Because all 6 surfaces of the semi-glossy standard are glazed, the optical surface is cleanable and the ceramic body is protected against contamination. Although the glazing technique is more expensive than that used to produce the glossy color standard, the spectral reflectance is increased, particularly in the UV. At all wavelengths the semi-glossy color standard exhibits higher spectral reflectance than the 5 Ceram white tiles in our collection. (Note: See Ultra-White FAQ 16.)

The glazed optical surface of the glossy standard is cleanable, and the ceramic body is sealed against contamination except at the exposed edges. The glossy color standard achieves lower glazing cost in exchange for reduced spectral reflectance, especially in the UV. Above 400 nm the spectral reflectance of half of the ultra-white glossy color standards exceeds the values exhibited by our Ceram white tiles. Above 500 nm all of the glossy color standards exhibit increased reflectance in comparison with our Ceram white tiles. (Note: See Ultra-White FAQ 15.)

2. What shapes and sizes of ultra-white color standards are available? We stock 2x2-inch matte, glossy, and semi-glossy ultra-white color standards. The manufacturer can supply custom shapes and sizes on a special order basis. Custom standards are available with round or orthorhombic shapes, thickness ranging to 1 inch, and maximum length, width or diameter ranging to 12 inches. (Note: See Ultra-White FAQs 19 - 21.)

3. How durable are ultra-white color standards? In terms of durability, porosity and mechanical strength ultra-white color standards are comparable to high-quality ceramic tiles.

4. How stable are ultra-white color standards? The ultra-white ceramic body contains no substances that change color with normal aging. No changes in color or appearance occur spontaneously, but the ceramic body and glaze are subject to physical scratching and to etching following exposure to strong acids or alkalies. Such changes are not reversible.

The porous ceramic body contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. Because the matte ultra-white color standard is not glazed, the ceramic body may become contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids or other liquids. Contamination of the ceramic body renders the matte standard unusable. (Note: See Ultra-White FAQ 14.)

The manufacturer certifies that the glaze and the ceramic body are not affected by exposure to UV light. In the absence of solarization there is no known mechanism for age-related color changes of the glaze. (Notes: See Ultra-White FAQ 18. Consult the maintenance manual for more information.)

5. How expensive are ultra-white color standards? See the product pages for list prices and quantity discounts for mounted 2x2-inch Ultra-White glossy, matte, and semi-glossy standards. (Note: See Ultra-White FAQ 21.)

6. How do ultra-white color standards differ from Ceram white tiles? In comparison with Ceram white tiles and other white ceramic tiles, the ultra-white color standards exhibit increased spectral reflectance in the near-ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared. Ultra-white color standards underlie the success of CyberChrome's OnColor Profiler® software.

7. How do ultra-white color standards differ from Spectralon® and Fluorilon®? Spectralon® and Fluorilon® contain sintered Teflon® powder. Both materials exhibit increased spectral reflectance in comparison with the ultra-white color standards. However, ultra-white standards are more durable because the optical surface of sintered Teflon® is soft. Ultra-white standards may be used at higher temperature than Spectralon® or Fluorilon®. All 3 materials can be fabricated in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

8. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of ultra-white matte color standards? As is typical for other ceramic color standards, no two ultra-white matte color standards exhibit identical spectral reflectance values.

9. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of ultra-white glossy color standards? We manufacture each ultra-white glossy color standard by glazing the optical surface of an ultra-white matte color standard. Although the glaze appears to be transparent, it absorbs UV light. Between individual ultra-white glossy standards variations in spectral reflectance result from two characteristics: (1) Variations in spectral reflectance between different ultra-white matte color standards. (2) Variations in the glaze thickness.

10. How consistent are the reflectance characteristics of ultra-white semi-glossy color standards? We manufacture each ultra-white semi-glossy color standard by glazing all 6 surfaces of an ultra-white matte color standard. Between the individual ultra-white semi-glossy color standards variations in spectral reflectance result from two characteristics: (1) Variations in reflectance between different ultra-white matte color standards. (2) Variations in the glaze thickness. Although this proprietary glazing technique increases the manufacturing cost, it thins the glaze and increases the spectral reflectance in the ultra-violet.

11. How should the optical surface of an ultra-white glossy or semi-glossy color standard be cleaned? The optical surface of a glazed ultra-white color standard may be cleaned using a lint-free, soft disposable wiper moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Use a gentle circular motion and don't reuse the wiper. (Notes: Grit accumulated on the wiper may scratch the glaze. Consult the maintenance manual for more information.)

