The evolution of vehicle design has had a significant impact on colorimetry, the study of colors and their measurement. A clear example of this evolution can be seen in automobile bumpers.
Evolution of colorimetry
In the past, bumpers used to be made primarily of metal, and all the color applied to these parts came from the same manufacturing plant.
However, as vehicle design progressed, plastic bumpers began to be used. At this stage, many of these plastic bumpers were unpainted.
Over time, plastic bumpers began to be painted to match the color of the vehicle body. This trend was a milestone in the evolution of colorimetry, as it involved the application of precise and consistent colors on different materials from different suppliers.
Subsequently, another evolution took place in the design of the bumpers, where they began to be integrated with the vehicle body. This meant that the bumper became increasingly important in terms of surface area and its design became more integral with the rest of the vehicle.
Control tools: the best partner
As more and more automotive parts were manufactured by outside suppliers, the need for more accurate color control tools arose. These ensured color consistency in the different painted parts outside the facilities where the bodywork color was manufactured, making them indistinguishable to the human eye. Color control tools became a crucial element to ensure the visual homogeneity of the vehicle. All plastic parts must comply with bodywork trends.
The current trend is to include a multitude of external plastic parts to lighten the weight and reduce costs.
Undoubtedly, the improvement in measuring devices has led to more daring designs and colors, and this trend has in turn ensured the improvement of measurement and control methods. Feedback that helps to understand the current landscape.
In addition, another important aspect to consider is the fit between panels. With advances in vehicle manufacturing, panels are becoming closer together, requiring a better fit to minimize possible visual differences between them.
Function as an element
When painting plastic parts, it should also be considered that the function accompanies the color, with some particularities:
Bodywork (Pinted by OEM)
Substrate = metal
Important: corrosion protection
Application with hood / electrostatic support
Plastics (Pinted by “Tiers”)
Substrate = plastics (PP, PA, ABS, …)
-
- Important: flexibility and adhesion
- Airbrush (or bell) application, conductive primers
In short, the evolution of vehicle design has influenced colorimetry as much as colorimetry has influenced automobile shapes. Bumpers are a clear example.
This evolution has led to the need for more accurate color control tools and has driven improvements in the inter-panel matching process. These advances are essential to ensure the aesthetic and visual quality of modern automobiles.
