Food Dyes — Harmless or Harmful? Why Do We Color Food?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
A food dye is a chemical substance that uses artificial color to enhance the appearance of food. Though dye may make drinks, candy and other food look better, many are concerned about adverse side effects. Learn more about why we color food and how it impacts health. The History of Food Coloring Food coloring has […]
What Is a Colorimeter, and How Does It Work?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Colorimeters are straightforward color comparison tools that are often confused with spectrophotometers. However, colorimeters have a more limited range of capabilities than spectrophotometers. What exactly is a colorimeter, and how does it work? What Is a Colorimeter? A colorimeter is a light-sensing device that is used to measure the absorbance and transmittance of light as […]
What Is a Spectrophotometer and How Does It Work?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
While a spectrophotometer might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, it is actually a powerful tool that companies across the world use to improve their products and learn more about the world. It can tell us if oil is contaminated or if a fruit is ripe. It can also ensure that consistency and […]
From Smartphones to Smart Spectrophotometers: How Smart Technologies Are Changing Color Measurement Workflows
Posted on by Ken Phillips
The Vista spectrophotometer includes a smart touchscreen display that requires very little operator training. Image Source: HunterLab We rely on our smartphones for just about everything, from navigation to communication. Messaging apps and texting allow us to instantly talk to everyone from our closest friends to distant relatives, all without ever leaving the house. News […]
Should You Use Glass or Plastic Sample Holders? The Pros and Cons of Each Method
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Achieving the best color measurement results depends on choosing the right tools, including the best sample holders. Image Source: Shutterstock user Rattiya Thongdumhyu In a broad range of industries, obtaining accurate color data and maintaining color consistency of liquid products is essential. This is particularly true when color has a significant impact on both the […]
Why Using a Spectrophotometer with a Small Footprint Could Benefit Your Lab
Posted on by Ken Phillips
A spectrophotometer with a small footprint can streamline your color quality control process. Image Source: Shutterstock user DRogatnev Are you performing color quality control from a small lab? Do you test your products in a hazardous environment? Or, do you merely want to improve your overall color quality control protocol? If so, you may consider […]
Challenges in Spectrophotometric Color Measurement: Working with Hot Liquid Samples
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Powder and crystalline samples may require liquification to ensure color measurement accuracy. Image Source: Shutterstock user easyshutter Measuring the color of liquids can be an important part of creating aesthetically pleasing products and ensuring proper formulation. From beverages to beauty products, pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals, spectrophotometric color measurement plays an essential role in quality control. However, […]