Computer Color Matching Systems ( CCMS ) | Functions and Advantages of Computer Color Matching Systems | Working Procedure of Computer Color Matching Systems (CCMS)

Computer Color Matching System (CCMS):

Computer Color Matching (CCM) is the instrumental color formulation based on recipe calculation using the spectrophotometric properties of dyestuff and fibers.

Computer color matching

The basic three things are important in CCMS: 

1. Color measurement Instrument (Spectrophotometers).
2. Reflectance (R%) from a mixture of Dyes or Pigments applied in a specific way.
3. Optical model of color vision to closeness of the color matching (CIE L*A*B).

Functions of Computer Color Matching System:

The following works can be done by using CCMS -

1. Color match prediction.
2. Color difference calculation.
3. Determine metamerism.
4. Pass/Fail option.
5. Color fastness rating.
6. Cost Comparison.
7. Strength evaluation of dyes.
8. Whiteness indices.
9. Reflectance curve and K/S curve.
10. Production of Shade library.
11. Color strength

1. Color Match Prediction: 

The main function of CCMS is to predict the color of a sample. In lab dip section it is necessary to match the shade of the sample. CCMS makes it easy to match the shade quickly. It also makes easy the work of a textile engineer who is responsible for it.

2. Color Difference Calculation: 

We know that; when a sample is put in sample holder of a spectophotometer it analyzes the color of the sample. It also calculates the color difference of the sample and dyed sample which is dyed according to the recipe of the CCMS.

3. Determine Metamerism: 

CCMS also show the metamarism of the sample color.

4. Pass / Fail option: 

The sample which is dyed according to the recipe of the CCMS is it matches with the buyers sample that could be calculate by this system. If the dyed sample fulfill the requirements then CCMS gives pass decision and if can’t then it gives fail decision. So, pass-fail can be decided by CCMS.

5. Color Fastness Rating: 

Color fastness can be calculates by CCMS. There is different color fastness rating (1-5/1-8). CCMS analyze the color fastness and gives result.

6. Cost Comparison: 

Cost of the produced sample can be compare with others. It also helps to choose the right dyes for dyeing.

7. Strength Evaluation of Dyes: 

It is important to evaluate the strength of the dyes which will be used for production. All of the dyes have not same strength. Dyes strength effects the concentration of dyes which will be used for dyeing.

8. Whiteness Indices: 

Whiteness Indices also maintained in CCMS.

9. Reflectance Curve and K/S Curve: 

Reflectance curve also formed for specific shade by which we can determine the reflection capability of that shade.

10. Production of Shade Library: 

Computer color matching system also store the recipe of the dyeing for specific shade. This shade library helps to find out the different documents against that shade. It is done both for the shade of sample and bulk dyed sample.

11. Color Strength: 

Computer color matching system also determine the color strength of the sample.

Working Procedure of Computer Color Matching Systems ( CCMS ):

The working procedure of CCMS which is used for dyeing lab to match the shade of the products. Generally buyer gives a fabric sample swatch or Panton number of a specific shade to the producer. Producer gives the fabric sample to lab dip development department to match the shade of the fabric. After getting the sample they analyze the color of the sample manually. In the other hand they can take help from the computer color matching system.

At first it needs to fit the sample to the spectrophotometer which analyzes the depth of the shade and it shows the results of the color depth. At the same time it needs to determine the color combination by which you want to dye the fabric. Then it will generate some dyeing recipe which is nearly same. Here it needs to determine the amount of chemicals which you want to use during dyeing.

After formation of dyeing recipe it needs to dye the sample with stock solution. I think you are also familiar with stock solution. Then sample should dye according to the dyeing procedure. After finishing the sample dyeing it needs to compare the dyed sample with the buyer sample. For this reason dyed sample are entered to the spectrophotometer to compare the sample with the buyer sample.

Then CCMS gives the pass fail results. If the dyed sample match with the buyer sample than CCMS gives pass results. After that, dyed samples send to the customer or buyer. After getting the approval from the buyer producer goes for the bulk production.

If the dyed sample does not match with the buyer sample than the CCMS analyses the color difference and correct the recipe. Then another sample dyeing is carried out for matching the shade of the sample.

Advantages of Computer Color Matching System (CCMS) :
Computer Color Matching System (CCMS) has lots of great advantages in Textile Industry. See some examples below –

1. Customers get the exact shade wanted with his knowledge of degree of metamerism.
2. Customers often have a choice of 10-20 formulation that will match color. By taking costing, availability of dyes, and auxiliaries into account, one can choose a best swatch.
3. 3 to 300 times faster than manual color matching.
4. Limited range of stock color needed.