c-tex colour

key training points

Take Control of Colour Variation
 Before we start

• It is understood that dyeing fabric is not easy

• There can be colour variation between batches
• There can be colour variation within a batch
• The objective is to help cutting and sewing be more
efficient…
• …and to use colour variation data to improve
consistency
• It is not a tool to expose problems nor shame people

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Before we start

• We use the same data formats as your spectro

(Datacolor)
• But we are not focussed on conformance, we are
focussed on colour uniformity in production
• We are running single ply over a black plate
• You will be able to correlate c-tex readings to spectro
readings

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Purpose of this Manual

• For new users to understand the logic of c-tex colour

• For new users to understand the capability of c-tex
colour
• For new users to be familiar with the report formats
• For new users to plan how c-tex colour will be
implemented

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Contents

1. The Operator Interface

What can be seen when c-tex is running
2. Roll Maps
To show colour variation within a roll
3. Segregation Report
To review a batch of production or multiple rolls of the same
colour
4. Inputting Colour Standards
5. Matching your Visual Assessment to c-tex colour
6. Colour Segregation
Take Control of Colour Variation
 Format 1
Real Time Operator Interface
Opposite is a
snapshot of the
operator screen, the
following slides will
take you through the
data provided:

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 1
Real Time Operator Interface

The 3 highlighted windows

show the data from the 3
colour sensors
The colour bar under the
data is green, when in
tolerance against target;
then orange for caution and
red for out-of-tolerance
The readings are also
presented in numerical
format specifically, ∆E, L, C,
H, a,b
All these readings represent
colour variation against the
target colour selected
 Format 1
Real Time Operator Interface

The 2 highlighted windows

show CSV data (centre-to-
selvedge).
The left reading shows the
difference between the
centre and left of the
fabric.
The right reading shows
the difference between
the centre and right of the
fabric.
 Format 1
Real Time Operator Interface

The highlighted windows

shows SSV data (side-to-
side variation).
This reading shows the
different between the left
and right of the fabric.
 Format 1
Real Time Operator Interface

Length is displayed in real

time.
We also have an option to
install width for
continuous online with
monitoring.
 Format 2: Roll Maps

The Roll Map has been created to give users a visual and spatial representation
of colour variance within a roll or production run

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The top window includes information on the material you are investigating.
These fields are input at the start of inspection by the operator or provided by
your ERP system

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

Highlighted below is the key. We use a traffic light system to show if the colour readings
are in tolerance. Light Green means very close to target, darker green means still within
tolerance but moving away from target, amber means caution, light red means just out of
tolerance, and dark red means far from acceptable tolerance.

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

Highlighted in the red circle is the overall colour inspection details. So the overall
tolerance has been selected as 0.8 Delta E, the light source used is D65, colour equation
selected is CMC 2.1. At the bottom of the highlighted box it can be seen the roll has
passed against the colour standard and using the Delta E 0.8 tolerance

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

Highlighted in the red circle is the length measurement of the roll.

The start of the roll at the left with the roll end at the right.
The top bar is the left of the roll, the middle bar is the middle of the roll and the bottom
bar is the right hand side.

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The readings highlighted in the red show the average readings for Delta L,a,b & E for this
roll; and also the Band Width. The Band Width is selected by the user to determine the
setting used to segregate multiple rolls of fabric. In this case it is set at 0.5

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The readings highlighted in the red show the different roll maps that can be shown to the
user.
The 1st is To Target – this then shows a roll map with all readings against the colour target
(sometimes also referred to as master swatch or colour reference)

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The 2nd is To Roll – this then shows a roll map with all readings within themselves in
order to assess how the readings are if we take the average reading from the roll as a
standard to compare against

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The 3rd is CSV – this shows a roll map of Centre to Selvedge Variation. Which means we
take the readings from the middle of the roll and compare to selvedge.