12. How should the optical surface of an ultra-white matte color standard be cleaned? Because the ultra-white matte color standard is not glazed, don't attempt to clean it with solvents or other liquid cleaners. Remove dust with a static-free brush, a dry lint-free, soft disposable wiper, or compressed, chemically pure tetrafluoroethane. (Note: Don't use tetrafluoroethane that contains additives, and never shake the can. Consult the maintenance manual for more information.)

Use our special plastic cleaning tape to remove stubborn grit. One roll of cleaning tape is included with each shipment of ultra-white matte color standards. (Note: Additional rolls of cleaning tape are available for separate purchase.)

Typical Scenario: The original sample stage included with our 2002-model X-Rite ColorEye 7000A spectrophotometer is coated with black paint that has deteriorated as a result of aging. Because the optical surface of the ultra-white matte color standard is abrasive, it rubs off some of this paint during reflectance measurements. Our cleaning tape removes 100% of this contamination and completely restores the optical surface. Modern X-Rite sample stages are fabricated from black anodized aluminum, which doesn't contaminate the matte standard.

13. How can the optical surface of the ultra-white matte color standard become soiled? Since the ultra-white matte color standard is not glazed, the optical surface is the precision-ground upper surface of the ceramic body, which is porous and easily contaminated. During normal use the optical surface may become soiled with dust or grit. To minimize the need for cleaning store the ultra-white matte color standard in a sealed container when it is not in use. Chemical contamination of the ceramic body renders the matte optical surface unusable. (Notes: See Ultra-White FAQ 12 and Ultra-White FAQ 14.)

14. Is the ceramic body of the ultra-white matte color standard subject to contamination? The porous ceramic body contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. Because the ultra-white matte color standard is not glazed, the ceramic body may become contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids or other liquids. In the absence of a reliable cleaning method, we recommend careful handling, maintenance and storage procedures. To prevent soiling users should always wear clean lint-free cotton gloves when handling our color standards.

15. Is the ceramic body of the ultra-white glossy color standard subject to contamination? The optical surface of the ultra-white glossy color standard is glazed and cleanable. However, the porous ceramic body contains kiln-fired aluminum oxide, which may adsorb chemical vapors or spilled liquids. The unglazed edges of an ultra-white glossy color standard may be contaminated by skin oils, oily fluids or other liquids. In the absence of a reliable cleaning method, we recommend careful handling, maintenance and storage procedures. To prevent soiling users should always wear clean lint-free cotton gloves when handling our color standards.

16. Is the ceramic body of the ultra-white semi-glossy color standard subject to contamination? All 6 surfaces of the ultra-white semi-glossy color standard are glazed and permanently sealed against penetration by chemical vapors or liquids. To prevent soiling of the optical surface users should always wear clean lint-free cotton gloves when handling our color standards.

17. Is the spectral reflectance of the ultra-white color standard affected by temperature or humidity? At this time no thermochromism or hygrochromism data are available for ultra-white color standards.

18. Does the spectral reflectance of an ultra-white color standard change following exposure to ultraviolet light? The manufacturer certifies that the glaze and the ceramic body are not affected by exposure to ultra-violet light. They formulated the glaze specifically to resist solarization (yellowing caused by exposure to UV).

19. What is the typical delivery time for custom ultra-white color standards? The manufacturer requires 10 - 12 weeks to produce custom ultra-white color standards EXW Bellingham (IncoTerms 2000).

20. What is the minimum order requirement for custom ultra-white color standards? The manufacturer requires a minimum order for each custom ultra-white color standard. To reduce contamination they prefer to precision grind these materials to the specified finished dimensions and surface quality in house.

21. How expensive are custom ultra-white color standards? The list prices shown below are based on a 2008 quote from the manufacturer for 12x12x1-inch ultra-white matte plates. (Notes: These prices do not include the costs of final shipping, calibration or mounting the plates (if required). For these large plates the options for calibration are limited.)

Quantity & Quote (USD) EXW Bellingham (IncoTerms 2000)

1 plate @ $1,900 USD each (minimum order $1,900)
5 plates @ $1,050 USD each (minimum order $5,250)
10 plates @ $950 USD each (minimum order $9,500)