Tools of the Trade: Computers and Color Design
An example of 3-D color-matched renderings that can be created using Ampacet’s Kaleid-A-Vision software.Color-imaging systems allow designers to create 3-D color-matched package renderings in real time.
By Jennifer Kwok, Managing EditorWhen designing a package, choosing the right color is crucial. In order to accurately see how a color looks on a package, designers typically order prototypes made in the colors they are considering using. Now, two masterbatch suppliers that provide color pigments for plastics are offering color-imaging software that allows designers to virtually experiment with colors right on a computer.
At the Health & Beauty America (HBA) trade show in September, Ampacet (Tarrytown, NY) unveiled its Kaleid-A-Vision color-design software. Clariant Masterbatches (Holden, MA) also offers its own color-design software called Indigo, which it introduced two years ago. Both systems were developed by French software firm ColorViz.
The Ampacet and Clariant systems are linked to each supplier’s color database, giving designers access to an extensive palette of colors. Ampacet’s database, for instance, includes more than 5000 colors.
Using the software, designers can play with colors, textures, and special effects, and apply them to 3-D computer-aided design drawings of their packages. The systems work in real time. Once colors are chosen, Ampacet and Clariant create color-matched prototypes and send them back for review.
“Prior to this technology, a design firm would send us color samples in a variety of ways,” says Doug Brownfield, strategic business manager for Ampacet. “Sometimes it would be a color chip, a cloth swatch, or a picture from a magazine.”
“This system is great because it allows customers to create a real-time virtual model,” adds Jeff Saeger, Clariant Masterbatches’ segment manager, consumer durable goods, and also manager of Clariant’s ColorWorks center in Holden, MA. “We have another piece of software that allows us to scan in colors. If designers have samples of fabric, plastic, or metal that they want to match, we can import that color information and put the color on the screen for them so they can see how it’s going to look on their component.”
The biggest difference between the two companies’ software is the way in which they are offered. Ampacet sells its software package for designers to install in their offices. Designers can also order systems for their packaging molders. “The concept is to get all parties—the designer, the molder, and our color lab—interconnected so that everyone can transmit files back and forth,” says Brownfield.
By contrast, Clariant operates its Indigo system from its seven global ColorWorks color-design centers. “We encourage customers to visit our ColorWorks centers to work on Indigo where [we have] trained specialists and advanced computer technology,” says Saeger. Furthermore, adds Saeger, “A visit to ColorWorks gives the customer access to a range of other useful design tools, such as color consultations, vast color and special-effects libraries, prototyping equipment, and a variety of other testing services.”
For clients who can’t visit ColorWorks, Clariant can send a Clariant technician to their offices, with Indigo installed on a laptop. Saeger says that one reason Clariant prefers to do this is that Indigo requires advanced computer technology. “To ensure accurate color viewing, this type of highly specialized color-imaging software requires a very high-end graphic-based computing system and a powerful computer,” he says, adding, “Not all screens are created equal. With a lot of this software, you need pretty high-end monitors to physically represent colors that are achievable in the visible spectrum. Investment costs for these types of color-imaging systems can be steep, and new upgrades are happening at a very fast pace.”
Brownfield mentions that Ampacet’s software package includes a calibration tool.
Color-imaging systems can improve design efficiency. This is an important factor for companies that need to get products to market quickly. “This system bridges the gap between all the different suppliers,” says Brownfield. “That’s a key point for speed to market.”