The Vista from HunterLab offers the perfect solution for determining exact color values and the haze value of films at the same time.

The color quality of plastic films is a decisive factor for manufacturers in the packaging industry, medical technology, coatings and building products. Particularly in the case of transparent films – such as thermoplastic polyurethane films (TPU films) – the determination of haze plays a central role in addition to the exact color measurement in transmission.

Standards such as ASTM D1003 specify how the haze measurement is to be carried out. For quality assurance, this means that color values and haze must be determined reliably, quickly and in accordance with standards.

Challenge:

Measure color and haze at the same time

Until now, color measurement and hazard measurement were often carried out with separate devices – a time-consuming and cost-intensive process.
A solution is required that:

• provides precise CIE L*a*b* color values in transmission
• determine the haze value according to ASTM D1003 in the same measurement procedure
• enables repeatable positioning of the film sample

Solution: The spectrophotometer Vista

The HunterLab Vista spectrophotometer combines color measurement and haze measurement in a single device. This allows manufacturers of plastic films to make their quality control much more efficient.

Advantages Vista:

• Simultaneous measurement of color and haze values according to ASTM D1003

• Simple sample fixation with accessories such as

  • Transmission sample clamp (for thicker films)

  • Foil holder with magnetic mechanism (for thin or elastic foils, crease-free fixation)

• Fast measuring process with high repeatability

❓ Why is the color measurement of films important?

The color of plastic films is a decisive quality feature – in the packaging industry as well as in medical technology, coatings and building products. Even slight color deviations or increased haze can influence the visual effect and product properties.

❓ What is meant by hazard measurement according to ASTM D1003?

The haze measurement according to ASTM D1003 determines the haze of transparent materials. A high haze value indicates scattering effects of the light, making the film appear “milky”. For clear films, a low haze value is crucial to ensure transparency and material quality.

❓ How are color values measured for films?

For transparent films, color measurement in transmission is carried out using a spectrophotometer such as the Vista (or the UltraScan VIS as well as the UltraScan PRO). Light is passed through the film and the values in CIE L*a*b* are calculated from the spectrum. This is the usual procedure for precise color determination in development and quality control.

❓ Do you have to measure color and haze with two devices?

The USVIS/USPRO measuring devices were already able to determine haze and color together, but this was only possible with manual intervention. With modern solutions such as the HunterLab Vista spectrophotometer, both values can be recorded fully automatically in a single measurement process.

❓ What advantages does the Vista spectrophotometer offer film manufacturers?

• Combination of color and hazard measurement according to ASTM D1003 in one device

• Fast, repeatable measurement with high precision

• Simple sample fixation for thick and thin films using suitable holders

• Time and cost savings thanks to fully automatic measuring process

❓ How does the measurement work in practice?

1. Film wrinkle-free on the foil holder (magnetic mechanism)
2. Position the holder in front of the measuring opening
3. Start measurement
4. Color values (CIE L*a*b*) and haze value directly on the device

❓ For which applications is the Vista measurement particularly suitable?

• Packaging films (clear or slightly tinted)

• Medical TPU films

• Coating films

• Transparent building material films

Summary:

The Vista spectrophotometer from HunterLab provides film manufacturers with a compact all-in-one solution that combines color measurement in transmission and HAZ measurement in accordance with ASTM D1003. The result: faster quality control, precise measurement results and maximum efficiency.