An objective view of transparency

Citation

(2002), "An objective view of transparency", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 31 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2002.12931ead.011

An objective view of transparency

An objective view of transparency

Keywords: Transmission, Measurement, Plastics, Synthetics

The "Haze-Gard Plus" from Sheen Instruments, has been specifically designed to provide objective measurement data and quality assurance statistics on the transmission properties of clear plastic bottles, containers and synthetic packaging materials. The unit can also be used for transparency evaluation of tinted spectacle lenses and automotive glass.

The instrument quantifies our visual perception of transparency by measuring total transmittance, transmission haze and clarity in order to define "see-through quality". Materials adversely affected by haziness and poor clarity can after give colours and create indistinct contours to give a distorted impression of a packaged product, for example – especially from a distance – so quality control of this aspect is vital (Plate 5).

The Haze-Gard Plus is said to automatically and accurately analyse a large or small sample, positioned in an open sample area, in accordance with the industry standards ASTM D 1003 and D 1044, claims built-in statistics, with average, standard deviation, coefficient of variance and minimum/maximum values, and has a large integral storage capacity. Data can be transferred to a PC or printer for further processing and for production or QA documentation.

Plate 5

The instrument is reported to be easy to use, with hands-free, foot switch operation and menu guidance. A reference beam controls the enclosed optics which, together with long-term automatic calibration and self- diagnostics, ensures accuracy and reliability.

Details available from: Sheen Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8541 4333; Fax: +44 (0) 20 8549 3374; E-mail: info@sheeninstruments.com; Web site: www.sheeninstruments.com