working with data color

Introduction:

A Data color is one of the scientific instruments commonly found in many research and industrial laboratories. A Data color/spectrophotometer is capable of both transmitting and receiving light. The device is used to analyze samples of test material by passing light through the sample and reading the intensity of the wavelengths. Different samples impact the light in different ways, allowing a researcher or technician to learn more about the materials in the test sample by seeing how the light behaves as it passes through the sample.

The output of a Data color is usually a graph of light intensity versus wavelength. The data collected to generate this graph can typically be saved as a table of wavelengths and intensities.

Software that Need to Run Datacolor:To run data color the following software’s are need to be installed.

1. Datacolor Tools (DCI-Tools)2. Datacolor Match (DCI-Match)

Datacolor tools have the following functions-i).Input of standard-It may physical standard such as swatch, TC, PC, TCX,

PCX. &Numerical standard-Such as Qtex file.ii). Pass-Fail Report-Fastness properties, color change etc.

Datacolor match have the following functions-Recipe calculation such as it gives main recipe, corrected recipe, costing &

also metamerism index.

Calibration of Datacolor/Spectrophotometer:Calibration is a process in which a scientific instrument known as a spectrophotometer is calibrated to confirm that it is working properly. This is important, as it ensures that the measurements obtained with the instrument are accurate. The procedure varies slightly for different instruments, with most manufacturers providing a detailed calibration guide in the owner's manual so that people know how to calibrate the equipment properly. When this process is performed, the person doing it must make a note in the log attached to the equipment and in their experimental notes, so that people know when the device was last calibrated and handled, and by whom.

The following calibration procedure is generally followed-1. Click the Calibrate button on the button bar, or Instrument Menu, Calibrate.2. Click Calibrate. The Prepare for Calibration dialog box displays.3. Place the black trap over the measurement port, and click the Ready button. If the instrument does not have a black trap, clear the port of any obstruction and click the Ready button. The Prepare for Calibration window redisplays when the measurement is completed.4. Place the white calibration tile over the measurement port, and click the Ready button. When the second measurement is completed, the Control Measurement dialog box displays.5. Click OK. If you have the diagnostic (green) tile test enabled, the program will prompt you for the diagnostic tile.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-manufacturers.htm

6. Place the green tile at the port and click Ready. When the measurement is complete, the results of the diagnostic tile test will be displayed.7. The DECISION should be "Pass". Click OK to close the instrument.

Data color Tools Does the following Functions:Measurement Procedure for Standard and Sample/Batch:After completing the calibration procedure, the data color is ready for use. The measurement procedure for standard sample-

1. Place the standard sample on the probe/port of the data color carefully (Usually four folded is done)

2. Click the New Std button on the desktop. This clears the Name field, and places the cursor in the field.

3. Enter a name for the sample. Sample data can come from the instrument, the database or the keyboard. On the desktop there are two buttons that identify the origin of the standard and batch measurements.(Here From Instrument).

4. The measurement method is set independently for each sample type. In this example, both the standard and the batch measurement come from the instrument (Inst). Click the Std: Inst button to start the measurement. The sample just measured becomes the current standard on the desktop. Data fields on the desktop will be updated to display the data for the sample just measured.

When you measure a new standard, the batch field is emptied. You have not yet associated any batches with this standard. To measure a batch, a standard must be on the desktop. The procedure for measuring a batch is similar to measuring a standard. However, you must click the Bat: Inst button. When using a portable instrument, position the sample so that it completely covers the opening on the probe or port.

Evaluations:Color EvaluationsOnce you have selected a standard or batch, there are numerous color evaluations you can perform. Typically, the Datacolor TOOLS desktop includes several color evaluations including color differences, pass/fail, color plots etc.The color evaluation displayed is always based on the current standard and batch data on the desktop.

Pass Fail Evaluation• Color Difference (DL*, Da*, Db*, DC*, DH*, and DE*). These are the color differences between the batch and standard. This example includes differences between the samples on each individual parameter (DL*, Da*, Db*, etc.) as well as DE*, the composite color difference.

• Illuminant/Observer (Ill/Obs) Condition (D65/10 deg, A/10 Deg, andF2/10 Deg). These are the Illuminant and Standard Observer selections being used for the evaluation. The color differences between the standard and the batch are provided for each Illuminant/Observer condition. The color differences between the samples do not remain the same when the illuminant or observer is changed.

• Pass/Fail Determination. If the batch color difference is within the tolerances set for the standard, the program will display PASS. If outside the tolerances, the batch FAILS.

• Descriptors (Batch is lighter, more saturated, more yellow). Translates the numerical color differences into a qualitative description of the color differences for the first Illuminant/Observer condition.

