Experiment Name: Introduction to Spectrophotometer.

Introduction:

The identification of fibers is crucial process of industries, including textiles, fashion and design . Color
measurement based on reflectance spectrophotometry is an indispensable tool for the characterization
of paint films, textile fabrics and like other color surfaces. The uniformity of color and consistency is
established by using this technique. Studies on fabric type materials focus on textural irregularities and
color tone shifts. Textural irregularities are mostly determined by visual analysis. Image processing
techniques are used in this process. Color tone shift problems are a neglected area until recently. There
is an analysis of the investment in an automatic fabric error detection system, a reduction in labor costs,
and an economical advantage in considering the benefits associated with this. In industrial fabric
manufacturing, automatic real-time systems are needed to find small errors. It will reduce costs by not
transporting defective products and at the same time will only help in the manufacture of quality
guaranteed products in the manufacture of quality products. Zhou and friends are investigated the
correlations between the structural and base colors on fabrics. They used digital camera and 3D video
microscope for observing the colors on the polyester fabrics. The spectrometer is used to record the
reflectance spectra of the colors on them. Can used CO2 laser treatment process for color fading
treatment of denim fabrics. The Color of the fabrics was measured by using a spectrophotometer.
For each sample, the parameters which are obtained by color measurement. This paper is organized as
follows: The designed system and function block diagram determined in material and method section.
Also the flowchart of the designed system is defined there. In results section, obtained values for color
ranges are determined. Finally the conclusion part is given.

Spectrophotometer:

A spectrophotometer is a physical tool that is eminently suited to measure the most important variable
of all, the shade and strength of the dyestuffs themselves, whether they be in solution or on the fiber.
Spectrophotometer used by dyeing factory and colorant manufacturers all over the world. Normally lab
managers analyze the color of the swatch with the help of a spectrophotometer. Flow chart of color
matching process with spectrophotometer is as follows:

Functions of spectrophotometer:

1. Color difference
2. Metamerism
3. Pass/fail operation
4. Fastness rating
5. Shade library
6. Cost comparison
7. Color match production
8. Reflectance curve.
Flow Chart of Color Matching Process with Spectrophotometer:

Spectrophotometer in Dyeing house:

A spectrophotometer is a special machine that measures the light intensities as a function of wavelength.
In dye houses, a spectrophotometer is used to analyze the color of a sample, and also to arrive at a recipe
for dye mixing. It can quantify the difference between an achieved color and its original standard. These
differences are called Delta E (error) Values. There’s a separate Delta E Value for Hue, Value, and Chroma.
The delta acceptance levels are sometimes specified in the customer’s quality manual.

A repeatable measurement technique includes specification of the number of layers of material to use,
the positioning of samples, the number of measurements to make, instrument settings, and clear
communication with the system operators. Failure to fully test and confirm the quality of a measurement
technique will be a source of error for the life of the program. While the tables above may be used as a
guide for the number of measurements required on most materials to obtain repeatable results, it is
recommended that system users evaluate their own specific materials to confirm the final established
measurement method.

How a Spectrophotometer Works:

Numerical Gloss Control- Instead of using a mechanically driven gloss trap, the Spectrophotometer should
equipped with a patented numerical gloss (SCI/SCE) control system. Numerical UV Control-To replace the
time-consuming traditional UV measurement system that utilizes moving filters. The measured values of
two sequentially fired flashes, one with full UV energy and one with UV cut-off filter at either 400 or
420nm are combined to obtain the spectral characteristics, and the respective whiteness and tint value
of any UV-activated fluorescence sample. High accuracy, repeatability, and inter-instrument agreement
Simultaneous SCI/SCE measurement through patented, software-based numerical gloss control UV
calibration and adjustment through patented, software-based numerical control Spectro photometer can
be connected with computer for the inspection by software with USB expansion interface.

Conclusions:

In this study, a spectrometer was implemented as a prototype to determine fabric colors. The data from
the color sensing sensor is compiled in a new generation small-sized processor unit. The system relies on
the principle of generating signals at different frequencies according to the RGB ratios of the emitted and
transmitted light to the fabrics determining the colors. In our work, 10 different color fabrics were
examined and their colors were determined with 100% accuracy. This study shows that it is possible to
build up a low cost spectrophotometer. It should be extended for all colors.