Rhopoint Instruments Ltd., together with specialists from Volkswagen AG and AUDI AG, has developed the next generation instrument to check automotive paint appearance in perfect correlation with the visual perception, the Rhopoint TAMS™ (Total Appearance Measurement System). Individual new values for contrast, sharpness, waviness and dominant structure size fully describe the visual perception. Consequently, the new values for Quality and Harmony allow a fast and reliable pass-fail decision in the final production inspection stage.
Surface appearance is of paramount importance to automotive manufacturers as the first visual impression of a vehicle can directly affect a customer’s ultimate purchasing decision. The painted surface finish should have the most appealing Visual Appearance Perception to the customer, and this can only be achieved if the overall car surface finish exhibits both high Quality and Harmony values. Existing measurement instruments produce complex results that rely on the user interpreting values in the form of real life visual appearance. Difficulties with interpretation often lead to inefficient communication regarding surface appearance between the manufacturer, coating supplier and tier suppliers of OEM parts. Difficulties correlating measured values to visual impression can result in a finish appearance which does not match the manufacturer’s expectations although the measured parameters are within tolerances.
To improve painting processes, the Volkswagen AG initiated a major innovation project to investigate and improve the fundamental process of car finish measurement. The project required development of a completely new instrument technology based on collaboration with a specialist company in the field of appearance measurement, Rhopoint Instruments Ltd. (UK). A significant part of this project involved extensive Human Perception Studies performed at AUDI AG, and collaboration in defining and computing fundamental parameters that fully describe the human perception of automotive surface appearance.
This innovative project has led to the development of the Total Appearance Measurement System (TAMS™). The TAMS™ technology is designed to mimic the human eye and brain mechanism using a dual-focus vision system combined with a high-technology imaging and computing system. The TAMS™ captures images with different focuses and computes characteristics that are closely correlated with human perception. Consistent results fully describe visual appearance. Intuitive measurement parameters have been chosen to enhance communication between all internal and external parts of the automotive supply chain regarding appearance finish. The TAMS™ emulates the Eye and Brain Mechanism and replicates the natural Vision – Perception – Emotion process.
TAMS™ uses four new parameters to fully define visual perception: Contrast, Sharpness, Waviness and Dominant Structure Size. A significant advantage of the TAMS™ is that these parameters are combined into two new values: Quality and Harmony. These values predict the emotional response that occurs subconsciously in the mind of the customer; does each individual part look good? Do adjacent parts look sufficiently homogeneous?
Based on optical metrology, the TAMS™ is a significant step forward for the measurement of automotive coatings by quantifying visual perception and aiding understanding and results-sharing. TAMS™ technology makes it possible to obtain a totally clear view of diverse surfaces (starting with the steel substrate, followed by E-coat, basecoat and topcoat), improve surface finish, establish new Quality Criteria and remove subjectivity in visual assessment.
As a long-time distribution partner of Rhopoint Instruments, Konica Minolta’s Sensing Europe B.V. will take the responsibility of commercialising and distributing TAMS™ through its sales and support network.
TAMS™ represents the perfect complement to Konica Minolta’s extensive line of colour and light measurement solutions for the automotive industry and supply chain.