Data color Match’s Does the following Functions:Colorant Sets:A colorant set is a set of color information about the substrate and dyes the system uses to produce match and correction recipes. It contains...• Information about the overall colorant set, e.g., the substrate and process that will be used with the dyes;• Product information about each dye, e.g., strength, minimum and maximum concentrates;• Color information about each dye;

Colorant Set procedure:1. Open the “Colorant Set List” window.2. On the “Colorant Set” or the contextsensitivemenu, select New Textile.3. Specify the name and the identification of the new colorant set.4. A click in the „Dye Process“, „Substrate Delivery“ and „Operation“ field opens the corresponding selectionbox.Select Input Form on the contextsensitivemenu of the selection box to specify a new object.5 Click Store.

ParameterAuxilary(Product)

Dyestaff(Product)

Substrate

Recipe Calculation (Matching):

Selection:• Quality/style (data of the substrate)• Combined process• Substrate delivery (only for deliveries with data different to the blank dyeing substrate)• Dyed substrate (over-dyeing only)• Dyestuff group with dyes pre-selected from the assigned colorant set. The dyestuff group is used to optimize the recipe calculation. Selection criteria:• Dyes from the list• Parameter values, e.g., fastness information• Concentration values, e.g., min., max., conc.• Settings (parameters for calculation control)• Standard: Color to be matched.

Match: The recipes are calculated according to the selections and the results are displayed.

Review: The recipes can be reviewed according to the different criteria (various color difference values, coordinates, price, etc.).

Further use: The recipes can be saved, printed and/or sent to a dispenser.

Recipe Calculation procedure:1 Open the “Recipe List” window.2 On the “Recipe” or the context-sensitive menu, select Calculate, or press F5.3 Select the quality/style and the combined process.4 If necessary, select the substrate delivery.5 Select the colorant set(s)6 Select the “Standard” to be matched.7 If you have to re-dye, select the dyed substrate or re-measure it.8 In the “Colorant Set” tab select the dyestuffs to by used and select or specify a dyestuff group.9 In the “Settings” tab, select the parameters for the matching process.10 Click Calculate to immediately start the recipe calculation. The recipe table appears.11 Select the recipes you want to dye.12 Click close, or Save to save the recipe.

Correction:

Selection of correction type:• Laboratory The existing recipe is altered and saved again.• Production an additional recipe is calculated that is used to change color of the dyed batch to the correct color.

Data input:• Recipe to be corrected• Batch (color of the dyed substrate to be corrected)

• Dyestuffs are pre-selected by the recipe to be corrected. Additional dyestuffs can be selected. Concentration and parameters can be defined.• The acceptance limit settings can be altered.

Laboratory Correction recipe procedure:1. Select the recipe to be corrected in the “Recipe List” window.2. On the context-sensitive menu, select Pass Fail and Laboratory Correction, or pressF6.3. Click Pass Fail and Correction. 4. In the “Batch and Color Difference” field, measure or select the sample.5. If necessary, alter the data in the dyestuffs table.6. Click Save to save a manual correction. The correction recipe is saved.7. Click Laboratories. The “Recipe Correction” table appears.8. In the “Recipe Correction” dialog box, you can look at the result of the matching. The color differences between “Standard” and “Batch” are displayed.9. If finished, close the recipe table. 10. Click Yes. 11. Select the recipe output(s) according your needs, and/or close the” Show Full Recipe” dialog box.

Production Correction recipe procedure:1 Select the recipe to be corrected in the “Recipe List” window.2 On the context-sensitive menu, select Pass Fail and Production Correction, or press F7.3 Click Productions.4 You can optimize the result of the matching by adding dyestuffs and concentrations and by specifying tolerances.5 When finished, you can display and print the recipe.6 Click Close to close the “Production Correction” dialog box.

Models of Data color:

400 × 400 - Datacolor 650 | Datacolor Autolab

brakensiek.com brakensiek.de

Basic Components of the Data color/Spectrophotometer:

All spectrophotometer instruments designed to measure the absorption of radiant Energy have the basic components as follows (Figure 4):1. A stable source of radiant energy (Light);2. A wavelength selector to isolate a desired wavelength from the source (filter or monochromatic);3. Transparent container (curette) for the sample and the blank.4. A radiation detector (phototube) to convert the radiant energy received to measurable signal; and a readout device that displays the signal from the detector.

Operating Instructions for Data Color/Spectrophotometer:1. Ensure 230V, 50Hz, single-phase power supply is available in the 3 contact 5Apower point.2. Insert the power cord of the instrument in to a power point.3. Turn the switch at ‘ON” position.4. Warm up the instrument for 15 minutes.5. Press %T selector switch.6. Adjust wavelength control to read the wavelength at which the test is desired.7. Open the sliding lid of the sample compartment.8. Turn the filter sliding control at filter position-1 to set zero adjustment,9. Close the sliding lid of the sample compartment.10. Turn the coarse and fine controls at their maximum and adjust %T control to get 0.00 displayed on the read out with the filter position-1.11. Now turn the filter sliding control at required position decided based on the wavelength selected.

