CPACT conducted a feasibility study on the use of
near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for monitoring the milling of pigment
dispersions. The study was a
collaboration between CPACT, Domino Printing and Clairet Scientific. Clairet Scientific provided a process ready
NIR instrument (ABB FTPA2000 https://www.clairet.co.uk/products/product/abb-ftpa2000),
Domino conducted the experiments using their pigment dispersions, and CPACT
conducted the data analysis.
The study
showed that NIR spectroscopy could monitor the progress of the pigment milling,
and was capable of providing quantitative information about important physical
attributes of the dispersions. As a result
of this study, Domino and Clairet Scientific are conducting further work to
enable use of this technology in Domino’s manufacturing processes.