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The 4th is SSV – this shows a roll map of Side to Side Variation. Which means we take the
readings from the left hand side of the fabric and compare with the right hand side of the
fabric

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Maps

The 5th is EEV – this shows a roll map of End to End Variation. This is used to highlight
variance along the length of the fabric

Take Control of Colour Variation

 c-tex colour : Roll Maps

With these adjustment buttons the user can view the different roll maps using different
tolerances. For example if a CSV map shows Amber readings at 0.6 Delta E the user can
see how the readings look at 0.7 Delta E

Take Control of Colour Variation

 c-tex colour : Roll Maps

For long rolls (or full production runs) it is not feasible to show all the readings within a
single roll map, or the user would like to focus on a specific area of the roll. Therefore we
have introduced scroll buttons so that the user can see a particular section of the roll for
further analysis

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

End-to-End Variation (EEV - Or variation along the length): The first roll map shows length
variation in colour with a tolerance of Delta E 0.5. At this tolerance there is clear colour
variation. However the 2nd map is set at Delta E 0.8. This map shows that caution should
be taken, but the colour variation is not out of tolerance.
Conclusion – no significant lengthwise colour variation

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

Centre-to-Side Variation (CSV): The first roll map shows CSV variation in colour with a
tolerance of Delta E 0.5. At this tolerance there is clear colour variation. However the 2 nd
map is set at Delta E 0.8. This map shows that caution should be taken, but the colour
variation is not out of tolerance.
Conclusion – use caution, a width wise cutting plan would be recommended

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

Side-to-Side Variation (SSV): The first roll map shows side-to-side variation in colour with
a tolerance of Delta E 0.5. At this tolerance there is clear colour variation. The 2 nd map is
set at Delta E 0.8. This map shows that colour variation also occurs on 0.8 Delta E
tolerance.
Conclusion –a width wise cutting plan will be required
NB – the centre readings are in black as the centre readings are ignored for the side-to-
side comparison

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

End-to-End Variation (EEV - Or variation along the length): The first roll map shows length
variation in colour with a tolerance of Delta E 0.5. At this tolerance there is clear colour
variation. The 2nd map is set at Delta E 0.8, this map also shows clear variation along the
length
Conclusion – roll needs to be cut at length shown in the c-tex reports and segregated into
separate groups

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

Centre-to-Side Variation (CSV): The first roll map shows CSV variation in colour with a
tolerance of Delta E 0.5. At this tolerance there is clear colour variation. However the 2 nd
map is set at Delta E 0.8. This map shows that caution should be taken, and in some areas
there is clear centre to side variation.
Conclusion – use caution, a width wise cutting plan would be recommended

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 2: Roll Map Examples

Side-to-Side Variation (SSV): The first roll map shows a little side-to-side variation in
colour with a tolerance of Delta E 0.5. The 2nd map is set at Delta E 0.8. This map shows
limited colour variation
Conclusion –side to side variation is not a big issue (the left side is similar to the right),
but from the previous slide there is clear centre to side variation.

Take Control of Colour Variation

 Format 3: Segregation Report, c-tex
office
• The segregation report takes a chosen set of rolls and
segregates them into groups of the same visual
colour range.
• The allows for accurate de-batching and grouping of
rolls for cutting planning
• Following is a typical report including an explanation
of the data you will see inside
• If the user clicks on any given row the roll map for
the selected roll will appear
Format 3: Segregation Report, c-tex office
 Shade Group: this is the assigned group for
Roll specific Roll compared to
segregating rolls
information such target
Target used: for good segregation we
as batch identifier Roll within itself
recommend to ensure the same target is
and length
used
These boxes indicate
Roll Delta E: compared to target
colour direction:
Corrected Delta E: compared to best roll in
Lighter/Darker,
batch
Redder/Greener,
Band Width: max Delta E variation within
Bluer/Yellower
the roll

