Introduction
In the field of digital materials visualisation, the pursuit of precision and the application of technical expertise are essential. Eclat Digital, as a dedicated specialist in this domain, is committed to the creation of exceptionally precise digital representations of materials.
Within the industrial context, digital materials visualization emerges as a formidable instrument. This method involves the development of virtual counterparts that faithfully replicate the physical attributes and aesthetic nuances of a given product. Such a systematic approach empowers researchers to meticulously scrutinize the intricate physical laws governing these materials. Concurrently, it equips sales representatives with powerful visual tools to advocate their products with utmost accuracy and efficacy, all within a rigorously controlled digital environment. This dual-purpose approach undoubtedly catalyzes both product development and sales support in a transformative manner.
Axalta, a prominent global leader in the production of powder coatings, is celebrated for its expansive portfolio, boasting a spectrum of vibrant colors and intricate material characteristics. Moreover, Axalta is a staunch advocate for the adoption of advanced materials visualization methodologies. It is within this dynamic milieu that Eclat Digital and Axalta have converged in a collaborative endeavor to address the task of visualizing the properties of Russet Scarabea, a distinguished powder coating product from “ICONICA” range.
In this blog article, we will delve into the physics behind Eclat Digital’s approach to simulating and visualizing Russet Scarabea. We will explore the intricate physical properties and dig into the principles of material science, demonstrating how these aspects are accurately represented in the digital world. Let’s unravel the physics that underpin this collaboration and explore how digital materials visualization is revolutionizing the assessment of materials aesthetics.
Russet Scarabea
In this blog article, we’re focusing on Axalta’s Russet Scarabea, a power coating designed specifically for architectural applications. This coating is known for its complexity in appearance. It’s not your standard one-color finish. Depending on the viewing angle, it can shift in color, ranging from reddish/brownish to even yellowish/greenish tones. Additionally, it incorporates subtle sparkles that catch and reflect light (Fig. 1).
Figure 1: Russet Scarabea pictured in two different camera positions enabling to showcase the color shift.
Now, let’s talk about the technical side. Capturing these effects accurately can be a challenge, and that’s where Eclat Digital’s expertise comes in. In the next section, we’ll delve into the specific visualization techniques employed by Eclat Digital to ensure that architects and designers can effectively work with Russet Scarabea, making the most of its unique qualities in their architectural projects.
Characterization and simulation approaches
Measurements of Powder Coatings Materials:
To ensure the accuracy of a visualization simulation for powder coating, it is imperative to consider various characterization techniques when determining the simulation input parameters. Powder coatings can display a multitude of optical and topographical attributes, and these features are particularly influenced by the surface finishing. One such case study that exemplifies the importance of comprehensive characterization is Russet Scarabea. In this specific instance, three distinct approaches were undertaken to gather critical data for simulation:
The first approach involved BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) measurement, which effectively captures both the glossiness and diffuseness of the product’s surface. This data is crucial for accurately representing how light interacts with the powder coating.
The second technique employed was the gonio-spectrophotometer measurement, which precisely captures any color shifts in the coating. This is essential because even minor alterations in color can significantly impact the final appearance of the coated object.
Lastly, sparkling measurement was used to characterize the density of sparkles on the surface of Russet Scarabea. This parameter can be vital when the desired coating effect includes a sparkling finish.
While this article won’t delve into the technical details of these measurement techniques, more information can be found in our article: Introduction to Materials Measurements from Theory to Rendering. Additionally, due to confidentiality reasons, specific measurement results cannot be shared in this context.
Simulation for Advanced Materials Visualization:
The measurement outputs described above will serve as crucial inputs for our simulation process, enabling us to create highly accurate and realistic representations of the scenarios under investigation. These measurements provide the foundational data needed to recreate accurate material conditions within our simulations.
At Eclat Digital, we utilize our proprietary software, Oceanâ„¢, to conduct these simulations. Oceanâ„¢ is a state-of-the-art ray-tracing software renowned for its excellence in physically-based rendering. This software employs an advanced algorithm that extends rays into a scene, simulating how they interact with surfaces and light sources to compute pixel information (Fig. 2). The result is stunningly detailed and lifelike visualizations that closely mimic real-world conditions. For more detailed information about Oceanâ„¢ and its capabilities, visit the following link: Oceanâ„¢ Software.
