Mt. Baker Research L.L.C.
2921 Sylvan Street/P.O. Box 28370
Bellingham, Washington 98228-0370

Defining Color Standards

Phone: (360) 650-0771 E-mail: <jackroot@mtbakerresearch.com>

Mt. Baker Research L.L.C. Information

R&D News

1. PRICE DECREASE:

Mt. Baker Research offers certified calibration services in the following optical geometries: (1) Total hemispherical specular-included ("SPIN"). Diffuse-only specular-excluded ("SPEX"). (3) (45°/0°) bi-directional. Our calibrations, which employ procedures approved by CIE and ASTM, are traceable to NRC, NIST or JAIST.

Effective January 1, 2010, we substantially reduced the prices of our calibration services. The new prices are competitive. Our equipment and procedures are state-of-the-art, and our certificates of calibration are unusually well documented. Our certified translucency calibrations are unique in the international marketplace.

2. EXTENDED CALIBRATION RANGE:

On July 1, 2010, Mt. Baker Research extended the wavelength range of our traceable calibrations to include the near-infrared. Our new HunterLab UltraScan PRO spectrophotometer measures spectral reflectance factors in the (d/8°) SPIN and the (d/8°) SPEX geometries with a wavelength range of 360 - 1,050 nm and a pitch of 5 nm.

3. TRANSLUCENCY:

During 2008 we launched a program to evaluate the optical properties of commercial ceramic glazes, which spawned a new technique for characterizing translucency. Following the purchase of a new X-Rite ColorEye 7000A spectrophotometer, we confirmed that reflectance measurements of translucent samples performed with small-aperture instruments are subject to systematic error.

We characterized the losses of reflectance that result from lateral diffusion in many ceramic color standards, vitreous materials and plastics. Based on these results we upgraded the Profiling Tile Sets by introducing reduced translucency color standards, and we introduced the Diagnostic Tile Sets.

During June 2010 Mt. Baker Research purchased a new HunterLab UltraScan PRO spectrophotometer (see above). We will use this instrument to extend measurements of translucency to include the near-infrared optical spectrum. To provide a platform for extending translucency measurements to the (0°/45°) geometry we will purchase a new HunterLab LabScan XE/VSI spectrophotometer.

4. COLOR GAMUT:

During the past 3 years Mt. Baker Research added more than 200 new colors to our inventory of ceramic plates. After we calibrated typical samples of each color, we introduced the Profiling Tile Sets in 2008 and the Diagnostic Tile Sets in 2009. During 2010 we will introduce the Translucent Tile Set. All 5 sets feature increased color gamut. We are developing new ceramic and vitreous color standards through strategic alliances with independent manufacturers.

5. ULTRA-WHITE COLOR STANDARDS:

The goal of our continuing development effort is to increase the spectral reflectance of the ultra-white glossy, matte and semi-glossy color standards in the near-ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared. We have scheduled additional tests with the strategic ally that manufactures our ultra-white color standards. At their request, we are evaluating several new experimental materials.

6. VALIDATION SERVICE:

Mt. Baker Research offers an inexpensive on-site validation service to licensed users of Diagnostic Tile Set A. The client purchases Set A pre-calibrated in each optical geometry of interest. To validate the performance of a test instrument the client re-calibrates the Set A color standards using the procedures described in the instruction manual.

The repeatability and accuracy of the test instrument are characterized using procedures approved by ASTM, which are implemented using our proprietary diagnostic software. Our software supports OnColor QC® and OnColor Match® control software and instruments that feature diode-array detection and diffuse or bi-directional flash illumination.

The client creates one OnColor® disk file that contains the reflectance data for each tested instrument configuration. After the measurements are completed, these OnColor® files are submitted to us for analysis. We return a certificate of traceable instrument performance for each tested instrument.

7. PROFILING SERVICE: