IND Hemp developed a digital method to precisely define hemp fiber color in collaboration with Vibe Imaging Analytics
Introduction
IND Hemp, a Montana-based, family-owned company, focused on sustainable industrial hemp seeds, hearts, and fiber, strives to deliver consistent, high-quality hemp fiber to its customers for applications in automotive, building materials, textiles and more.
Color variations are inherent in natural products like hemp fiber which makes it challenging to guarantee consistent color based solely on the subjective visual inspection or colorimeters’ average numerical values.
Recognizing this challenge and building on their successful use of Vibe Imaging Analytics' QM3i Seed analyzer for hemp seeds and hearts, IND Hemp collaborated with Vibe to extend its application to hemp fiber color classification.
Challenges of traditional color evaluation
Traditional color evaluation methods rely on subjective human assessment or colorimetric measurements to provide average values.
Subjective human perception of color can vary significantly based on lighting conditions, individual differences in vision, and personal preferences. This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in color classification across different inspectors or even for the same inspector at different times.
Color values obtained through colorimeters are averages for specific regions and thus don't capture the natural color variations across a fiber. For example, a "brown" hemp fiber sample might encompass slightly lighter or darker shades, which wouldn't be reflected by a single average value. These limitations can be particularly problematic in industries where consistent color is crucial for product quality and customer satisfaction.
Accurate and straightforward Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for hemp fiber color definition
Vibe Imaging Analytics applications team collaborated with IND Hemp's quality lab and Nolan McMillen to develop a clear and easy-to-follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for classifying hemp fiber color. This innovative method combines IND Hemp's expertise with Vibe's advanced image and data analysis technologies.
The new SOP uses digital imaging techniques to capture precise color information from hemp fiber samples. This eliminates human subjectivity, ensures fast, consistent results, and employs the same instrument already used for analyzing hemp seeds and hearts.
This collaboration has led to a practical way to classify four distinct hemp fiber shades: gray, brown, gold, and green.
IND Hemp customers benefit significantly from this new SOP. Consistent color delivery ensures customers receive hemp fiber that matches their specifications, increases satisfaction, and strengthens IND Hemp's reputation for quality. Accurate color classification can also streamline production processes by segregating fibers based on color, reducing the need for manual sorting and rework. Rich color data provides valuable insights into natural variations, aiding future product development and quality control.
The collaboration between IND Hemp and Vibe Imaging Analytics significantly advances hemp fiber color classification. This innovative approach, leveraging objective, data-driven technology, positions IND Hemp as a leader in the evolving natural fiber marketplace, ensuring consistent color delivery and meeting the changing needs of its customers.
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