Light source

Monochromator

Sample

Phototube Measuring Absorbed/Transmitted

Figure: Components of a Data color/spectrophotometer

Filter Position Wavelength2 Below 395 nm3 395 to 600 nm4 Above 600nm

12. Keep the blank cuvette at position-1.13. Keep the sample cuvette at position –2.14. Adjust 100%T (%T selector switch should be in pressed position) or 0.0 absorbance (O.D selector switch should be in pressed position) using coarse and fine controls knob with blank cuvette.15. Pull the cuvette position control at position-2.16. Read out the transmittance/absorbance of the sample.

Precautions:1. Always clean the cells thoroughly and rinse at least once with a portion of the sample, before filling the sample for measurement.2. Always wipe the exposed surface of the cells dry and free from finger prints, using tissue paper.3. Clean cells thoroughly immediately after use and prior to use.4. Do not leave solutions, particularly strong alkali, in the cells for periods more than an hour.5. Ensure no air bubbles the inner surfaces of the cells.6. Never use a brush or any tool for cleaning which may scratch the optical surfaces.

Working Procedure:

Below is the Datacolor TOOLS icon. Open the Datacolor TOOLS program by clicking on it:

Login/Password for Textile Users

For textile users, do the following:

1. Double-click the Datacolor TOOLS icon. The Select User dialog box displays and you must enter a login and password.

2. In the top field, enter the user name. The default login is DCI. It is not case-sensitive. 3. In the Enter Password field, enter your password. For the default setup, no password is required. 4. Click the OK button. The Datacolor TOOLS splash screen displays, and the program opens to the Datacolor TOOLS desktop.

Login/Password for Pigment Users

1. Double-click the Datacolor TOOLS icon. The Select User dialog box displays and you must enter a login and password.

2. In the top field, enter your user name. The default is user. It is not case-sensitive. 3. In the Password field, enter your password. The default is CC3.

4. Click the OK button. The Datacolor TOOLS splash screen displays, and the program opens to the Datacolor TOOLS desktop.

Launching Datacolor TOOLS via the Navigator

If you have both Datacolor TOOLS and Datacolor Match Pigment installed on your system, you can also launch Datacolor TOOLS from the Navigator program.

1. Open the Navigator program:

2. To open Datacolor TOOLS, click Go (menu). The menu below displays:

3. Click Datacolor TOOLS. The Datacolor TOOLS desktop opens.

Below are step-by-step instructions for running the basic Datacolor TOOLS program options. While there are a wide range of program options, these tutorials cover the most fundamental and the most frequently used features, including instrument calibration, sample measurement and basic color evaluations.

Instrument Calibration

Instrument calibration is a function that you perform on a daily basis. This routine compensates for any changes to the instrument that can affect the accuracy of the measurement. You must calibrate the instrument separately for each condition you use. This includes changes to the aperture size, and reflectance/transmittance modes.

To start the calibration routine: 1. Click the Calibrate button on the button bar, or Instrument Menu, Calibrate.

The current calibration conditions are displayed:

2. Click Calibrate. The Prepare for Calibration dialog box displays.

3. Place the black trap over the measurement port, and click the Ready button. If the instrument does not have a black trap, clear the port of any obstruction

and click the Ready button. The Prepare for Calibration window redisplays when the measurement is completed.

4. Place the white calibration tile over the measurement port, and click the Ready button. When the second measurement is completed, the Control Measurement dialog box displays.

5. Click OK. If you have the diagnostic (green) tile test enabled, the program will prompt you for the diagnostic tile.

6. Place the green tile at the port and click Ready. When the measurement is complete, the results of the diagnostic tile test will be displayed.

7. The DECISION should be "Pass". Click OK to close the instrument. Measuring Samples The procedure is similar for measuring a standard or a batch.

For standards, do the following:

1. Click the New Std button on the desktop. This clears the Name field, and places the cursor in the field:

Sample data can come from the instrument, the database or the keyboard. On the desktop there are two buttons that identify the origin of the standard and batch measurements.

3. The measurement method is set independently for each sample type. In this example, both the standard and the batch measurement come from the instrument (Inst). Place the standard at the instrument port, and click the Std:Inst button to start the measurement.

The sample just measured becomes the current standard on the desktop. Data fields on the desktop will be updated to display the data for the sample just measured.

To change the measurement method for either the standard or batch:

1. Click on the down arrow to the view the measurement methods:

2. Click on the method to be used. The button will refresh, and display the measurement method selected. In the example below, the standard measurement method has been changed to %R 31 points.

3. The next time you measure a standard, a window will open, and prompt you to enter 31-point spectral data for the standard. Color Evaluations Once you have selected a standard or batch, there are numerous color evaluations you can perform. Typically, the Datacolor TOOLS desktop includes several color evaluations including color differences, pass/fail, color plots etc. The color evaluation displayed is always based on the current standard and batch data on the desktop.

Pass Fail Evaluation Below is an example of a pass/fail evaluation:

:

working with data color

Documents