select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

How to ensure color uniformity in plastic injection?

0
7

Hello everyone, I am currently working on a mass production project through plastic injection. And I wonder how I can guarantee the correct color for all the pieces, knowing they will be manufactured in several lots. Do you have experiences and advice to ensure that the chosen color is the same every time? The color in question is RAL 5012 light blue. Thank you in advance for your help!

Automatically translated from: Français
See original
Solved by gregory.demarque

Colorimetry is defined by a Delta E spectrum (combination of Delta L, A, B)... that is, acceptable deviations on the scales of primary colors and light.

Once the acceptable tolerance has been defined with the supplier, it is appropriate to ask for a colorimetry control for each production batch.

If production volumes allow it, a mass-dyed material is recommended to ensure a lasting tint. For lower volumes, a coloring at the base of the machine is preferred. The supplier must be equipped with dosers (weight or volume), to ensure the repeatability of the process. Beware, some materials are more difficult to dye than others! (ASA for example).

    • Hello everyone, I am currently working on a mass production project through plastic injection. And I wonder how I can guarantee the correct color for all the pieces, knowing they will be manufactured in several lots. Do you have experiences and advice to ensure that the chosen color is the same every time? The color in question is RAL 5012 light blue. Thank you in advance for your help!
      Automatically translated from: Français

      See original
      0
    • j

      I strongly recommend you to perform color stability tests on representative samples from each production batch. This will allow you to quickly detect any color deviation from the RAL 5012 reference and take the necessary corrective measures.

      0
      Reply
    • Senior Content Manager

      The choice of material based on its characteristics is crucial, as not all react the same way to dyes. But the best solution is always to send a sample of the desired color to the supplier, at least for the first batch. And ideally, to keep the same supplier throughout production to ensure the uniformity of the parts and their color. I also invite you to read this article on the subject https://xometry.pro/fr/articles/moulage-injection-couleur/

      0
      Reply
    • g

      Colorimetry is defined by a Delta E spectrum (combination of Delta L, A, B)… that is, acceptable deviations on the scales of primary colors and light.

      Once the acceptable tolerance has been defined with the supplier, it is appropriate to ask for a colorimetry control for each production batch.

      If production volumes allow it, a mass-dyed material is recommended to ensure a lasting tint. For lower volumes, a coloring at the base of the machine is preferred. The supplier must be equipped with dosers (weight or volume), to ensure the repeatability of the process. Beware, some materials are more difficult to dye than others! (ASA for example).

      0
      Reply
      • gregory.demarque

        Thank you Gregory for these detailed informations. So, what are the easiest materials to dye and therefore to prioritize?

        0
        Reply
    • g

      in ABS, no problem.

      0
      Reply
    • g
      Electron2.0

      The material is not preferred based on its color, but based on the specification of the finished product…

      0
      Reply
    • gregory.demarque

      I agree with you on this point and my question lacked context… I want to make cases in ABS, but I had feedback from a colleague who is struggling to get the desired color for his electronic case. So since you were talking about materials that are harder to dye than others, I thought you might have some recommendations at this level

      0
      Reply
How to ensure color uniformity in plastic injection?
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Minimum letter size for raised text on SLS nylon parts
I’m working on a medical device enclosure that needs raised lettering (product name and serial number) on the lid, printed in SLS nylon. The letters are around 2 mm high with a stroke width... read more
m
j
4
238
Oct 30
2 mm stainless sheet bend radius
I’d like some help with a project. I’m designing a stainless steel 304 enclosure with multiple 90° flanges (sheet thickness ~2 mm). For strength and edge alignment, I want the inside bend radius to... read more
L
C
4
211
Oct 24
Urethane casting for sensor housings
Hello all, I’m looking for some advice. I’m working on a prototype of a handheld casing for an outdoor sensor (approx. 20×10×5 cm) that needs to be rigid, weather-resistant, and have fine surface details.... read more
a
0
130
Oct 17
Will a threaded hub and locknut hold up in a conveyor roller assembly?
hi! my project is a small conveyor assembly where the rollers need to be swapped out fairly often, depending on the material we’re running. I’m considering using an M14 threaded connection between the aluminum... read more
P
R
4
148
Oct 22
Printed aluminum parts in pressure applications
Hi! Questioning about prototyping a hydraulic valve housing (normally CNC’d in 6061) - considering aluminum 3D printing instead, mainly to speed up design iterations. The part would see ~150 bar during bench tests, with... read more
T
0
182
Sep 29