Colorimeter for Printing and Packaging Industry Malaysia

Introduction to Printing and Packaging Color Inspection in Malaysia

Color consistency plays an important role in the printing and packaging industry. Product cartons, labels, printed sleeves and promotional packaging often need to maintain a recognizable appearance across different production batches and suppliers.

Even when the artwork and nominal ink specifications remain unchanged, printed colors may vary because of substrate differences, ink formulation, printing conditions, drying, lamination and surface finishing.

A colorimeter for printing and packaging can help quality control teams compare suitable printed surfaces against approved reference samples using numerical color measurements.

For Malaysian packaging manufacturers, the Linshang LS172 Portable Colorimeter may provide a practical handheld option for routine comparison of suitable opaque printed materials.

This guide explains printing color consistency, Delta E inspection, packaging quality control workflows and the differences between a portable colorimeter and a professional printing spectrophotometer.

Why Color Consistency Matters in Packaging

Packaging is often one of the first physical elements customers see when purchasing a product. Consistent colors help maintain recognizable branding and a uniform appearance across product batches.

Color variation between cartons, labels or packaging components can create problems when materials are produced by different suppliers or printing facilities.

Common Packaging Color Problems

• Cartons from different batches showing visibly different shades.

• Printed labels not matching approved brand colors.

• Packaging sleeves appearing lighter or darker than reference samples.

• Printed materials changing appearance after lamination.

• Color differences between packaging suppliers.

• Customer rejection caused by inconsistent finished packaging appearance.

A documented color inspection procedure can help identify these problems before packaging materials are released for final production or shipment.

What Is a Printing Colorimeter?

A printing colorimeter is an optical instrument used to measure the color of suitable printed samples and compare results with approved references.

Depending on the instrument, it may provide CIE Lab coordinates, Delta E color differences and reference-based Pass/Fail evaluation.

A portable colorimeter is useful for certain finished-sample comparisons, but it does not necessarily provide the spectral data, density measurements or standardized measurement modes required for professional printing process control.

Typical Applications

• Finished printed carton color comparison.

• Printed label quality inspection.

• Packaging sleeve color consistency checks.

• Supplier sample comparison.

• Batch-to-batch printed packaging inspection.

• Incoming printed packaging acceptance checks.

Instrument suitability depends on the printed material, surface finish, measurement area and required customer or industry standard.

How Printed Packaging Color Is Measured

A colorimeter illuminates a sample under defined optical conditions and measures the reflected light response.

The instrument processes the measurement into numerical color values, which can then be compared with an approved reference.

CIE Lab Color Measurement

CIE Lab describes measured color using three coordinates.

• L* represents lightness.

• a* represents the green-to-red axis.

• b* represents the blue-to-yellow axis.

These coordinates help operators describe the direction of a color change rather than relying only on subjective descriptions.

Delta E Color Difference

Delta E, written as ΔE, describes the calculated difference between two measured colors using a selected color difference formula.

The numerical result can support reference-based inspection when the manufacturer has established an appropriate acceptance tolerance.

Printed Carton Color Consistency Testing

Printed cartons are widely used for food products, cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Manufacturers may need to compare cartons from different printing batches to ensure that the finished appearance remains consistent with an approved master sample.

Suggested Carton Inspection Procedure

• Select an approved master carton or printed reference sample.

• Confirm that the reference represents the required substrate and surface finish.

• Identify a sufficiently large and uniform printed color area.

• Prepare the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Measure the reference and production samples consistently.

• Compare the results using the approved Delta E formula and tolerance.

• Record the carton batch, supplier, measurement location and inspection result.

For patterned artwork, small text or mixed-color areas, the measurement aperture may cover multiple colors. Operators should select appropriate solid-color patches or use a more suitable measurement method.

Label Printing Color Quality Control

Printed labels are used across food and beverage packaging, industrial products, cosmetics, household goods and logistics applications.

Label color consistency can be affected by printing technology, substrate properties, adhesive-backed materials, lamination and finishing processes.

Important Label Measurement Considerations

• Measure sufficiently large and uniform printed regions.

• Use a consistent backing when the label material is not fully opaque.

• Avoid wrinkles, bubbles and uneven contact.

• Account for glossy or textured surface finishes.

• Compare samples under consistent measurement conditions.

