Effects

Spectra Offers a wide range of effects

Metallic

The main metallic pigments consist of aluminium, bronze and copper powders. These are produced in a variety of particle sizes and colours to give different effects. And are most commonly used in the automotive industry.

Pearlescent

Pearlescent pigments are made of granules of mica coated in titanium dioxide. The mica can also be coated in other pigments to give a variety of colour effects. Differences in manufacturing can be employed to produce two and three coloured effects, thus changing the colour depending on the angle the surface of the plastic is viewed at. Like metallic pigments, pearlescents come in a number of particle sizes.

Fibre

These effects involve incorporating small fibres in to the polymer. This effect can be slightly limiting, as the fibres used are not always very heat stable.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent pigments will flouress under an ultra-violet light and be far brighter than any organic or inorganic pigments. However, they do suffer from limited temperature and light fastness and can 'plate out' during moulding. This coats the barrel and screw with the pigment and makes it more difficult to clean down.

Interference colours

Interference Pigments fall into the same category as Pearlescent colours. As the thickness of the titanium coating is increased, interference of visible reflected light takes place. Three colours can then be seen depending on the colorants used, backgrounds and viewing angle.

Laser marking

Traditionally containers have been marked with printing, to add information such as lot numbers sell-by-dates etc. By using an additive masterbatch the container can be marked using an industrial laser. This additive can be incorporated into other effects to allow colouring at the same time.

Luminescent

Luminescent pigments will glow in the dark when no light is available. Commonly used in safety signs they can also be used for packaging, toys etc.

Photochromic

These pigments respond to light and will change colour in natural daylight. Generally used for promotional items, toys etc.

Sparkle

Sparkle pigments fall in to the same category as Metallic pigments. They use coloured flecks of aluminium to give the effect. Available in a variety of particle sizes, although larger particles can cause flow problems during moulding.

Thermochromic

These pigments change colour when the polymer is subjected to heat. The pigments can be tailor made to change from one colour to another and there is a range of colours available. They can also be engineered to change at specific temperatures.

Variocrom

These are multi-layered flake pigments capable of displaying colour variances. Similar to interference pearl pigments, different colours are displayed depending on the viewing angle and light source. Variachrome pigments should be used in clear polymers for the best effect.

We are constantly working to expand the effects we can provide to our customers and welcome new challenges.