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Primary Color Mixing Method:
The three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) form the foundation of color mixing. Nearly all colors can be achieved by blending these three in varying proportions. Equal parts of the three primaries yield black.
Mixing primary colors produces secondary colors: red and yellow yield orange; yellow and blue yield green; blue and red yield purple. Combining secondary colors, or pairing primary colors with black, creates more complex tertiary colors such as reddish gray, yellowish gray, and bluish gray.
Dye Selection:
When blending colors, dyes with similar dyeing properties should be selected, including compatibility (such as affinity and dyeing rate), dyeing temperature, leveling properties, and colorfastness. The number of dyes used in blending should be limited to avoid compromising hue control and color vibrancy, typically not exceeding three. Particular attention is required when formulating highly vivid colors.
Color Light Adjustment:
Color light adjustments should follow the principle of “minor tweaks,” often employing complementary color theory for correction. For example, since red and green are complementary colors, adding a small amount of green can neutralize red. However, excessive complementary color addition may darken or even blacken the hue, so adjustments must be strictly controlled. Light colors and highly saturated hues should avoid mixing complementary colors to prevent loss of brightness and vibrancy; conversely, dark and muted tones can utilize complementary colors to enhance depth.
Saturation and Brightness Contrast:
Combining colors of varying saturation levels creates rich visual effects. For instance, establishing a dominant tone with a specific saturation level (high, medium, or low) and pairing it with colors of similar or markedly different saturation enhances the overall layered effect of the color scheme. High-saturation colors appear vivid and luxurious, yet their visual impact is significantly influenced by surrounding hues. In practical applications, pairing high-saturation colors with low-saturation ones often achieves optimal color balance.
Color Harmony Principles:
Uniform Harmony: Fix one or two elements—hue, saturation, or value—and adjust the remaining attributes to achieve harmony.
Analogous Harmony: Keep hues, saturation, or value in close proximity, then fine-tune other elements based on this foundation.
Contrast Harmony: Combine hues, saturation, or value with distinct differences, seeking overall unity through variation.
Gradient Harmony: Arrange hue, saturation, or brightness in a sequential order to create smooth transitions, enhancing visual coordination.
Color Adjustment for Specific Hues:
For textiles featuring particular colors (such as yellow or red fabrics), specialized color adjustment schemes may be applied. Taking yellow fabric as an example, base colors like pearl white, pale yellow, or earthy yellow are commonly used. For edge treatments, complementary colors such as light gray-blue or spring green may be selected for pairing.
Spectrophotometers and Color Matching Software:
Modern textile color matching extensively utilizes spectrophotometers and color matching software to achieve high-precision color control. Spectrophotometers accurately detect color differences between samples and finished products, while color matching software performs closed-loop color adjustment based on the K/S ratio (ratio of absorption coefficient to scattering coefficient) from the Kubelka-Munk theory, significantly enhancing the accuracy and consistency of color reproduction.
Fully Automatic Color Matching Machine:
The fully automatic color matching machine is the key equipment for achieving efficient and precise color matching. This type of equipment can automatically complete the weighing, mixing, and dispensing of dyes according to formulas calculated by software, significantly reducing human error and improving production efficiency. It is particularly suitable for batch orders and production environments with extremely high requirements for color consistency.
The textile color matching process is as follows:
Sample Inspection and Data Input: Sample colors are measured using a spectrophotometer, and the data is imported into the color matching software.
Formula Calculation and Optimization: The software automatically generates and optimizes multiple color matching formulas based on K/S values and historical data.
Color Matching and Verification: Execute formulas using a fully automated color matching machine and verify finished product colors with a spectrophotometer.
Feedback and Adjustment: If color differences exist, the system automatically adjusts formulas based on feedback data, achieving closed-loop optimization.
Batch Production: After repeated verification, finalize the formula and initiate batch production using the fully automated color matching system.
Analyze the Color Matching Object:
Upon receiving client samples (e.g., fabric swatches, yarn samples, color cards), first analyze their raw materials and composition ratios. For yarn samples, knit fabric swatches using sock knitting machines or similar equipment for standard comparison. For yarn-dyed fabrics, confirm whether bleaching, shrink-proofing, or other treatments have been applied, and identify the fiber composition and color structure.
Determining the Dye Formula:
Based on the analysis results, preliminarily determine the dye types and their ratios. Computer color matching software can be used to match similar formulas from the database, or the company’s historical color charts can be referenced to establish the initial formula. Establishing the company’s own dye color chart library helps improve formula retrieval efficiency and accuracy.
Swatching and Color Matching:
The swatching process requires precise weighing of different colored fiber materials, which are then blended proportionally before spinning and weaving into fabric samples. Color ratios must be repeatedly adjusted until the color difference from the standard swatch is controlled within 4 levels or less. Color matching should be conducted under multiple light sources to ensure color consistency under varying illumination conditions.
Precautions:
Accumulated experience and consistent visual judgment are critical qualities for colorists, requiring regular visual calibration and training.
Changes in raw material or dye batches may cause color deviations, necessitating prompt re-blending and verification.
The entire sampling process (weighing, blending, spinning, weaving, etc.) must strictly adhere to operational protocols to ensure data reliability and reproducibility.
Precision Spectral Analysis with Spectrophotometers
Taking spectrophotometers as an example, this equipment employs dual 40-array silicon photodiode sensors covering the full 400-700nm spectral range. Equipped with nine measurement apertures (Φ3mm-Φ11mm), it accurately captures color difference values within 0.018ΔE*ab. Its non-contact automatic whiteboard calibration system (reflectance ≥95%) ensures measurement stability, making it particularly suitable for:
– Textile fibers: Detecting fluorescent whitening agent content via UV light source
– Multi-color warp yarns: Differential spectral engine analyzes color fiber distribution at 0.1mm resolution
– Digital printing: 41 observation light sources simulate diverse lighting conditions
Intelligent Formulation System for Fully Automatic Color Matching Machines
The SIGHTEC D2-INK fully automatic color matching machine features triple-pump synchronous injection technology, achieving:
– Dye precision: 1/1024-ounce micro-control
– Mixing efficiency: 1000ml/min high-speed dispensing
– Cleaning mechanism: Automatic anti-drying circulation system
-Minimum injection volume: 0.02ml
SIGHTEC Co., Ltd. is committed to delivering integrated color management solutions to a wide range of industries, such as textiles, printing, coatings, automotive parts, metal processing, and home appliances.
With a strong focus on technological innovation and R&D, the company recently introduced a fully automated color matching system. This advanced system combines high-precision spectrophotometry with intelligent formula management, streamlining the entire process from color measurement and formula calculation to automatic dispensing. As a result, it greatly improves both the efficiency and consistency of color development and production.
SIGHTEC is dedicated to collaborating with clients from various sectors to overcome challenges in color management and quality control. For any color-related needs or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
