Our anodizing expertise allows us to create tailored anodized colors based on target samples for use in model-making or mass production. The intricacy of color development depends on the target samples we receive, which impacts time and cost. Part I of this two-part newsletter shared a case from our experience of creating an anodized color from a Pantone target reference. Now, in Part II, we will illustrate another case for when given a CIE LAB Value as the target reference.

Case Two: Creating complementary anodized colors given CIE LAB Values ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​for an existing anodized color 

Our customer sought to develop a range of lighter complementary colors based on their existing anodized color. They requested six color samples that are 20% and 30% lighter than the original color, with a decrease in saturation by 20%, 30%, and 40 %. To streamline communication of these complex color development needs, our customer provided the LAB values ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​for each color, as shown below, and expected us to use these values ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​to create the new anodized colors.

According to the CIE LAB color space diagram, as the ab values ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​approach 0, the color's saturation decreases, and as the L value decreases, the color becomes lighter. When aligning our customer's color development needs with the defined LAB values, we should Theoretically be able to create a set of color swatches that meet their requirements - but was this the case?

In our color development process, we prioritized the development of the upper and lower limits (20% and 30% lighter and saturation reduction by 40%). By first defining and understanding the color variation range within these sets, we could efficiently create the colors with 20% and 30% reduced saturation.

Final anodized color chips below:

Regarding the question raised earlier on whether a set of color swatches can be created based solely on defined LAB values, it is essential to note that, theoretically, the color gradation should follow a certain pattern according to the data. However, the naked eye's visual perception of the colors does not align with this expectation. The main reason for this discrepancy is the phenomenon of metamerism in anodized colors, where swatches that appear different to the naked eye can share the same LAB values ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When measured using a spectrophotometer .
Despite the presence of metamerism in anodized colors, it is crucial not to disregard the use of LAB values As mentioned earlier, these values ​​​remain valuable for clarifying requirements and defining the color development range. However, the final color matching decision should ultimately rely on the designer's subjective judgment.

We hope this two-part newsletter has provided a comprehensive insight into our anodized color development process and capabilities.