Comparing 3D Filaments with the LS173 Colorimeter.

Both the Linshang LS-170 and the LS-173 have USB ports for charging.  But, only the LS-173 can also link to a computer via USB for color capture.  This was the primary reason for making that additional purchase.  While it turns out that the Windows app designed to work with the LS-173 doesn't report the complete range of color information as does the smartphone app.  It does perform one vital function that I have found to be very useful.

The Windows application is called Color Haze Meter.   The 'Haze' part of the name indicates that the software is designed to work with a variety of products including the LS155 Color Haze Meter for measuring and comparing the clarity of transparent materials and liquids.  I believe it is used in brewing industries.

Here is the screen layout of the Color Haze Meter software:  (Click to see full size)

Color Haze Meter Software for the Linshang LS173

 

TOP PORTION OF THE SCREEN 

The software expects to see two different scans before it renders a verdict on the outcome of the comparison.  In our case we wanted to compare the identically identified colors from Bambu Labs and Marswork.  In every case the published HEX values between the comparisons were identical.  The question we wanted to know is just how closely they actually match.  We first scanned the Bambu Labs and then scanned the comparable Marswork filament.

Since the primary goal of this application is to compare two different samples the color information presented is limited as LAB color values.  Each row contains the LAB color information for the "Standard" that was scanned and the comparison "Sample".  

As each pair is sampled, the last column in the Comparison Measurement spreadsheet provides a helpful comment.  In the case of the comparison of the Bambu Labs Mistletoe Green vs the Markswork Mistletoe Green it reports that the differences in the Lightness (L*) values was "Normal" and the Marswork sample had a "Slight Red" bias and a "Slight Blue" bias.

But, the most important notification is in the bottom cell where it says, "PASS", meaning that the two samples are within acceptable color difference limits.

In fact, in every case, using the default industry standard delta Thresholds of 5.0 every single comparison PASSED, meaning from a visual standpoint they were functionally equivalent.

BOTTOM PORTION OF THE SCREEN

The Color Haze Software allows us to scan batches of samples and with each two scan cycle it stores the result in a line on the lower half of the screen.  In this case, we made 5 different comparisons and changed the name of each line to indicate the color tested.

But, here is the really nice part. With just one button click we can export the results to an Excel spreadsheet where we can format the presentation any way we want!  (Click to see full size)

Formatted Excel Export from the Color Haze Meter Software

 

I find this to be incredibly helpful information.  For it tells me that should a certain color not be available from one vendor, there is another vendor's product that is virtually an exact match!

ABOUT THOSE SLIGHT DIFFERENCES 

Quite frankly, if I hold one of my test swatches for Bambu Labs Basic Jade White up against the side of the LS173, it's clear that the 3D filament is not precisely HEX #FFFFFF or RGB(255,255,255).  The plastic of the injected case for the LS173 is slightly brighter.  The question is, "Why?"

Actually, the published value is the "TARGET" used by the manufacturers to determine the colorants to be used to make the final product.   Asking AI about white filament revealed that raw 3D printer filament is naturally translucent.  So, Titanium Oxide is used to make it as close to the "White" target as possible.  But, from batch to batch there can be minor fluctuations even among the same brand.  That's normal.

This concept of a published HEX color being a "TARGET" is true of all colors.  What is important is the "Perceived Color" of the final product.  As we examine these results comparing LS173 scans of like colors from Bambu Labs and Marswork, we see some differing values.  (Click to see full size)

LS173 Comparisons: Bambu Labs / Marswork

But, if we look very closely at the far right it is clear that the "Perceived Colors" are virtually identical for the vast majority of users.  Can there be perceived differences over time?  Conceivably, but in theory, those same minor differences could show up in the very same product line, since colors are newly mixed with every new batch.