Various Light Sources Used for Lab Dip Color Matching (in Color Cabinet)

In quality garment manufacturing, the fabric mills, dyeing houses, garment manufacturers, apparel brands and buyers strictly follow the color standards of the fabric color, its shade and tone. We know that the fabric shade changes in various light sources. 

Then how to make sure that when a technical person checking the color and share of a fabric swatch is matching with the color standards (Pantone color code)? 

To avoid mistakes in choosing the right shade buyers' protocol defines the light sources for checking different fabrics. Fabric mills and garment factories follow the same standards for checking color shade before submitting it to the buyers and designers.    

Color cabinet or color matching cabinet is used to check lab dip colors and shade of fabrics and other textiles. A color cabinet is equipped with various light sources for visual color evaluation. 

So, what are the standard light sources normally used in the color cabinets? 

Different buyers may have different requirement for color matching so far light source is concern. A factory should follow buyers' instruction while it comes for visual color evaluation. 

Followings are the various types of lights and (light sources).

1. Artificial Daylight (D-65)
2. Incandescent Light (Tungsten Filament)
3. Fluorescent Lamps, Point of sale light  (TL-84).
4. Ultra violet Black Lamp (UV)
5. Cool White Fluorescent, Office lighting (CWF)

A color cabinet is a common tool found in garment export house. Color cabinet is found either in the testing lab or in fabric store or in merchandising department.

Image source: 3nhcolor.com

References:

• What is lab dip?
• Color light box / color matching cabinet