Patent ID: 8372321
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: B01F,B29B

Abstract:
1. A method of selecting and manufacturing a non-volatile colour formulation for manufacturing, in a selected desired colour, a part comprised of a polymeric material, the method comprising the steps of: (i) at a first location, selecting the desired colour for the polymeric material; (ii) communicating the colour selected in step (i) to a centralised colour match prediction system; (iii) at the centralised colour match prediction system, determining, via a computer, one or more non-volatile colour formulations for delivery into a polymeric material to match or closely match the desired colour, wherein said one or more non-volatile colour formulations is selected with regard to one or more of the following variables: (iv) delivering information through said computer relating to the non-volatile colour formulation(s) determined in step (iii) to an assessment location for assessment; (v) optionally repeating step (iii) to determine one or more additional non-volatile colour formulations for delivery into the polymeric material to match or closely match the desired colour; and (vi) selecting a colour formulation for use in the manufacture of the part; (vii) wherein the centralised colour match prediction system communicates with a device which includes software arranged to operate a colour dispense system, wherein said colour dispense system includes more than ten base colour formulations which include liquid dispersions of pigments or dyes; and (viii) wherein the non-volatile colour formulation is manufactured using one of said colour dispense system.