How many trial and error steps does it take you to formulate a color? If you answered more than three, it might be time to enlist the help of a computerized solution. Computer-aided color formulation can bring huge benefits to your business. Out of the gate, even beginners can hit color targets faster, saving time, money and expensive colorants. Once you have established an accurate method, you can expect to match 95% of your color formula requirements within a reasonable color distance on the f...

Posted July 07, 2022 by Mike Huda

The Pantone Color of the Year announcement is always exciting. Not only does it set the stage for upcoming trends, it also provides brand owners and designers critical guidance for marketing and product development. However, those who are charged with manufacturing products and packaging with trending colors (like 2021's Ultimate Gray and Illuminating) know it doesn’t “just happen.” It takes time and effort to incorporate new colors. Whether you work in paints, plasti...

Posted December 14, 2020 by X-Rite Color

ブランドオーナーがパッケージを目立たせるために競争する中、商業用と軟包装のコンバーターやラベルプリンターはより短い期間で、独自の基材上で正確にブランドカラーを実現できることが求められています 。 多くの場合は、インクの調合に多くの時間を増やしますが、色が合わないと、結局捨ててしまいます。また、調合済みのインクを保存しますが、再利用できるように時間をかけすぎるケースも少なくありません。 このような無駄なリサイクルに陥っていると、インキの購入時とインキの廃棄時に、2回インキ代を支払っていることになります。この無駄の経済性はどうなっているのでしょうか。 私たちの地球への影響について、考えましょう。 本日は、InkFormulation Software(インキ調合ソフトウェア IFS6)の残材管理機能が、在庫や廃棄物の削減、廃棄コストの低減、さらに、より持続可能な印刷環境を実現することを説明します。 インクの調合は手作業で行っていますか。 この場合はターゲットカラーまで、約12回の試行錯誤を行わないといけないことをご...

Posted August 13, 2020 by Rich Knapp

Over the last few years, we have heard a lot about the circular economy and omnichannel marketing. While each is a trend in their own right, they are quickly converging on the print industry. To be successful in 2020, commercial printers will need to offer a wide range of print capabilities while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.   The Importance of Circular Economy and Omnichannel In a circular economy, the goal is to eliminate waste and maximize the con...

Posted December 19, 2019 by Ray Cheydleur

Controlling color on cylindrical-shaped items like cups, cans, and tubes is a challenge because it’s hard to properly align the measurement device with the sample. Many printers and manufacturers cut a piece from the finished product and lay it flat to take a measurement. While this method works, each sample takes time to cut, wastes product, and risks the safety of the employees who are cutting the samples.  A Faster, Safer Solution X-Rite’s Cup and Cylinder Fixture works ...

Posted July 17, 2019 by Bob Binder

With so many requests for innovative bases, transparency, and special effects, formulating color for paint, coating, and plastic applications can be a challenge. To keep up, formulation software needs to be innovative, too. We recently launched version 10 of our Color iMatch formulation software, and it is our smartest version yet. It allows you to select cost-reducing parameters, such as lowest cost or fewest colorants, and will determine the best formula for your application. It work...

Posted July 10, 2019 by Rich Knapp

It’s expensive to ship the wrong color. To make it right, you need to bring it back to the lab for reformulation, send someone to re-tint at the customer site, or dispose of it and start over. In addition to the expense of wasted time and materials, how do you quantify the loss of an unhappy customer? Five Steps to Efficient Formulation  With the right tools and processes, you can work fast and achieve precise matches in industrial paints and coatings.  1. Formulate Against...

Posted May 29, 2019 by Rich Knapp

If you’re a commercial printer who wants to improve color quality and consistency and stay current on industry trends, you need to be aware of Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 can mean different things to different people, but it generally refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which incorporates trends in automation, data exchange, smart systems, and the Internet of Things. Image courtesy of Christoph Roser at AllAboutLean.com. Today I’ll explain what Industry 4.0 means for co...

Posted January 24, 2017 by Ray Cheydleur