The MA-T12 spectrophotometer of X-Rite allows to capture and digitise colour and appearance characteristics of complex materials.
The international providers of solutions for colour science X-Rite and Pantone LLC have jointly announced that the MA-T12 multi-angle handheld spectrophotometer and the PANTORA™ desktop software have been updated in order to improve virtual prototyping and quality control, as they are now able to characterise complex material finishes in structured coatings and moulded plastics, as well as leathers and fabrics.
The solution now allows automotive, electronics and durable goods manufacturers to measure and visualise a broader range of materials, making it easier and more affordable to capture and digitise colour and appearance characteristics of complex materials
using one measurement device. The physical material can be transformed into a digital twin or a virtual prototype to enable remote visual approval and minimise the need to ship samples between design teams, suppliers and other partners.
The MA-T12 spectrophotometer measures effect finishes and complex materials with 12 angles of measurement and a calibrated camera, allowing producers to verify colour, sparkle, coarseness and surface texture. The measurement data and the new SVBRDF (Spatially Varying Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) software of PANTORA enable to create accurate digital representations of complex materials that include colour, effect finishes and surface structure.
“The use of effect finishes and textures to improve the aesthetic appeal of products have expanded beyond automotive paints to vehicle interiors. 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 centre to the assembly floor, streamlining the digital design and quality control process,” has declared Matthew Adby, the product management director of X-Rite.