Solutions – Microfading Tester

SOFTWARE

Before the Instytut Fotonowy's MFT was launched, microfading testing required the use of a few separate programs to control the test, and to collect and process the data. Now all these features are handled by one program.

The software provides three modes of data view:

The “Spectrum” tab allows for instrument and light control, and monitoring of the light source emission spectrum.

The “Aging” tab displays aging curves, expressed in different colorimetric notations…

The “CIELab” tab provides a dynamic, spatial representation of the color change, as well as its RBG approximation.

…or as individual color components, plotted as a function of different variables.

After each microfading test, a customizable pdf report of the results can be generated, containing colorimetric data, aging curves and photographs of the samples.
The software also provides other functionalities, such as convenient importing of previous measurement data, raw spectrum data exporting function, a designated tab for sample description and more.

LIGHT SOURCE

Our MFTs are equipped with LED light sources. Why the LED? Presently a growing number of museums is choosing LED-based lighting systems due to their ergonomy and a possibility to choose light of prefered range. In response to this trend we have developed an instrument that allows for testing with light of similar spectral characteristics to the illumination commonly used in the exhibition spaces.

Microfading tester is equipped with a single or multiple light sources, depending on the model. The size of the light spot focused on the surface of an object, ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

Single LED

Our basic MFT model is equipped with a single LED diode of 3000K color temperature.

LED changer

Our Scientific Grade MFT model is equipped with an LED changer with 6 customizable diodes. You can choose white LED of different color temperatures, ranging from 2700 K to 5700K, or monochromatic LED of various wavelengths. Because the changer is easily removable it is possible to order two or more changers and use them interchangeably.
This model is additionally equipped with a shutter device, which allows for safe positioning of the object, while the instrument’s light source is warming up before the measurement.

Spectra of available white LEDs.

Spectra of some of the available monochromatic LEDs.

OPTICAL FIBRE

An element, which allows for transmission of light reflected from the surface of the tested sample to the spectrometer.

SPECTROMETER

Spectrometer enables precise measurement of the reflectance spectrum, which contains information on the color components of the light reflected from the sample. Data collected with a spectrometer is necessary to determine all parameters needed to analyze lightfastness of the measured sample. Further data processing is carried out by the dedicated software.

Parameters:

Spectral range: visible light (380 – 780 nm)
Spectral resolution: 3 nm
Detector type: CCD sensor (3600 pixel)
Minimum integration time: 1 ms
USB port type: USB-C Full Speed
Read speed: 9 Hz max (depends on ‘integration time’ and ‘internal spectrum avg’)

Driver

All commands are accessible in the software. Apart from that, a few basic commands are reachable via the Driver's control panel, such as movable arm’s height, measurement reset, light intensity regulation.

MOVABLE ARM

Precise vertical arm motion provides the smallest aging spot size, with maximum light density at focus. The arm enables testing objects of different sizes. Additionally, for larger objects the arm may be expanded by an adapter in one of two sizes. The instrument can be even mounted on a tripod to allow for testing of vertical surfaces.

DIGITAL CAMERA

A digital camera is an optional device, which enables locating a suitable measurement point prior to the measurement. It allows, as well, for capturing photos of the measurement point, which later on can be attached to the report generated after the test.

LIGHT CALIBRATOR

In order to know the precise light dose that induces aging, a calibration is necessary. The Light Calibrator connected to the MFT setup is recognized automatically by the software and makes the calibration process easy.

Units: microwatts, milliwatts, watts

WHITE STANDARD

White Standard is an accessory necessary in color measurement analysis, such as microfading testing. The White Standard uses a perfectly white material with a surface designed to maximise diffuse reflectance. Measuring the White Standard is the first step in every microfading test; all values calculated for a sample are derived relative to the reference values measured for the White Standard.

We offer two versions of the White Standard:

Barium Sulfate – material commonly used in production of optical reference standards
Fotolon – material designed by Instytut Fotonwy, with parameters resembling those of spectralon

FADING STANDARDS

To properly interpret measurement data of the aged samples, it has to be compared to reference material with known fading characteristics. Until presently the commonly used fading standards were the so-called Blue Wool standards - a set of dyed woolen textiles. Their use in microscale testing, however, poses certain problems, such as failure to reproduce the results due to surface irregularities.

In response to this issue we have developed our own light-ageing standards. We have kept the original dyes used in Blue Wool textiles and designed a carrier material with improved micro-scale properties. The new standards show greatly increased measurement reproducibility, and are enclosed in quartz-glass cases shielding them from humidity and dust, as well as allowing for convenient storage.