These data all refer to what % of colour variation there is within the roll in
terms of:
Compared to Target
Within the roll itself compared to the roll’s average colour reading
Centre-to-Side
Side-to-Side
End-to-End
The tolerance for this is set by the user, the default setting uses 5% as
starting point for concern
Format 3: Segregation Report, MS Excel Format
 4. Inputting Colour Standards
• C-tex colour is a comparative measuring instrument
• A spectrophotometer is an absolute measurement instrument
• The difference is very important
• C-tex colour is observing textiles in a single ply that is moving. For absolute
colour measurement fabrics are static and typically folded. Measuring
absolute colour is possible in a laboratory but not practical in production
environments.
• What is important is production environments are:
• Colour Variation to Target
• Colour Variation within a roll/batch
• Colour Variation between rolls/batches
• Colour Variation within a roll/batch in terms of centre-to-side,
side- to-side and end-to-end
• A comparative colour measurement technique enables the above, and in a
simple manner
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
• For a comparative measurement technique to be useful the key
operational process is to ensure consistent inputting of colour standards
• Sometimes colour standards are also referred to as colour targets and
colour references and colour swatches. We use the terminology colour
standard and the process is called colour targeting
• If the targeting process is not implemented consistently there will not be
consistent results – which would render them meaningless
• If the targeting process is not implemented well the results will not be
correct
• Therefore before the installation we would like to inform you of best
practice in targeting.
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Decide if you wish to use a colour standard or a full width sample from the
start of the batch. (if comparison to target is the most important for you then
we recommend to use a colour standard. If colour consistency within a batch
is most important to you we recommend to use a full width sample from the
start of the batch). Either method will give you good results
– Unlike absolute colour measurement instruments a comparative measurement
instrument like c-tex colour does not need to be calibrated daily. Rather c-tex
colour needs to be calibrated every 6 months. C-tex colour has an internal
calibration sequence which ensures consistency of the light source
– KEY POINT FOR BEST PRACTICE: ALL sensors need to see the same piece of
cloth.
– The above point is key to obtaining consistent results
– Below we will show you the main method of inputting colour targets. There
are more methods available but this method will allow you to understand the
logic of best practice.
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Launch c-tex software
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Password to enter: 939
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Method 1: Using a colour standard swatch
– Step 1: Select Load New Colour from Main Menu
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Create new or update existing
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Select name
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Scan swatch as target
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Your choice: target middle or swatch
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– If ‘middle’ confirm operator has moved sensors to middle
 4. Inputting Colour Standard

• Best Practice for Targeting:

– Wait while sensors set their lighting for the target colour
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– Software will perform its own test to show targeting results. Readings should
be less than DE 0.2
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– Select Apply in order to Save the colour target
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– If you are updating and existing colour target the software will ask for password: 7913
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– At Main Menu select Enter Roll Info
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– Input batch and roll info, and select the target colour that has been loaded
 4. Inputting Colour Standard
– Onto the inspection screen:
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

3 Key Messages

1. Compare like-for-like
2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual assessment
3. C-tex colour does not pass or fail your colours, rather than colour formula and
tolerance applied does.

Let’s talk through each of the above points before showing you the process of
matching c-tex colour results to your visual assessment….
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

1. Compare like-for-like
This sounds quite obvious but you would be surprised how often new users
are assessing c-tex colour results but not investigating the same piece of
cloth.

Therefore if you are using a cut sample please mark on the fabric:
• Face-up direction (so that visual assessment and c-tex assessment are
looking at the face of the cloth rather than the back)
• Circle each reading position you take and give a mark reference (so you
can track the reading taken from each position)
• Note where on the roll you took the sample (length) so that you can relate
to the c-tex colour reading
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment
Colour Formulae have enabled our industry and many other industries (who
use the same formulae) to standardise colour measurement. This enables
supply chains to be objective when working together. However colour science
remains imperfect (as do all scientific disciplines – the truth in science is
always the truth we hold now and all science is open to improving its
theories). What this means is not that the formulae are wrong but
sometimes deviations can occur. So how does this apply for colour monitoring
of textiles in a production environment. We will explain using some
examples….
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…

Let’s assume, for example, your organisation selects a colour deviation default
of Delta E 0.8.
You may find a fabric where you see colour variation but 0.8 Delta E the
results indicate no colour variation.
The first step is DO NOT PANIC! It is unlikely you have done something wrong.
Have a look at the relevant roll map. Then reduce the tolerance using the
highlighted buttons to see the results. An example below:
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…

At 0.8 DE – (roll map on left)the roll map does not give a strong reason for
concern (mostly green with some amber readings).
If you now change to DE 0.6 (highlighted on right roll map), you now see the
roll map does give reason for concern….
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…
…Conclusion: for this fabric you should adjust the tolerance to DE 0.6. This
can be done in the office software or on the machine software. However you
do not need to change for all fabrics! You can keep the default at DE 0.8.

