xDNA is a revolutionary technology, introduced by X-Rite, that integrates and measures aspects of special effect paints similar to the way the human eye perceives color and appearance, taking into account not only the color, but also the surface and subsurface qualities of the coatings.
The technology — xDNA (X-Rite Dynamic Numerical Analysis) — is a powerful tool for anyone who needs to understand the impact of formula or process conditions on the overall color and appearance of special effect paints, while also providing a technique that connects color from design to final product manufacturing digitally.
With xDNA, companies all along the supply chain can now share a reliable method for measuring the color and appearance of effect paints that contain metallic, pearlescent, or special effect interference pigments.
The introduction of xDNA provides a technology leap for businesses that have struggled to precisely manage special effect paints that couldn’t be done, except with expensive analytical laboratory instruments and technologies. The potential results of applying xDNA are powerful: improved uptime on a painting or assembly line, reduced scrap rates and quick root cause analysis when problems are discovered.
Solutions for Designers
• Designers need the freedom to experiment, and xDNA opens up the full spectrum of color options. The technology allows designers to feed rendering programs with consistent color information to view and analyze color ideas and appearance effects under various conditions, as well as quickly evaluate existing colors in the data file.
Solutions for Paint Companies
• Using xDNA, paint manufacturers can achieve significant competitive advantages because the system helps everyone in the supply chain agree on one standard and gives everyone a way to accurately measure to that standard.
Solutions for Manufacturers
• Automakers and their suppliers can improve uptime on their production lines and reduce the amount of product rework using the system.
Solution for Quality Assurance/Quality Control
• xDNA allows QA personnel to maintain and retrieve data files quickly and easily, and with the XColor QC software enables data to be exported to SPC programs to set and monitor process tolerances.