Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for selecting composition components or composition formulations for manufacturing plastics or other articles according to desirable selection criteria. This invention includes a computer readable medium containing a set of computer readable instructions and a components database where the set of computer readable instructions allows for receiving selection criteria, comparing the selection criteria with the database information, selecting composition components or composition formulations within a predetermined range of the selection criteria and displaying the selected components or formulations on a color correct monitor so that the user can view the search results without having to view actual physical samples.

Abstract: In a colorimetry system, the test surface, the color of which is to be measured, is illuminated by a fiber optic cable. Light transmitting ends of the optic fibers of the fiber optic cable are uniformly distributed into an annulus with the transmitting ends of the optic fibers pointed inwardly at 45 degrees toward the axis of the annulus. A light pipe, or a second fiber optic cable, is positioned to have one end on the axis of the annulus to receive diffusely reflected light from the test surface and transmit the reflected light to photodetectors through different color filters. The output signals of the photodetectors are applied to the colorimetry console which converts the photodetector signals to standard color index values.