Detect false colors with LED technology

The quality of surfaces in the automotive industry can now be tested with a special LED light. The in-house development uses LED technology for the first time, thus saving energy and exhibiting better luminous efficacy.

Surface finishing has become very important in industry. Complex formulations, surface conditions, but also different raw materials and materials can lead to color deviation on components. Oligo surface controls develops visual and digital control systems for high-precision color and surface measurement. The ColorMatching system developed by the company makes color defects visible to the human eye by changing the surrounding color temperature. Through the real simulation of a natural day cycle and under mapping of the standard light types, color differences become recognizable through the principle of false color enhancement on diverse materials and surfaces that would not show any difference under normal lighting conditions. For example, product parts that appear to be color-matched in the factory under artificial light can suddenly differ greatly under daylight conditions.

This inspection process is made possible by one of the company's own developments, the LED ColorControlOptics. This surface control luminaire is significantly more efficient than its predecessor: The research and development team at Oligo surface controls has succeeded in reducing the luminaire dimensions (depth) by 30 percent. They were also able to significantly improve the general energy conditions. For example, the energy consumption of a single LED ColorControl optic has been reduced by 55 percent. In addition, the luminaire achieves at least a 60 percent reduction in heat generation with improved luminous efficacy. The spectrum of the standard illuminant D65 has also been optimized and now corresponds to grade 1 in accordance with DIN 6173. There is no warm-up phase for the light sources, and the luminaire can be used immediately after being switched on. With its homogeneously radiating, luminous surface, the LED ColorControlOptics enables angle-independent viewing of the test object, even when the test position is changed. It is available in different versions and can be used as a single workstation, tabletop booth or large ColorMatching booth. Oligo surface controls offers additional modules, for example the LED-LightPointOptik (for sunlight simulation). This allows different combinations as well as a multifunctional use of the ColorMatching system. Together with Oligo's semi-automatic color controls, the system is used in all surface-treated color matching processes. The interaction of luminaire and control system allows continuous dimming of the color temperature from 2700 K to 6500 K or also the setting of fixed standard light types (D65 & A).

Oligo Surface Controls www.surface-controls.com