Thesis Worker - Colour measurements of textured plastic surfaces - in theory and practice

Introduction

Thesis work is an excellent way to get closer to Scania and build relationships for the future. Many of today's employees began their Scania career with their degree project.

Background

Within the Appearance Approval Team at Scania - colour verification is one of the main factors when approving a part for serial production. When verifying the colour, a visual verification is done as well as complimentary colour measurements with a spectrophotometer.

The colour is affected by the surface texture and gloss. We would like to understand better how the colour is affected and why. It is also important to understand how different measurement methods correlate with human perception. This information will be useful when choosing what instruments to use ahead.

An additional colour parameter is Metameri. i.e. how the colour perception is affected by the light source. When we move in to more sustainable material - the metameri index is getting more and more important.

Objective

The aim of the thesis work is to describe how different surface textures affect the colour measurements and the visual perception, and to investigate which measurement geometry best correlates with the visual perception for textured plastic parts.

Additionally, investigate what is a reasonable value for a metameri index.

Job description

The thesis work should include the following:

• Background of colour theory (CieLab/LCh) and measurement geometries in correlation to what the human eye perceives.
• Benchmark best practice regarding colour measurements of textured plastic surfaces within the automotive industry and Traton brands (and why different measurement geometries are used).
• Describe how and why different textured surfaces affect the colour measurements and perception.
• Practical samples to be investigated and theory to understand why.
• Investigate the best correlation between instrument measurement geometry and visual perception.
• Use of different colour measurement instruments in combination wIth visual evaluation (use a reference group).
• Investigate what is a reasonable value for a metameri index.
• Practical samples to be investigated and theory to understand why.

Education/program/focus

Indicate education, program or focus: ”Design och produktutveckling” or similar

Number of students: 1-2p

Start date for the thesis work: January/February 2027

Estimated time required: 30p

Contact persons and supervisors

Anna Kjernsvik, Design Quality Specialist, anna.kjernsvik@scania.com

Ida Bäck, Design Quality Specialist, ida.back@scania.com

Emma Svensson, Unit head EDID, emma.svensson@scania.com

Application: Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades

A background check might be conducted for this position.

We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.