The MA-T12 measures effect finishes and complex materials with 12 angles of measurement and a calibrated camera. This allows manufacturers to verify colour, sparkle, coarseness and surface texture. X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC have announced new capabilities to the MA-T12 multi-angle handheld spectrophotometer and the PANTORA™ desktop software. This enable automotive, electronics and durable goods customers to measure and visualise a broader range of materials, including plastics, leather, fabrics and structured coatings.
The new updates make it easier and more affordable to capture and digitise colour and appearance characteristics of complex materials using one measurement device. With this solution, customers can transform a physical material into a digital twin or virtual prototype for remote visual approval, minimising the need to ship samples between design teams, suppliers and partners.
‘The use of effect finishes and textures to improve a product’s aesthetic appeal have expanded beyond automotive paints to vehicle interiors,’ said Matthew Adby, Product Management Director, X-Rite. ‘The new capabilities in the MA-T12 and PANTORA enable automotive manufacturers to measure, visualise, and control colour on both interior and exterior components using one handheld device. It eliminates the need for multiple devices and can be used anywhere from the design center to the assembly floor, streamlining the digital design and quality control process.’
MA-T12 measurement data and PANTORA software’s new SVBRDF (Spatially Varying Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) capabilities enable users to create accurate digital representations of complex materials that include colour, effect finishes and surface structure.
In addition to effect paints, the combined solution now characterises a range of materials used across automotive, electronics and durable goods.
This includes:
Plastics and Injection Moulding
Digitally communicate how a moulded or textured plastic material looks to meet tolerance and reduce variances in appearance that lead to added rework and cost. This creates a more sustainable process with less waste and downtime.
Leathers and Fabric
Measure and visualise natural or embossed leather and textured fabrics for precise virtual prototyping and improved quality control.
Powdered Coatings
Accurately visualise the colour and appearance of applied textured powder coatings to a final product and track product variances for remote approval.
The combined MA-T12 and PANTORA solution supports digital workflows to accelerate the design to manufacturing process. Designers can use the solution to visualise product designs and digitally communicate colour and appearance requirements across a global supply chain. Manufacturing partners can now measure and compare production parts to ensure they are within tolerance and remotely assess variations. Final inspection and quality control professionals can measure and capture all aspects of an assembled good or vehicle.
DIGITALVIEW
+27 11 462 4849
mark@digitalview.co.za
http://www.digitalview.co.za
