The bar for quality control solutions for consistent colorants is increasing because they are regularly used across industry verticals. Dyes & Pigments manufacturers in India are in demand globally for focusing on testing processes. The need for consistency and achieving in-tolerance is critical in coatings, textiles, inks and plastics sectors. To ensure that the final product reaches the customer, choosing the right manufacturers is the first step.
This post offers insight into the stringent measures required to offer the best grade. Both, colors and chemical formulations are key drivers to create samples.
Processing and measuring
The first process is to evaluate the quality of raw materials for preparing the colorants. The requirement for each industry varies and with advanced testing variants are determined. The raw materials are checked for:
- Solubility
- Color value/strength
- pH value
- Characteristics of application for a specific solution
- Physical properties
They are determined by using spectrophotometric tools and measuring devices. In the lab, batches of raw materials continue to undergo processes. The data reveals its worth in costing and how it can be made efficient. The samples also have to match global standards or that of the industry. In case they do not, resampling is necessary to get tolerance and consistency. Analysis is done by experts who know how to create batches of appropriate colorants.
Lab services
When a customer approaches the manufacturer, the lab is equipped to provide the following services:
- Ability to match custom shades. This is an important metric for plastics and coating customers.
- Few substrates call for best matches in the case of chemical tints, soaps, leather and wooden products.
- Customers can give their standard recommendations for testing and final product colorants. Lab analysis reveal if it can be done.
- Manufacturers provide matches for discontinued colorants at a minimal cost to the customer.
Quality control factors for colorants
Five levels assist lab technicians to achieve color matches. With an expert eye, it is possible to see errors and shifts. It eliminates mistakes and save time right from this stage.
Design and specification level – With prior consultancy, it can be known if a color is likely to fail even before mass production. Expectations of the customer are discussed to understand the final product requirement.
Raw material and supplies – Investing in the right materials is essential. Each type of material offers different variations. Are they suitable for the industry? Do they meet the standards and tolerance levels? This stage will determine these points.
Making of the formulation – this is a crucial process level where tight control is important. The color should not bleed and have strength to coat the product.
Mass production – While tests offer optimal quality, the real test is when mass production begins. If there is a rejection at this stage, it is costly. Hence adjustments are made when the first batch is produced.
Shipping the final components – Before shipment is done, a final round of checks is done. It can be fixed much before it reaches the customer and is rejected.
Talk to a color expert at Vipul Organics to understand quality control of color under lighting conditions, visual assessment and analysis with the spectrophotometer. Across all our locations we produce the same workflow with automated color control procedures.