Background information:

HOHENSTEIN INSTITUTES
When measuring coloured and white samples, different types of measuring instruments tend to provide varying reflection and tristimulus values. Similarly, the whiteness values of white samples calculated from these also differ. The differences in whiteness values obtained when measuring fluorescent white samples where different types of measuring instruments are used under different illumination conditions are, in particular, subject to considerable variation. Even when conditions are initially consistent (e.g. when measuring instruments of the same type are used), variations still occur when the (different) lamps age or have to be replaced.

When calibrating the nominal values, each measuring instrument is also individually adjusted to the White Scale with regard to assessment, scaling and whiteness values. 8 Illumination check using a control sample: This is used to detect at an early stage whether the performance of the illuminant is decreasing as a result of ageing, particularly in the UV-area. Measuring the spectral UVintensity of your measuring instrument directly on the sample would be too costly. This problem can be solved by making regular adjustments using a special illumination control sample. This results in constant UV-intensity.

What can be done?

Your instrument must always be properly calibrated. Using modern technology to calibrate your equipment will ensure peace of mind.

Range of services
Hohenstein White Scale (System Ciba) A set with four convenient white standards with uniformly spaced sensitivity levels for UV calibration (standard 1, non-fluorescent). Material: cotton. Suitable for both textiles and paper. CIE whiteness and tint values are given as well as the Ganz whiteness level and the tint values in accordance with Ganz/Griesser. This can be used with measuring instruments with a device to check illumination according to Grtner/Griesser (see below), e.g. Datacolor International, Gretag Macbeth, HunterLab, Lorentzen & Wettre, Minolta. Hohenstein White Scale with reflection values of the White Standard White standard used as above, but also including documented reflection values. UV adaptation is carried out numerically by calibrating and inputting the values. Can only be used with

Instrumental Whiteness Assessment

The modern solution

The Ganz/Griesser method is currently the most reliable method of assessing whiteness and tint values. The following two methods can be used to ensure your instrument is properly calibrated: 8 Calibration of UV intensity to determine the whiteness value and tint values according to the absolute Ganz/Griesser method: After standard calibration has been carried out, the illumination conditions are adjusted and the differences between instruments due to their designs are eliminated using a set white standard known as the White Scale.

Information for Quality Control

suitable instruments (e.g. Minolta, CM 3600 series).

Contacts
Department of Textile Services & Innovations
Head of department: Dr Maximilian Swerev Telephone: +49 (0) 7143/271-714 or 717 Fax: +49 (0) 7143/271-8775 e-mail: m.swerev@hohenstein.de

150

Reflectance [%]

100 Standard 1 (W = 73) Standard 2 (W = 146) Standard 3 (W = 194) Standard 4 (W = 238) 400 500 Wavelegth [nm] 600 700

50

Contacts Instrumental whiteness assessment

Klaus Wobser Telephone: Fax: e-mail: +49 (0) 7143/271-622 +49 (0) 7143/271-8745

Example of reflectance curves and whiteness values using the Hohenstein White Scale

HOHENSTEIN INSTITUTES Department of Textile Services & Innovations Schloss Hohenstein D-74357 Bnnigheim Tel: +49 (0) 7143/271-0 Fax: +49 (0) 7143-271-51 e-mail: info@hohenstein.de Internet: www.hohenstein.de

Hohenstein Illumination Checker Standard sample to check and stabilize the set illumination conditions. Material: cotton or plastic. Cotton sample suitable for textiles and paper. Plastic sample universally applicable. The UV component is either regulated mechanically by making readjustments using an adapter fixed to the measuring instrument (Grtner/Griesser method) or numerically using documented reflection values (see above). Underlay paper free from optical whitener This consists of a block with 24 superimposed sheets. This should be placed beneath the illumination control sample and your samples to achieve a neutral white opaque underlay.

k.wobser@hohenstein.de

Fax retrieval - Instrumental whiteness assessment

List of services available and order form (2 pages): German +49 (0) 7143/271-8881 List of services available and order form (2 pages): English +49 (0) 7143/271-8882

In conjunction with Ciba Speciality Chemicals Grenzach GmbH Germany

Photos: Betty Barclay, Haindl Papier, Hohenstein Institutes