Development of a novel color inhomogeneity test method for injection molded parts

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 37; pp. 112 - 116
• Main Authors: Zsíros, L., Suplicz, A., Romhány, G., Tábi, T., Kovács, J.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kindlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aesthetics; Applied sciences; Color; Color differences; Color inhomogeneity; Exact sciences and technology; Homogeneity; Inhomogeneity; Injection molding; Injection moulding; Machinery and processing; Mechanical properties; Moulding; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Research and development; Technology of polymers; Visual inspection; Injection molding; Aesthetics; Color inhomogeneity; Color differences; Color; Experimental study; Modeling; Processing equipment; Measuring instrument; Processing control; Heterogeneity; ABS; Image analysis; Manufacturing defect; Injection mold; Automatic measurement; Optical properties; Coloration; Visual control
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2014.05.009

Nowadays, most research and development concerning injection molded products is focused on their mechanical properties, although visual appeal plays an even more important role on the market. There are several standards and recommendations for the testing of mechanical properties, but appearance cannot be quantified easily. The visual aspects are almost completely neglected, and there is no commonly accepted method for measuring color inhomogeneity. The appearance and color homogeneity of injection molded parts depends on the coloring method itself, the applied technology and several other conditions. The method most used nowadays to evaluate color inhomogeneity is based on visual inspection by humans. This research focuses on developing a new and automated method that can replace visual inspection. The functionality and precision of the new method and software have been tested and compared with visual inspection to prove its applicability.