design for a decal has areas of colour large enough and accessible enough to allow it, these readings can be taken directly from the original. Otherwise, Pantone tabs corresponding to the individual colours of the design are selected and read by the instrument to enable the correct formulation to be made.

The acquisition of a state-of-the-art colour measuring system was undertaken by Johnson Matthey in order to optimise its colour formulation procedures, and according to GretagMacbeth the Color-Eye 2180 was chosen for its superior accuracy and speed. As a result of its use, lead-times for matching colours in the company's proofing department have reportedly been improved. Databases have been established for leaded and unleaded onglaze colour palettes, and the procedures for rematching of obsolete colours have also been made significantly quicker.

GretagMacbeth manufactures a broad range of high performance spectrophotometers, which are said to be easy to operate and suitable for use in all types of colour measurement applications. Details available from: GretagMacbeth Ltd. Tel: + 44 (0) 161 926 9822; Fax: + 44 (0) 161 926 9835.