When Color Matters, Precision Is Non-Negotiable

AVT’s core print inspection systems — including Apollo, Helios, Argus, and Jupiter — provide built-in color inspection capabilities. These systems continuously monitor the print against a master image approved at job setup, detecting color drift, ink density inconsistencies, and color zone anomalies in real time.

This form of relative inspection ensures consistency across the run and helps catch issues early, but it relies on comparison to the approved printed reference. For printers who want deeper insight, AVT systems can also offer ΔE-based inspection as an optional enhancement. This feature uses the system’s cameras to calculate ΔE values between the live print and the stored master. It provides a valuable numeric representation of color variance — adding clarity and control to decisions about whether a deviation is acceptable or requires intervention.

🎨 Color Inspection vs. Color Measurement: Know the Difference

In AVT’s inspection ecosystem, it’s important to distinguish between these two critical functions:

✅ Color Inspection

Built into AVT platforms like Apollo and Helios, color inspection continuously monitors color consistency, comparing live print data to the master reference image saved at job setup. It alerts operators to visual shifts and color drifts that could affect quality or version control — especially important in high-mix production.

📊 ΔE-Based Inspection

An optional enhancement, ΔE-based inspection uses camera data to calculate the difference between live print and the master image in terms of ΔE — a standard unit of color deviation. While not an absolute measurement, this quantified approach helps assess the magnitude of color drift, supporting better decisions in real time.

🌈 SpectraLab XF – Absolute Color Measurement

When certified, spectrally accurate measurement is required, AVT offers SpectraLab XF — an inline spectral color measurement module that provides absolute color values independent of the master image.

SpectraLab XF uses an integrated spectrophotometer to measure L*a*b*, ΔE, dot gain, and density directly against defined brand or industry color standards. Unlike visual inspection or relative ΔE checks, this advanced tool accounts for substrate behavior, reflectivity, and material characteristics. The result is precise, compliant color measurement trusted by global brand owners and required for many regulated markets.

Hit Targets Faster, Waste Less Material

During make-ready, SpectraLab BestMatch provides live feedback to operators, recommending optimal ink density adjustments to reach color targets without overcorrecting. This reduces trial-and-error adjustments, shortens make-ready times, and minimizes substrate waste — while getting to sign-off faster.

During production, SpectraLab XF continues to measure in real time, ensuring that the job stays within spec from start to finish. The result: fewer complaints, more efficient production, and increased customer confidence.

A Complete Solution for Color Accuracy and Quality

Whether you’re monitoring visual shifts with AVT’s built-in inspection tools, quantifying deviations with ΔE-based inspection, or validating every print with absolute color data from SpectraLab XF, AVT gives you full-spectrum control over color performance. You choose the level of control that’s right for your operation — and scale up as customer demands or regulatory requirements evolve.

Make Every Color Count

In a competitive market, color accuracy is too important to leave to chance. AVT provides everything you need to maintain control — from real-time color inspection and inline ΔE metrics to certified spectral color measurement with SpectraLab XF.

Talk to us today about how AVT can help you meet your color targets, satisfy brand owners, and reduce waste — job after job, run after run.