To illustrate to point we will show another example. Have a look at the below
roll map showing centre to side variation:
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…
…It would seem there is a real reason for concern. However your visual
assessment concluded that the fabric was OK. So what to do? As before, DO
NOT PANIC and look at the same roll with a different tolerance (this time a
looser tolerance):

This time by moving the DE value to 0.9 the roll map matches your visual
tolerance.
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…
…Setting a default:
• We recommend starting with a tight default DE tolerance (e.g 0.5). The
reason for this is that it is better that c-tex colour highlights plenty of
issues and then you can reduce tolerance inline with your visual
assessment.
• Please note that the default tolerance you will choose will likely cover the
vast majority of your fabrics and changing tolerances for specific fabrics
will be the exception rather than the rule.
• The settings for each fabric are in the Load New Colour option from the
Main Menu. You can apply settings for variance from target, CSV, SSV and
EEV, DL, Da, Db. These are highlighted on the screenshot on the next page:
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

2. The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual

assessment…cont…
…As well as matching c-tex colour readings to your visual assessment, you can
also correlate to your spectrophotometer. For this the process is very simple
• The standard chosen to use a target must be the same
• Please label all swatches
• Please measure on spectro at 1 ply with a black background (the same as
c-tex)
• Please use the same colour formula
• Please make sure your measurements are taken at the same places on the
cloth (like for like)
• You will find c-tex colour results correlate very nicely with your
spectrophotometer
 5. Matching your Visual Assessment
to c-tex colour

3. C-tex colour does not pass or fail your colours, rather than colour formula and
tolerance applied does.

We have talked through how to apply tolerances to match your visual

assessment. It is also worth considering which colour formula you wish to use.
You may already have a chosen colour formula you use as default on your
organisation or you may have customers who specify which formula is used.
A quick overview:
CIE1976: we recommend NOT to use this formula
CIE2000: this is greatly updated from the above and gives good results
CMC 2:1: this is a good formula to use especially when conforming to scientific
models
CMC 1:1: this has been created to give good visual match to results.
We do not ask our users to apply any formula as a preference, this is your choice.
 6. Colour Segregation

Before implementing c-tex colour most of our customers use swatch samples
to segregate rolls of fabric into different colour groups.
For this exercise swatches are used
C-tex colour sees the whole roll
Therefore segregation with c-tex colour can be different that visual
segregation from swatches.
The below roll map is a good example of why these differences can occur

Clearly if you take swatches from the start and end of the roll you will be
segregating using different colour information than c-tex colour.
 Key Messages
1. With c-tex colour you can colour results in realtime and post
process; at the operator screen and in the office
2. C-tex colour is a comparative measurement instrument. Consistency
of inputting colour standards is key to obtaining consistent results
3. KEY POINT FOR BEST PRACTICE WHEN INPUTTING COLOUR
STANDARDS: ALL sensors need to see the same piece of cloth
4. When comparing c-tex colour results to visual assessment:
– Compare like-for-like
– The Ultimate decision making process should still be your visual assessment
– C-tex colour does not pass or fail your colours, rather than colour formula and
tolerance applied does
5. C-tex Colour is a tool it is for you to decide how you would like to
use it. Like any tool: the more you use it and understand it the
better use you will make of it.
 Looking after your c-tex colour

• Keep lenses clear of dust - Air hose once a day

• Ensure sensors are level and correct height (puck)
• Sew together trailing edge and leading edge – do
not knot together