Figure 2 - Ray-tracing geometry description
In the upcoming section, we will delve into the simulation outputs, showcasing the Russet Scarabea images generated by Oceanâ„¢, which provide valuable insights into the scenarios we are analyzing. These images serve as a visual representation of the data derived from our simulations, offering a clear and informative way to interpret and communicate our findings.
Results and Discussion
Photography – Simulation comparison to assess colorimetric appearance:
To validate the correct colorimetric appearance of a coating, the first step involves comparing a physical sample with a simulated one under controlled light booth conditions. This comparison relies on image analysis and ΔE calculations (colorimetric deviation) to assess how closely the simulated model replicates the color properties of the physical sample.
Looking at results displayed on Fig. 3, the findings suggest that the simulation model effectively captures the color physics of the tangible sample. In addition, the ΔE calculation led to a value below 2 validating the right color match (it is commonly agreed that a ΔE < 3 does not allow the human eye to notice color variation).
Figure 3: Photography (left) and Simulation (right) comparison. The images suggest an accurate color match between two conditions, which is confirmed by the ΔE calculation below 2.
For a more detailed explanation of the methodology used in this photo/simulation comparison, you can refer to our article Photography & Simulation comparison. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the procedures and steps taken to ensure the accuracy of colorimetric consistency in coatings.
Curved geometry and in-situ conditions:
With the successful validation of the material through photography and simulation comparisons, it opens the door to exploring more intricate visualization scenarios. These advanced scenarios can encompass either more complex geometries or in situ conditions. In the context of complex geometry, it involves visualizing the material on intricate shapes where characteristics like sparkles and color shifts become more prominent. Figures 4, 5a.b. showcase this concept by presenting two different curved geometries that allow for the observation of both sparkles and color shifts. Notably, a closer look at Figure 5b highlights the captivating sparkles that this material exhibits under specific lighting conditions.
Figure 4 - Russet Scarabea on geometry 1.
Figure 5a - Russet Scarabea on geometry 2.
Figure 5b - Russet Scarabea on geometry 2 – close up. Sparkles can be noticed.
Furthermore, in situ conditions take center stage, where the material is directly visualized on its final host geometry. In the case of the Russet Scarrabea, this involves considering a building facade as the canvas for showcasing the material’s unique attributes. Figure 5 further illustrates this by presenting the powder coating on the building facade under two distinct positions of the sun. It becomes evident that the material’s color shift is pronounced and perceptible, as the Russet Scarrabea transitions from appearing green (Figure 6) to taking on a warm brownish hue based on the sun’s orientation. These advanced visualization scenarios not only validate the material’s adaptability to various contexts but also underscore its aesthetic versatility in real-world applications.
Figure 6 - Russet Scarabea in situ visualized on a building façade. Considering this position of the sun, the coating appears green or brown.
Finally, to assess the color shift from a dynamic perspective, we generated a timelapse animation (Fig. 7). The noticeable color shift is clearly evident. However, it’s important to note that the distance between the building and the camera makes it challenging to observe the sparkles accurately. Due to the complex composition of the coating, we observe reflections from other facades lit by the sun. This phenomenon – visible on the top corner of the building – can only be anticipated with our predictive science-based approach, which takes into account the entire environment of the scene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exploration of Axalta’s Russet Scarabea has revealed the power of digital materials visualization in enhancing our understanding and application of complex coatings in architectural contexts. Eclat Digital’s collaboration with Axalta in this endeavor has showcased the immense potential of accurately representing the intricate physics behind materials like Russet Scarabea in the digital realm.
Through meticulous measurements employing techniques such as BRDF, gonio-spectrophotometry, and sparkling measurements, we have gathered critical data that serves as the foundation for our simulation process. Utilizing our advanced ray-tracing software, Oceanâ„¢, we’ve created lifelike visualizations that closely mimic real-world conditions, allowing architects and designers to work effectively with Russet Scarabea.
The validation of the coating’s colorimetric appearance through a rigorous photography-simulation comparison, with a ΔE value below 2, confirms the accuracy of our digital representation. Moreover, the exploration of more complex scenarios involving curved geometries and in situ conditions on a building facade has underscored the material’s adaptability and aesthetic versatility.
In the ever-evolving field of architectural coatings, digital materials visualization is proving to be an indispensable tool. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in this domain, we anticipate that it will revolutionize the assessment of materials aesthetics and empower architects, designers, and manufacturers to innovate and create with unprecedented precision and creativity. This collaborative effort between Eclat Digital and Axalta sets the stage for a new era of architectural brilliance, where materials like Russet Scarabea can truly shine in their full complexity and beauty.
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