Very small labels or narrow color patches may not provide enough uniform area for the Linshang LS172's 8 mm aperture.

Packaging Supplier Quality Inspection

Brand owners and manufacturers often source packaging materials from external suppliers. Even when the same artwork is used, color differences may occur between production facilities.

A documented numerical color comparison procedure can help improve communication between buyers and packaging suppliers.

Suggested Incoming Packaging Inspection

• Maintain an approved physical reference sample.

• Define the required measurement geometry and color difference formula.

• Establish an appropriate acceptance tolerance.

• Select representative samples from each incoming batch.

• Measure consistent locations on the packaging.

• Record the numerical results and supplier batch information.

• Review nonconforming samples according to the purchasing quality procedure.

Where customers require specific printing standards, the selected instrument and procedure must meet those requirements.

Linshang LS172 for Printing and Packaging Inspection

The Linshang LS172 is a portable digital colorimeter designed for numerical color measurement and reference-based comparison.

Its 45°/0° optical geometry and touchscreen interface can support routine inspection of suitable opaque, uniform printed surfaces.

Key Features of Linshang LS172

• 45°/0° optical measurement geometry.

• 8 mm measurement aperture.

• 3.5-inch touchscreen display.

• Approximately 1-second measurement time.

• CIE Lab and other supported color measurement spaces.

• Delta E color difference evaluation.

• Pass/Fail color quality control function.

• Electronic color chart matching.

• Supported mobile application and Windows PC software.

These features may make the LS172 useful for general finished-packaging color comparison where the sample and measurement requirements are compatible with the instrument.

However, buyers should not assume that the LS172 meets every professional printing measurement standard or replaces a dedicated printing spectrophotometer.

Understanding 45/0 Geometry in Printed Surface Inspection

The Linshang LS172 uses 45°/0° optical geometry, in which the sample is illuminated at a defined angle and measured along the viewing axis.

This geometry is relevant to appearance-oriented color evaluation on suitable opaque surfaces.

However, printed packaging may contain glossy varnish, lamination, metallic ink, textured paper or directional surface finishes.

Such characteristics can influence measured results and may require a different instrument or additional inspection method.

How to Inspect Printed Packaging Using Linshang LS172

Step 1 - Select the Approved Reference

Choose an approved printed sample that represents the required substrate, color and surface finish.

Step 2 - Prepare the Sample

Ensure the printed material is clean, dry and in the required finished condition. Avoid measuring unstable or damaged surfaces.

Step 3 - Select the Measurement Area

Choose a uniform printed area large enough for the 8 mm measurement aperture. Avoid text, edges and mixed-color patterns unless they are the intended measurement target.

Step 4 - Prepare the Instrument

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for instrument preparation, calibration or reference verification.

Step 5 - Measure the Reference

Measure the approved sample and record its color information using the selected procedure.

Step 6 - Measure the Production Sample

Position the instrument consistently and take measurements at the corresponding location on the production sample.

Step 7 - Compare Delta E

Evaluate the calculated color difference against the documented acceptance tolerance using the required formula.

Step 8 - Record the Inspection

Document the artwork version, substrate, printing batch, measurement location, reference sample and inspection result.

Common Causes of Color Variation in Printing

Ink Formulation and Mixing

Differences in ink formulation, pigment concentration or mixing may affect the printed color.

Substrate Color and Surface

Paper, cardboard and synthetic substrates can have different base colors and surface characteristics, which influence the final printed appearance.

Ink Film and Printing Conditions

Changes in ink film thickness, printing pressure, transfer conditions or process settings may contribute to color variation.

Drying and Curing

Printed color and appearance may change during drying or curing. Measurements should be performed at a defined inspection condition.

Lamination and Varnish

Glossy lamination, matte finishing and varnish can change the perceived appearance of printed colors and influence instrument measurements.

Optical Brightening Agents

Some paper and packaging substrates contain optical brightening agents that respond to ultraviolet illumination. Applications requiring standardized UV-controlled measurement conditions may need specialized printing instruments.

Printing Colorimeter vs Printing Spectrophotometer

A portable colorimeter and a printing spectrophotometer may both provide numerical color information, but their capabilities and intended applications differ.

Portable Colorimeter

• Useful for suitable finished-sample color comparisons.

