Why does the textile industry use colorimeters

Source：www.cshuaqiang.com Release date： 2025-05-21

In the textile industry, colorimeter is a key tool to ensure product quality and control color consistency, and its application is mainly based on the following core reasons: 1、 Color standardization requirements 1. Color control of raw materials and dyeing process Textile production involves multiple stages such as yarn, dyes, fabrics, etc. Different batches of raw materials (such as cot

In the textile industry, colorimeter is a key tool to ensure product quality and control color consistency, and its application is mainly based on the following core reasons:
1、 Color standardization requirements
1. Color control of raw materials and dyeing process
Textile production involves multiple stages such as yarn, dyes, fabrics, etc. Different batches of raw materials (such as cotton, synthetic fibers) or dyes may have natural color differences.
The colorimeter can quantify color parameters (such as CIE Lab value, Δ E value), helping manufacturers quickly detect differences between raw materials and standard colors, and avoiding batch non-conforming products caused by color deviation.
2. Correct regulation of dyeing process
During the dyeing process, variables such as temperature, time, and dye concentration can affect the color. The colorimeter monitors the dyed samples in real-time and guides process adjustments (such as adding dyes or extending dyeing time) to ensure uniform and consistent color of products in the same batch.
2、 Consistency between supply chain and quality control
1. Color synchronization for cross regional production
Large textile enterprises often adopt a multi factory collaboration mode, and colorimeters can ensure consistent color of fabrics produced by different factories through a unified color data standard (such as D65 light source, standard observer angle), avoiding disputes caused by "lighting environment differences" (such as color visual deviation under sunlight and incandescent lamps).
2. Upstream and downstream quality control docking
The fabric supplier and clothing company need to transmit color data (such as Lab values corresponding to Pantone color codes) through a colorimeter to ensure that the fabric color meets the requirements of the design draft and reduce order rework caused by "visual judgment errors".
3、 Rapid detection and cost control
1. Replace traditional visual colorimetric methods
Artificial color comparison is greatly affected by light, observer experience, and fatigue. The colorimeter can complete high-precision detection within a few seconds (Δ E accuracy can reach ± 0.01~0.1), especially suitable for rapid sampling in large-scale production.
Case: In the production of printed fabrics, a colorimeter can quickly detect color deviations in various areas of the pattern, avoiding the entire fabric from being scrapped due to local color differences.
2. Reduce trial and error costs
During the sampling stage, by comparing the sample with the customer's standard color using a colorimeter, the formula can be quickly adjusted, reducing the time and material waste of "multiple dyeing and color comparison". According to industry data, using a colorimeter can increase the success rate of dyeing by 30% to 50%.
4、 Meet international standards and customer requirements
1. Color certification for export trade
There are strict standards for textile color in markets such as Europe, America, and Japan (such as ISO color fastness testing), and colorimeter testing data is a necessary document for customs clearance and inspection.
For example, the color change of clothing after washing needs to be judged by the Δ E value to determine whether it meets the requirement of "color fastness level 3 or above", and manual color comparison cannot meet the quantitative assessment.
2. Color management system of multinational corporations
Multinational companies such as ZARA and Uniqlo require suppliers to use colorimeters to establish color records, ensuring that there is no difference in color between products of the same clothing from different batches or stores, and maintaining visual consistency.
5、 Functional requirements for special scenarios
1. Color stability of functional fabrics
Outdoor sunscreen fabrics, military camouflage fabrics, etc. require high color consistency under different light sources (such as sunlight, ultraviolet light, infrared light). The colorimeter can simulate actual usage scenarios and detect color stability through multiple light source modes (such as D65, TL84, UV light source).
2. Gradient colors and complex patterned fabrics
Digital printing, tie dyeing and other processes involve complex color transitions. The colorimeter can detect the uniformity of color transitions in segments to ensure the fidelity of the design effect.

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