The Power of AxF and PANTORA for Paints and Coatings

Paints and coatings behave differently when applied to glossy, matte, satin, or rough surfaces. When applying the same color to different surfaces, the final result can vary based on the texture, capacity to absorb, sheen, and reflective qualities of the material.

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For example, when painting a vibrant red on a rough, porous surface, the color will appear more muted and textured compared to when it's applied to a smooth, glossy surface. Other factors, including the underlying color of the surface, lighting, temperature, and humidity can also influence our perception of a paint or coating color.

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Then there is the human eye, which plays a crucial role in how we perceive colors. Our eyes interpret and process colors differently based on individual variations in color vision and perception. Some people may see subtle differences in color that others do not, leading to variations in how a painted or coated surface is perceived.

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These factors all highlight the complexity of color that can lead to mistakes and wasted materials, negatively impacting the environment and your business. To remain competitive and profitable, here’s how to address these challenges.

Technological Advances in Color Characterization

Technological advances, like the development of the Appearance Exchange Format (AxF), have provided a cost-effective way for the paint and coatings industry to characterize appearance and create digital material representations using spectrophotometers and visualization software.

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AxF is a file format that stores all relevant appearance data, including color, texture, gloss, refraction, translucency, special effects, and reflection properties. AxF files are editable, portable, and compatible with various CAD, PLM, and 3D rendering solutions.

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For paint and coatings, AxF includes a material model called CPA, which characterizes three primary parameters: flake textures, color table, and brightness. It can also be combined with a base paint layer with a clear coat layer (Fresnel BSDF) for specific effects.

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It is assumed that the coating is entirely transparent, extremely thin, and can be defined by two spatially varying parameters: the Normal Map (which models mesoscopic effects like Orange Peel) and the Index of Refraction (a fixed value often used for typical car paint clear coats). The CPA2 model is used for special effect paints, for example, in the automotive and other durable goods industries. The model for the opaque base paint layer consists of three main parameters:

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●????? Flake BTF Textures: These capture the visible flakes in the paint.

●????? Color Table: This accounts for the paint's low-frequency color variations.

●????? Brightness BRDF: This addresses the angular brightness changes in the paint.

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Streamlining Material Specification with PANTORA

X-Rite, a respected leader in color measurement and management, has introduced the PANTORA desktop application to simplify digital material specification. With PANTORA, you can import spectral samples and store, manage, view, edit and render them as digital materials. The application digitally exchanges these virtual samples into the AxF.

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PANTORA simplifies the management of a large volume of complex color and appearance data and makes it shareable across the design to production value chain for use in 3D rendering software and PLM Systems. You can also attach valuable metadata and quality information across the value chain within these files.

Benefits for the Paint and Coatings Industry

Using technologies like PANTORA and AxF for digital material representation offers several benefits, including:

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1. Improved Color Consistency: The industry can achieve greater color consistency across various materials and surfaces. This is crucial for meeting customer expectations and ensuring final products meet design specifications.
2. Time and Cost Savings: Digital material representation reduces the need for physical prototypes and multiple iterations, saving both time and resources. Designers and manufacturers can make more informed decisions early in the process, reducing the likelihood of costly errors.
3. Improved Collaboration: The ability to share AxF files across the design-to-production value chain fosters better collaboration among different teams and stakeholders. Designers, engineers, and production teams can all work with the same digital material specifications, reducing miscommunication and errors.
4. Efficient Material Management: PANTORA's capability to manage and organize digital materials streamlines the process of handling a large volume of complex appearance data. It allows for easy retrieval and reuse of materials, optimizing resource utilization.
5. Better Quality Control: Attaching metadata and quality information to AxF files ensures that important details about materials and specifications are readily available. This promotes better quality control and helps in identifying any discrepancies early in the production process.
6. Environmental Benefits: Reducing the need for physical prototypes and minimizing material waste not only saves costs but also has positive environmental implications by reducing the industry's carbon footprint.
7. Competitive Advantage: By adopting these advanced technologies, paint and coatings companies can and increase their market appeal by offering customers more accurate color and appearance options.
8. Adaptability: As the industry evolves and new materials and coatings are developed, digital representations remain adaptable and can easily accommodate changes and innovations in the field.

Sustainable Solutions for a Colorful Future

In an evolving and environmentally conscious world, embracing these advanced technologies not only helps businesses meet customer expectations but also contributes to reducing waste and environmental impact while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

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It's evident that the future of the painting and coating industry relies on the adoption of innovative solutions like AxF and tools such as the PANTORA desktop application to address the complexities of color perception and material specification.

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