Mas­ter co­lor sam­ples are stan­dard in de­sign – GRA­FE ex­pands its pro­ven ser­vice for OEMs and de­sign part­ners outs­ide the au­to­mo­ti­ve in­dus­try

In this digital age, are physical reference samples still necessary?
Given the reality of lengthy development processes and complex value chains, the answer is clear: yes, absolutely. Physical master samples remain indispensable! On the one hand, as a feasibility analysis for implementing the OEM color request in polymer, and on the other hand, as a defined color concept and reference for the color and gloss level of various plastic parts at the supplier. They enable a precise and consistent assessment of components across all stages of the production chain, regardless of screen displays, lighting conditions, or subjective impressions.

OEMs and ODMs in particular, who value high color precision, use these haptic reference samples, which are made available to the parts manufacturer. This is done in order to adjust the colors of various plastic components and match them in color matching – primarily in the mobility sector, such as automotive engineering, aviation, rail, and shipbuilding. But there are also OEM structures in medical technology and in the electrical and household appliance sectors that need to ensure design consistency. This is not only a matter for the suppliers or parts manufacturers themselves, but also for the companies that have a decisive influence on color design and material selection, are responsible for them, and guarantee them across all instances.

The GRAFE Group, based in Blankenhain, has been an established partner for OEMs and their design departments for two decades. The masterbatch and compound specialist supports customers from the initial color idea to the finished reference sample. What began as a service for the automotive sector has now grown into a comprehensive range of individual services that, in addition to the actual production of master samples, covers in-depth consulting on all aspects of color development—whether it be the choice of gloss level, grain, or the selection of suitable carrier materials and packaging.