Appearance Solution Measures, Visualizes Effect Finishes

Photo Credit: X-Rite

Additional capabilities have been added to the MA-T12 multi-angle handheld spectrophotometer and Pantora desktop software from X-Rite Inc. and Pantone, enabling automotive, electronics and durable goods customers to measure and visualize a broader range of materials, including plastics, leather, fabrics, and structured coatings. The updates are designed to make it easier and more affordable to capture and digitize color and appearance characteristics of complex materials using one measurement device. With this solution, customers can transform a physical material into a digital twin or virtual prototype for remote visual approval, minimizing the need to ship samples between design teams, suppliers and partners.

“The use of effect finishes and textures to improve a product’s aesthetic appeal have expanded beyond automotive paints to vehicle interiors,” says Matthew Adby, X-Rite product management director. “The new capabilities in the MA-T12 and Pantora enable automotive manufacturers to measure, visualize and control color on both interior and exterior components using one handheld device. It eliminates the need for multiple devices and can be used anywhere from the design center to the assembly floor, streamlining the digital design and quality control process.”

The MA-T12 measures effect finishes and complex materials with 12 angles of measurement and a calibrated camera. This enables manufacturers to verify color, sparkle, coarseness and surface texture. MA-T12 measurement data and Pantora software’s Spatially Varying Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (SVBRDF) capabilities enable users to create accurate digital representations of complex materials that include color, effect finishes and surface structure.

In addition to effect paints, the combined solution characterizes a range of materials used across automotive, electronics and durable goods. This includes plastics and injection molding, leathers and fabrics and powdered coatings.

The combined MA-T12 and Pantora solution supports digital workflows to accelerate the design-to-manufacturing process. Designers can use the solution to visualize product designs and digitally communicate color and appearance requirements across a global supply chain. Manufacturing partners can measure and compare production parts to check they are within tolerance and remotely assess variations. Final inspection and quality control professionals can measure and capture all aspects of an assembled good or vehicle.