The KraussMaffei ColorAdjust system is designed for contactless monitoring of colour variations and can directly adjust the precise colour setpoint to compensate for minor deviations in production. This gives compound processors high reproducibility, even when processing input materials of varying colour spectrum.
X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC announced that KraussMaffei, a leading supplier of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics, is utilising the X-Rite ERX130 inline spectrophotometer as part of its ColorAdjust solution.
By combining inline spectral measurement with machine control systems, the ColorAdjust solution provides compounders with accurate and repeatable colour production during compounding for a more efficient and sustainable production process.
In addition, the system helps get to precise colour quickly when restarting the compounding process after a stop or in the event of a colour change. This reduces the amount of start-up scrap and rejected materials when restarting the compounding process, creating a more sustainable workflow that saves raw materials.
The ColorAdjust system uses the X-Rite ERX130 non-contact inline reflectance spectrophotometer to capture the spectral data of the cooled, reclaimed pellets in the vibration chute and transmits the results directly to the machine control system. The colour data is used to automatically control the colour metering units which are equipped with four or six colours to cover the entire colour spectrum. The system can then adjust the precise colour setpoint automatically without operator intervention.
‘The spectral measurement from X-Rite performs our task with the utmost precision, taking non-contact measurements from the cooled regranulates on the vibrating chute and sending the results to the machine control system,’ explained Lars Darnedde, Process Engineering Development, KraussMaffei. ‘This in turn controls the second unit, the colour metering unit, which is equipped with at least four colours and four metering units.’
‘We are excited to be working with KraussMaffei, who is designing manufacturing solutions with sustainability in mind,’ said Michael Saeger, General Manager, Inline Measurement Solutions, X-Rite. ‘Monitoring colour inline throughout the production process makes it easier for companies to use recycled or bio-sourced raw material and maintain colour consistency. The system can identify colour drift and make changes before the batch is ruined, avoiding costly line errors and rework.’
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