• May provide CIE Lab and Delta E results.

• Convenient for routine handheld inspection.

• Appropriate when the measurement method matches the factory's requirements.

Professional Printing Spectrophotometer

• Measures spectral reflectance information.

• May support standardized printing measurement conditions and modes.

• Can be used for advanced color management and process control.

• May provide functions such as spectral analysis and specialized printing evaluation, depending on the model.

Printing applications involving ISO 13655 measurement conditions, ICC color management, optical brightening agents or demanding customer standards should be evaluated using suitable spectrophotometric equipment.

The Linshang LS172 should not be presented as a direct replacement for every professional printing spectrophotometer.

Special Considerations for Glossy and Metallic Packaging

Glossy lamination, foil stamping, metallic inks and special-effect coatings can change appearance depending on illumination and viewing angle.

A conventional 45/0 colorimeter may not fully characterize these effects.

For metallic or strongly directional materials, manufacturers may need specialized measurement equipment or controlled visual inspection in addition to numerical color comparison.

Common Printing Color Measurement Mistakes

Measuring Mixed-Color Artwork

If the instrument aperture covers multiple printed colors, the result may not represent the intended individual color.

Comparing Different Paper Substrates

Paper whiteness, texture and optical brightening agents can influence color appearance. Reference and production samples should use compatible substrates.

Ignoring Surface Lamination

Lamination can change gloss and measured appearance. Compare samples at equivalent finishing stages.

Using an Unapproved Delta E Tolerance

Color acceptance limits should be based on customer requirements and a validated measurement method.

Comparing Different Instrument Geometries

Measurements obtained using different optical geometries may not be directly interchangeable.

Assuming a Colorimeter Measures Ink Density

A general colorimeter should not be assumed to provide the process density functions of a dedicated printing densitometer or spectrodensitometer.

How to Choose a Colorimeter for Printing and Packaging

Before purchasing a printing color measurement instrument, manufacturers should review the intended sample materials and inspection requirements.

Important Selection Criteria

• Suitable measurement geometry for the printed surface.

• Measurement aperture compatible with printed color patches.

• Required CIE Lab and Delta E functions.

• Compatibility with the customer's printing standards.

• Suitability for glossy, matte, textured or metallic finishes.

• Requirements for spectral data or ink density measurement.

• Reference comparison and Pass/Fail functions.

• Data recording and software requirements.

For general finished-packaging color comparison on suitable opaque printed areas, the Linshang LS172 may be a practical option. Specialized printing process control may require a spectrophotometer or spectrodensitometer.

Printing and Packaging Colorimeter Supplier in Malaysia

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd supplies industrial testing and measuring instruments for manufacturing, engineering and quality control applications throughout Malaysia.

Customers interested in the Linshang LS172 Portable Colorimeter can contact MTM Precision for product enquiries, quotations, application discussions and ordering information.

We serve customers in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a colorimeter measure printed packaging color?

Yes. A suitable colorimeter can compare the color of uniform printed surfaces against approved references, provided that the material and measurement conditions are compatible with the instrument.

Can Linshang LS172 measure printed cartons?

The LS172 may be suitable for color comparison on opaque cartons with sufficiently large and uniform printed areas.

Can Linshang LS172 replace a printing spectrophotometer?

Not for every application. Professional printing color management and standardized spectral measurement may require a dedicated spectrophotometer.

Can the LS172 measure small printed labels?

The instrument has an 8 mm aperture. Small labels or narrow color patches may not provide enough uniform measurement area.

What Delta E tolerance should be used for packaging?

The correct tolerance depends on the customer specification, substrate, measurement geometry, selected formula and application. There is no universal acceptance limit for every packaging product.

Where can I buy a printing colorimeter in Malaysia?

Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd in Puchong, Selangor, for Linshang LS172 product information, application assistance and quotations.

Contact MTM Precision Malaysia

Looking for a colorimeter for printed cartons, packaging labels, color consistency inspection or incoming packaging quality control? Contact MTM Precision with your application requirements.

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd

Showroom & Service Centre: No 29-1 & 2, Jalan Bandar 18, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 03-8080 7172

WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

Send us your printed carton, label or packaging sample photos via WhatsApp, together with the material type, printed area dimensions and color inspection requirements, so we can help identify a suitable color measurement solution.