COLORLITES®
Worldwide Coloring Service
Over the years COLORLITES have built up a wealth of knowledge on the aspects of colouring glass. The coatings that are used for the envelopes are a ceramic based material. This is an Inorganic material and is produced in a complex way by breaking down the various elements. For this reason batches of colour can vary slightly due to impurities in original materials. It is also important to realise that it is not possible to match lacquered lamp colours which generally come from Organic dyes.
The material is applied by a spraying process and then fired at a high temperature. This may result in a degree of brittleness which varies with colour and bulb shape.
The advantages of an externally coated bulb are that it travels well without the need for any special storage or pre-manufacture process. There is also no risk of internal contamination during service.
COLORLITES produces three main finishes.
Opaque is the most common where the filament cannot be seen. The glossy surface may contain Cadmium, although we are able to supply Non Cadmium and Non Lead and Non Lithium versions.
Translucent has the filament visible when lit. In this series one can have etch and semi - gloss finishes.
Transparent finishes are Cadmium free. The Reds contain Gold making these colours more expensive.
Where a very precise colour closeness is required we measure the colour in terms of the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) XYZ tristimulus values.
Stress is created in the glass with our firing process which can sometimes cause extra breakage on the lamp making machines. With the use of a fragility test machine we are able to keep this to a minimum.
Application are numerous for the same lamp and finish. Some work well others do not. Please ensure that correct live testing is carried out before bulk purchase.
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