Matching a computer screen color (Digitized color) to plastic production (final product)

Here's a detailed process for color matching from a computer screen to plastic production

Digital Color Capture:

• Use calibrated screen/monitor
• Work in proper lighting conditions
• Use color management software

Color management software include: 

• Screen-to-Physical Color Matching : X-Rite i1Profiler with i1Display Pro, DisplayCAL, ColorChecker Display
• Digital-to-Physical Translation Software : DataColor Match Pigment, X-Rite Color iMatch, ColorMatrix ColorFx 
• Production Verification Tools : X-Rite Color iQCProfessional, DataColor Tools QC, ColVisTec ColorControl

Calibrated Screen/Monitor:

 
A display that has been adjusted to show colors, brightness, and contrast accurately according to standard specifications. This ensures that what you see on screen matches true colors and is consistent across different devices.

Digital color values:

• RGB values
• CMYK values
• Lab values
• Pantone references

RGB Values: Numbers that define colors by specifying the amount of Red, Green, and Blue light (from 0 to 255 for each color). For example, pure red is (255,0,0), while white is (255,255,255).

CMYK Values: A color system using four ink colors - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) - expressed as percentages (0-100%). Used in printing to create accurate color reproductions.

Pantone References: A standardized color matching system that uses specific numbered codes to identify exact colors, ensuring consistency in printing and manufacturing across different materials and locations.

Color Translation Process:

Initial Steps:

• Convert screen color to Lab values
• Consider plastic material type
• Account for gloss/texture
• Note the thickness effects that determines how the varying thickness of plastic material affects its properties, 
• We need to consider end-use environment of the client

Color Formulation:

• We can use a color matching software
• Use the base resin type which determines the basic characteristics and properties of the plastic product.
• Select available colorants

Common Challenges:

Screen Limitations:

• Screen colors aren't accurate
• Different monitors display different colorsons
• Lighting effects affect appearance of color
• Color gamut differences
• Metamerism issues

Metamerism: A phenomenon where two colors appear identical under one light source but look different under another light source. 

Material Effects:

• Base resin color
• Processing changes
• Thickness variations
• Surface finish
• Heat history

Practical Steps:

First Trial:

• Make a small batch
• Compare to the screen color

Refinement:

• Make adjustments
• Test new samples
• Check under different lights
• Verify consistency of colors

Important Considerations:

• Screen colors often brighter than possible in plastic
• Not all screen colors achievable in plastic

Final Verification:

• Physical sample approval and verification
• Process capability check