Optical Testing
Optical testing plays a key role in all industries where the appearance, color fidelity, gloss or visual stability of materials have a decisive impact on the quality of the final product. The automotive, electronics, packaging and coating industries all have strict requirements for the aesthetic properties of surfaces, which is why accurate, standards-based measurements are essential.
Gloss
The purpose of gloss measurement is to determine the reflective properties of a surface. During the test, we measure how much light the surface reflects in a given geometry and then compare this to the luminous flux reflected by a polished black glass standard. The gloss value tells a lot about the quality of the surface, its smoothness, coating thickness or a possible defect.
The method is particularly important in the production of painted parts, coated plastic surfaces, automotive interior and exterior elements, and decorative surfaces. An imbalance in gloss can cause an immediately noticeable difference, so accurate measurement is a fundamental requirement.
Standard
MSZ EN ISO 2813
Ford FLTM BI 110-01
ASTM D 523-8
Colorimetry
During color measurement, we determine the color coordinates of the sample, based on which the color location in space can be accurately characterized. The sample to be tested can be paint, pigmented base material, colored plastic, painted part or opaque surface. The methods cannot be applied to translucent, transparent, luminescent or retroreflective systems.
With the help of color measurement:
– the color difference (ΔE) between the sample and the reference can be determined,
– color change due to aging or environmental effects can be examined,
– the stability of the manufacturing process can be checked,
– color standards can be reviewed.
In automotive and coating technology applications, color accuracy is often a critical requirement, since even a minimal deviation can cause a significant sense of error.
Standard
MSZ EN ISO 11664-4
DIN 5033-7
DIN 53236
Type of tests
Optical testing – accurate laboratory evaluation of brightness, color and visual properties
MÜKI LABOR optical tests provide a detailed picture of how paints, plastics, coatings and composite materials behave under different lighting and testing conditions. Gloss measurement, determination of color coordinates, and monitoring of color deviations and aging processes allow manufacturers to:
– ensure visual consistency across multiple production batches,
– meet automotive OEM requirements,
– detect manufacturing defects such as uneven gloss or color shift,
– check for visual changes caused by aging, UV exposure or heat stress.
Optical inspection results are particularly important where visual quality is a requirement and where several different suppliers produce components for the same system – for example, dashboard elements, plastic covers, painted automotive parts, decorative panels or packaging materials.
The two main groups of optical tests – glossometry and colorometry – provide critical information, both individually and together. Gloss measurement reveals the reflectivity of a surface, while colorimetry evaluates color accuracy and color stability based on precise coordinates. Standardized methods ensure that results are not only accurate but also globally comparable.
The use of optical examinations is essential:
– in the qualification of coatings and paints,
– in the validation of automotive interior and exterior elements,
– in the production of advertising and decorative products,
– in the visual quality control of packaging materials,
– in all industries where aesthetic appearance is a competitive advantage.
Contact
Phone
Headquarters
1119 Budapest, Than Károly Street 17.
Location
1117 Budapest, Budafoki Street 187-189.
Müki Labor Ltd.
If you have any questions about our tests, services or your request for a quote, our expert colleagues are ready to assist you. Whether it is a standard test, custom method development, defect or failure detection or quality assurance issue, we handle all inquiries in detail and with a short deadline.
It is important to us that our clients receive accurate information as quickly as possible, which is why we respond to all incoming inquiries within a short time. If you need a personal consultation, professional consultation or an inspection offer, please contact us for further information.
We look forward to hearing from you at the contact details provided, where we will be happy to help you choose the right direction of investigation and start the process.
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