*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***
The Science of How We See, Measure, and Control Color
| Course# | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 224-1641 | 03/09/2026 - 03/10/2026 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center) |
Online Registration
CEU's: 2.0
Instructor: Ronald Beck
Course Overview
Comprehensive course explores the science and application of color perception, measurement, communication, and control. Designed for color professionals, designers, and anyone working in a color-critical field, the course breaks down complex color theory and technology into accessible, practical knowledge. Through five interconnected modules, students will develop a robust understanding of how color is described, defined, measured, evaluated, and controlled.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for:
- Color scientists and technicians
- Product developers and quality control specialists
- Graphic and industrial designers
- Print and textile professionals
- Anyone working in a color-sensitive industry
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe color using industry-standard systems
- Understand the physical and perceptual foundations of color
- Measure and evaluate color with accuracy
- Set tolerances and quantify color differences
- Control and troubleshoot color throughout the product lifecycle
Instructor Biography:
Ron Beck is a seasoned expert in Color Science and Six Sigma methodologies, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science from the University of Akron, with concentrations in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. He further advanced his expertise by completing graduate coursework in Color Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology and earning a Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Ron dedicated 46 years to Americhem Inc., where he held pivotal roles in product design, development, and research focused on color masterbatches for plastics. His work supported a wide range of industries, including Automotive, Building Products, Fibers, Packaging, and Durable Goods. He was instrumental in establishing multiple laboratory facilities across Americhem’s North American plants, thereby elevating the company’s technical capabilities.
His professional focus centers on two key areas:
- Color Technology: Ron has led cross-functional teams in developing and deploying advanced color management systems. His work includes the strategic selection of colorants and the integration of computer-aided color formulation technologies tailored to industry-specific needs.
- Process Improvement: As a Six Sigma Black Belt, Ron has spearheaded numerous continuous improvement initiatives. His toolkit includes 5S, Design of Experiments (DOE), DMAIC, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Voice of the Customer (VOC) methodologies.
Ron’s legacy is defined by his technical leadership, commitment to quality, and deep understanding of the science behind color and process optimization.
Ron and his wife Peggie have shared over four decades of marriage, building a family that includes two daughters, a son, and a cherished granddaughter. A man of wide-ranging passions, Ron finds joy in watching films, exploring music, diving into books, and engaging in creative pursuits like 3D scanning and printing, painting miniatures, and constructing models. His curiosity extends to genealogy, while his love for games and puzzles keeps his mind sharp and entertained.
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1. Describing Color
Objective: To understand the three-dimensional nature of color and how to communicate it effectively.
In this module, students will explore how color is described using the three key dimensions of Hue, Value (Lightness), and Chroma (Saturation). Emphasis is placed on learning to communicate color accurately using standard systems such as Munsell, Pantone, and CIE. Students will gain the vocabulary and tools necessary to describe and specify colors in a way that can be understood across industries.
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2. Defining Color
Objective: To understand how the interaction of light, objects, and human vision defines color.
This section delves into the science of color perception, covering the physical stimulus of light sources, how objects modify light, the physiology of the eye, and the neurological processes involved in color perception. Students will develop a foundational understanding of what color is from a scientific standpoint, bridging the gap between physics and human experience.
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3. Color Measurement
Objective: To understand both visual and instrumental methods of measuring color.
Students will learn how to evaluate color using both subjective (visual) and objective (instrumental) techniques. Topics include:
- Spectrophotometry
- Tristimulus values
- Color space transformations
- Perceptibility vs. Acceptability
- Opponent color systems
- One-dimensional color scales
By the end of this module, students will be able to measure color with precision and interpret results using standardized methods.
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4. Color Differences
Objective: To quantify and interpret differences between colors.
This module focuses on how to calculate and understand color differences, moving beyond subjective descriptors like “brighter” or “greener” to quantifiable metrics. Students will explore:
- Color difference formulas (e.g., ΔE values)
- Visual vs. numerical assessments
- Setting color tolerances for quality control
The ability to quantify color differences is essential for industries where color accuracy is critical, and this module equips students with the tools to do so confidently.
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5. Controlling Color
Objective: To equip students with methods to maintain and manage color accuracy throughout production.
In the final module, students will learn the principles and practices of color control. Topics include:
- Calibration and verification of instruments
- Improving measurement precision
- Defining and refining color targets
- Understanding inter-instrument agreement (correlation)
- Establishing and maintaining tolerances
- Troubleshooting and resolving color issues in customer interactions
Graduates of this course will be prepared to implement robust color control systems and provide expert guidance in color-critical workflows.