X-Rite Ltd to show New Colour Measurement Technology for Cosmetic Industry at SCS Formulate

ABB Drives & Motors 23/10/2009

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COVENTRY, United Kingdom, November, 2009 – X-Rite Ltd. will demonstrate for the first time its VS450 optical instrument at the SCS Formulate show sponsored by the Society of Cosmetic Scientists on Nov. 18-19 that can inexpensively and accurately measure the colour of nondrying, oil-based products such as foundations and lip glosses.

X-Rite representatives will demonstrate how cosmetic companies can borrow new quality control techniques from unrelated industries that have made a science of knowing how to replicate formulas for colour and appearance. Attendees of the SCS Formulate 2009 can view demonstrations and obtain information on new technologies at X-Rite’s stand 132 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Pre-show information may be obtained by visiting www.xrite.com or contacting Mike Smyth, Sales Director-UK, at E-mail: msmyth@xrite.com or +44 776 993 0361.

The cost of purchasing accurate spectrophotometers and computer systems for colour measurement has plummeted over the past few years, thanks to advances in LED illumination sources and computing power, says Rafiq Mulla, applications manager for the UK office of X-Rite, the world”s largest designer and manufacturer of colour measurement systems. The result: relatively inexpensive, quick and easy ways to accurately measure hues of subtle colours, shimmer and sparkle of 21st century cosmetics.

“We know that some companies in the cosmetic industry now use some pretty elaborate tests to measure colours of foundations, lip glosses and other non-drying products,” he says. Other cosmetic companies still rely for their quality control on the centuries-old method of a person simply dabbing a sample of a test cosmetic on his or her forearm, next to a standard formula of the cosmetic. This type of testing depends on the skill and experience of the individual, and it doesn”t provide much data other than whether a cosmetic passes or fails the test.

“Our new instrument provides for much quicker and straightforward tests that can be used anywhere along a formulation process,” Mulla says. “Because the tests are quick and easy, companies will tend catch and correct mistakes much sooner than before.” Unlike other spectrophotometers that require a test surface to make physical contact against a viewing port, the VS450 measures samples from a distance of about 38mm. In addition, the sample doesn”t need to be dry for an accurate measurement.

The VS450 makes it possible for companies to link objective numerical data — for instance, the degree of hue, chroma and saturation of a particular cosmetic sample — with shop floor variables during the manufacturing process — such as recipe of a particular formula, temperature, or mixing time. The VS450 is portable and can load its measurements directly into a computer via a cable to analyze the data, Mulla says.

As a new product introduction, the VS450 is X-Rite”s response to customers in the cosmetics industry that are looking for a lab-to-production solutions, says Kenneth Phillips, product manager for Non Contact Industrial Markets. “ The VS450 is about twice as accurate as comparable instruments in terms of repeatability,” Phillips says. ” That means manufacturers can have good confidence in the data they use for monitoring their operations.”

X-Rite experts can also provide information on another optical technology called xDNA that tackles the problem of accurately measuring the colour of shimmery foundations or sparkling eye shadow. Prior technology was confounded by the fact that sparkling colours and iridescence looks different under various illuminations and observation angles.

“With twice as many sensors and illuminators as other hand-held multi-angle spectrophotometers on the market, the MA98 instrument can detect characteristics of effect (sparkling) colour that the other instruments miss entirely,” says Brian Teunis, X-Rite product manager whose division developed xDNA. “It’s truly amazing technology.”

Quality control personnel on a cosmetic production line may observe that two batches don”t match properly, but prior instruments could not give measurements to help explain why the mismatch was occurring. Consequently, companies can spend an inordinate amount of time and resources trying to determine the root cause of problems through trial and error methods.

Teunis says the MA98 instrument collects data that other instruments don”t detect, and a software package called X-ColourQC® manipulates the data with proprietary xDNA algorithms to generate easy-to-understand graphs that show unique characteristics of an effect colour.

The new xDNA system offers manufacturers reliable and consistent data that can help:

Troubleshoot whether a problem on the shop floor is due to the manufacturing process or the formulation;
Assess whether existing equipment can be adjusted enough to accommodate a new process
Develop more exact quality standards on the lines that indicate quickly when a process is going out of control
Predict whether a person will be able to perceive a difference in colour and appearance when the formula of an effect colour, or the process used to manufacture the colour, are changed

From a hardware viewpoint, MA98 is a precision 31-point spectrophotometer that is designed for ease-of-use in a laboratory or on the factory floor. Weighing approximately 1 kilogram and covered with a soft over-mold case, the instrument is designed for frequent and comfortable measurement by personnel.

About X-Rite
X-Rite is the global leader in colour science and technology. The company, which now includes colour industry leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative colour solutions through measurement systems, software, colour standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching colour helps users get colour right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, plastics, paint, textiles, dental and medical.

For more information please contact:

X-Rite Ltd
Mike Smyth
Acumen Centre First Avenue
Poynton Cheshire
SK12 1FJ
United Kingdom

E-mail: msmyth@xrite.com
Web: www.xrite.com

Tel: 0044 776 993 0361