X-Rite Introduces Affordable Color-measurement Device That Reduces Scrap And Charge Backs; Non-contact VeriColor Spectro Ensures Color Consistency by Measuring Every Part

CHICAGO--June 19, 2006--X-Rite, Incorporated , is unveiling an affordable non-contact color-measurement device that gives plastics manufacturers a reliable way to reduce the high cost of scrap and charge backs associated with making off-color parts.

VeriColor(TM) Spectro is a new generation non-contact spectrophotometer that provides in-line color measurement for most industrial processes, including plastic injection, extrusion and blow molding.

Until now, plastics manufacturers typically checked color accuracy by testing random parts with contact color-measurement devices, either by using handheld units on the plant floor or by taking the parts back to a lab. Problem is, unnoticed color shifts could result in the production of a tremendous number of bad parts that either wound up as scrap or, worse, got shipped to OEMs, ultimately generating charge backs.

The VeriColor Spectro, however, is a small (about the size of an overhead projector) non-contact device that mounts right into the production line and measures the color of every single part, typically soon after it exits an extruder or molder. The result: Color shifts are noticed immediately and can be corrected before additional bad parts are run.

Key features of VeriColor Spectro

Pass/fail color control. Tolerances can be set and visually monitored for pass/fail and warning limits using the VeriColor Spectro process monitoring software, through integration via a PLC, or hardwired to a tree light, alerting operators immediately of any change or drift in color so the problem can be fixed before running off bad parts.

Tolerant measuring distance. VeriColor Spectro can be installed up to four inches away from production parts and still deliver accurate measurements. What's more, it maintains its accuracy within +/- 1/4 inch, meaning the inevitable vibration of a manufacturing line won't affect readings.

Rejects ambient light. VeriColor Spectro uses patented technology that rejects ambient light, so no special lighting or shrouding of the measurement head is required. Color accuracy won't be compromised even if you shine a flashlight directly on the part being measured

Active thermal stabilization. VeriColor Spectro is rugged enough to operate reliably in operating environments from 32-122 degrees Fahrenheit (0-50 Celsius).

Process monitoring software. VeriColor Spectro comes with software that measures the color values of every part, allowing continuous color quality reporting and data storage, making it easier to analyze historical trends and identify how to correct problems.

An underserved market segment

Historically, manufacturing processes that can benefit from non-contact color measurement have been divided into two markets. The low end has been served largely by inexpensive RGB (red/green/blue) colorimeters capable only of distinguishing gross color differences.

Meanwhile, the upper end has been served by expensive spectrophotometers that measure so-called "absolute" color, breaking it down into three dimensional L* (lightness/darkness), a* (red/green) and b* (yellow/blue) values. Though highly accurate, these instruments are not only prohibitively expensive, but also tend to be too large and complex to integrate online.

"This leaves a big sweet spot in the middle for VeriColor Spectro," says Ken Phillips, industrial product marketing manager at X-Rite. "It's small enough to be used on a production line and inexpensive enough to appeal to 80 percent of the market - those manufacturers who haven't had an affordable, highly accurate, non-contact solution, until now."

VeriColor Spectro is the latest addition to X-Rite's VeriColor family of non-contact products. Also on display at NPE 2006 are VeriColor Solo and VeriColor Hub, high-resolution, non-contact colorimeters that provide greater accuracy than traditional RGB sensors, making them ideal for sorting and assembly operations.

VeriColor Spectro will be shown for the first time at NPE 2006: The International Plastics Showcase in Chicago, June 19-23. For more information, please contact Ken Phillips, (616) 257-2378 or kphillips@xrite.com.

About X-Rite:

X-Rite is a leading provider of color-measurement solutions, offering hardware, software and services for the verification and communication of color data. The company serves a range of industries, including graphic arts; digital imaging; industrial and retail color matching; and medical. X-Rite serves customers in more than 100 countries from its 20 offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Visit www.xrite.com for more information.