SpectroMetric 6 – Latest Advance in Color Measurement and Correction

Ampacet LIAD has introduced the LIAD Smart SpectroMetric 6®, a closed-loop automated system that combines advanced AI color measurement and correction technology with the latest colorant innovations. LIAD Smart SpectroMetric 6 maximizes PCR usage, saves on costs due to downtime to correct color and ensures maintenance of brand color specifications.

Smart SpectroMetric 6®, a closed-loop automated system, combines advanced AI color measurement and correction technology with the latest colorant innovations

SpectroMetric 6 measures color in real time using an inline fiberoptic spectral sensor that calculates the differential in color variance through delta E calculations, based on established L*a*b color standards. The color sensor allows for contactless color assessment, regardless of orientation, texture or shape of the product being produced and even measures pelletized compounds. The sensor also filters out ambient light and interference using an automatic white balance correction in real-time to ensure measurement accuracy and stability in either fluorescent or natural lighting.

Operated from a single touch screen controller, SpectroMetric 6 incorporates a new generation of colorant technology, FluxQF™, patented mono pigments formulated for superior and quick flow color distribution during extrusion. The highly-loaded FluxQF colors can counteract the poor quality and inconsistency of PCR and also prevent the wasteful overuse of the base color masterbatch by metering small amounts of individual pigments to properly correct color during production.

SpectroMetric color correction software determines which pigment combination will correct the color and simultaneously weighs each FluxQF mono pigment individually and meters the mixture directly into the extruder while feeding the base resin and PCR blend. In addition to the five primary mono pigment colors, FluxQF pigments can be customized to the customer’s color specifications through Ampacet’s global color labs.

The SpectroMetric 6 system incorporates the ColorSave®1000 gravimetric feeder for the base masterbatch color and utilizes five highly precise, patented ColorSave-Micro gravimetric feeders to accurately meter the proper blend of FluxQF mono pigments to correct the color in-line. ColorSave-Micro feeding technology also has been designed to dispense as little as a single gram of colorant accurately through patented vibrational metering down to a single pellet of FluxQF mono pigment.

SpectroMetric 6 runs on L*a*b* specifications, not on set LDR’s, with continuous monitoring for the lowest possible setting to maintain correct color specifications at the lowest possible colorant usage rates – even when running PCR or regrind. SpectroMetric can potentially reduce overall colorant consumption and cost by metering at the lowest possible LDR while maintaining the target color.

The SpectroMetric 6 color correction software features color charts to clearly illustrate the color differential in real time and provides easy data and report downloads. SpectroMetric 6 technology is ideal for extrusion processors of recycled materials that have difficulty maintaining color due to PCR color variability within the same lot or lot-to-lot.