We frequently get calls from customers who can’t figure out why their color measurements vary, even when they’re using maintained devices. Why would a sample read one way one day, then slightly different another? Many times the culprit is thermochromaticity, and it becomes an even bigger problem as the seasons change.

Every kind of material changes color with temperature. These changes cause the material to exhibit a shift in reflected wavelengths of light, which can alter our perception. Often the color shift is so slight, the naked eye would never notice. But if your job is to quality check color-critical products, you need to fully understand how thermochromaticity can impact color, measurements, and your ability to pass an inspected product.

This thermochromatic ice cream spoon changes from green to blue when it gets cold.

 …