Blogs
What You Need to Know About Gloss Standards
Posted on by Ken Phillips
From High gloss, to semi-gloss, to matte surfaces, the gloss level of any given material or object has a direct impact on the human visual perception of that material or object. Companies strive to achieve specific levels of gloss of their products for both functional reasons, and to improve the appearance of their products and […]
What Is a Calibration Curve in a Spectrophotometer?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Spectrophotometers are prominent devices in many industries, and they offer value for many purposes. Calibration curves are one way users employ spectrophotometers. This technique, much like the device, is useful across many applications. At HunterLab, we specialize in spectrophotometers and support operations that create calibration curves. What Is a Calibration Curve? A calibration curve is […]
Color Standards for Plastics — Plastic Colorants and Color Concentrates
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Plastic is a widespread medium for various applications, from children’s toys to kitchen tools. Coloring plastics can take on many different forms, and it’s vital to meet industry standards for safety and performance. At HunterLab, our spectrophotometers help plastic manufacturers create ideal color concentrates for their products. ASTM Color Standards for Plastic The American Society […]
Color Standards for the Paper Industry
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Paper was invented in China, where people began writing on sheets of cloth to keep records. From there, a Chinese court official created a pulp using natural materials and let it dry in a thin mat shape. Paper production has changed over the years to become what we know today. At HunterLab, we are dedicated […]
How to Apply Your Color Analysis in Quality Control of Coffee
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Coffee can be the best way to start your morning, but before it gets to your favorite mug, a roaster ensures it has the right color for its roast. Color can be complex and challenging to thoroughly examine with the human eye. With special measuring tools, like a spectrophotometer, roasters can meet color standards in […]
The Importance of Meeting Color Standards in the Food Industry
Posted on by Ken Phillips
We may not think much about the color of our foods, but this characteristic is valuable to the industry. Color can communicate a food item’s safety, and it can create a safe environment for food production. Meeting color standards in the food industry is possible with the right tools, and at HunterLab, we have the […]
What Is ASTM Compliance?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Many industries follow regulations to introduce safety and consistency into their practices. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers some of these standards for various sectors to verify their processes. Many companies choose to follow these standards to ensure the quality of their product, and with HunterLab spectrophotometers, meeting ASTM standards is within […]
What Is the Difference Between Radiometers, Spectrometers, Spectroradiometers and Spectrophotometers?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
If you work in the biopharmaceutical industry, you’re likely familiar with the concept of light and color measurement and the equipment used in these processes — radiometers, spectrometers, spectroradiometers and spectrophotometers. While all four instruments are used to detect light and energy, they vary widely in their capabilities, applications and intended purposes. It’s important to know and […]
Additive vs. Subtractive Color Models
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Additive and subtractive color models describe how color is created. They are not competing theories — rather, these models are the two most common and practical ways to create the perception of color. The basis behind these color models lies in breaking the visible light spectrum into its most dominant regions — red, green and blue. […]
Biofluorescence vs. Bioluminescence: What’s the Difference?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
Humans have always been fascinated by light-producing organisms. Biofluorescence and bioluminescence are two naturally occurring phenomena that people can observe in certain creatures that have evolved to produce or emit light. While these capabilities may seem very similar, biofluorescence and bioluminescence have unique characteristics that make them quite distinct from one another. In this post, we will discuss […]
Luminance vs. Illuminance: What’s the Difference?
Posted on by Ken Phillips
When it comes to the appearance of color, you cannot underestimate the importance of lighting. Yet, lighting can be confusing, as much of the terminology sounds similar but has vastly different meanings. For example, two of the most widely used terms — luminance and illuminance — can be easily misunderstood and mixed up. Since lighting is an essential component […]