Your Guide to the Gardner Colour Scale, ASTM D 6166, AOCS Td 1a-64, and ASTM D 1544

When you work with liquids like oils or resins, color matters. The Gardner Colour Scale helps you measure that color accurately. It’s used in industries like food, cosmetics, and coatings. Selectech in South Africa offers tools for this scale. Let’s break down what it is and the standards tied to it.

What Is the Gardner Colour Scale?

The Gardner Colour Scale measures the color of clear liquids. It uses a range from 1 to 18, where 1 is pale yellow and 18 is deep red. You compare your liquid to standard colors to find a match. This helps ensure products like sunflower oil or varnish look consistent. It’s simple and widely used.

Understanding ASTM D 6166

ASTM D 6166 is a standard test method. It explains how to use the Gardner Colour Scale with a spectrophotometer. A spectrophotometer is a device that measures light to determine color. This method gives precise results, down to 0.1 units. You might use it to check the color of fatty acids in a lab. It ensures your measurements are reliable.

What Is AOCS Td 1a-64?

AOCS Td 1a-64 is a standard from the American Oil Chemists’ Society. It also uses the Gardner Colour Scale but focuses on oils and fats. You compare samples to glass standards or use instruments. For example, you could test linseed oil to see if it meets quality rules. This standard keeps products consistent across batches.

Exploring ASTM D 1544

ASTM D 1544 is another test method for the Gardner Colour Scale. It’s used for liquids like resins or lacquers. You place a sample in a tube with a 10mm path length, then compare it to color standards. This method is common for visual checks. For instance, you might test varnish to ensure it’s not too dark.

Why These Standards Matter

Using the Gardner Colour Scale with these standards ensures quality. Consistent color means better products. In food, it affects appearance. In coatings, it impacts performance. These tools help you meet industry rules and keep customers happy.

How to Choose the Right Method

Not sure which standard to use? Here’s a quick list to help:

• Gardner Colour Scale: General color checks for liquids like oils or resins.
• ASTM D 6166: Best for precise, instrument-based measurements.
• AOCS Td 1a-64: Ideal for oils and fats, like in food production.
• ASTM D 1544: Great for visual comparisons, especially for resins.

Pick based on your needs. If you use a spectrophotometer, ASTM D 6166 is your go-to. For simple checks, ASTM D 1544 works well.

Tips for Accurate Results

Keep your tools clean. Dirt can change color readings. Use a 10mm path length for all tests, as required. Store standards safely to avoid damage. If you’re using a spectrophotometer, calibrate it regularly. This ensures your results are correct.

Where to Find These Tools

Selectech offers products for the Gardner Colour Scale. Check our collection below to see what’s available.