Generally speaking, there are usually only 3 to 5 colors on graphic overlay (except for children's toys and other highly decorative products). Although there are a variety of prepared color inks available on the market, you can't buy all colors. Usually, membrane switch manufacturers only purchase inks of a few main colors (three primary colors, black, white, etc.), and mix them themselves.

It's always better if we could use a computer to adjust the color. However, many membrane switch manufacturers still use the manual color matching process. It's difficult to manually adjust the color to match the color required by the customer. Understanding the theoretical knowledge of ink color science is not enough. It also requires rich experience in color matching. Now let’s talk about the differences between mannual color matching and computer color matching.

Computer Color Matching

1. Check the color sample or standard color card (if it is a Pantone spot color, call the optical data directly from the color matching software).

2. Check printed materials. It's OK to call data from previously used or existing printed materials.

3. Choose the ink series to calculate the formula. Filter the formula according to various conditions, and choose a calculated qualified formula.

4. Add the prepared sample according to the formula ink type and quantity. After adjusting, put the sample on the color development machine, and measure it with the spectrodensitometer.

5. There may be color differences in the measured data of the sample (generally the first color difference is around CMC 2:1de△=1-3.5). Then use color matching software to correct the formula.

6. Add the calculated correction formula and check. Generally, the color difference after 1 to 3 corrections is around 0.5 to 1.5, which is enough in most cases.

Mannual color matching

1. Check the color sample. Judge the approximate ink ratio of the color sample based on experience, or check the color card to find the closest color. Match the color according to the formula ratio on the color card.

2. Due to the complexity of color changes, the color difference of the initial formula obtained by manual experience will be large. The color deviation can be seen with the naked eye, but the weight of the ink to be added cannot be accurately calculated. The only way is to add the ink and mix it. Press or use a color development machine to develop the color strips, ranging from 3 to 5 times to more than ten times to add ink.

The more ink you adjust, the more ink you need. It is time-consuming and labor-intensive. You may not even be able to match a qualified spot color. The resulting spot color will end up being The color difference is still not as accurate as computer color matching control, and there is no way to know whether there is metamerism.

Notes on manual coloring

The production of membrane switches requires the participation of the printing process. At this time, the silkscreen printing machine is needed for printing. The quality of product printing requires attention to the printing operation process, and every detail of printing, as well as every detail of the color matching process.

Color matching is a knowledgeable process. There are three colors, which can be used to decorate the membrane switch. These are red, yellow, and blue. Other colors can be obtained by mixing any two of these three colors, such as yellow, blue, and green. When mixing color with color, be careful to stir the ink thoroughly to avoid color inconsistency, resulting in a discordant color on the graphic overlay.

Color adjustment requires contrast. The color of the sample and the substrate must be consistent, and the printing parameters must be consistent before printing. When printing, you need to add primary colors first and then add secondary colors, in order from light to dark, that is, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, cyan, green and black.

Pay attention to color changes and environment during the color matching process. During the printing process, pay attention to records and proofing numbers to facilitate adjustment and selection.