X-Rite and Rhopoint Instruments are starting a collaboration in the field of digital material representation by launching the Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix solution. The system combines high-resolution surface appearance measurement with software for managing the appearance of 3D materials, simplifying the creation of realistic digital twins of paints, coatings, leathers and plastics within a single, integrated workflow. The new solution addresses the growing demand from manufacturers in the automotive, consumer electronics, household appliances, luxury goods and footwear sectors for reliable digital representations of complex materials used in product design and marketing.
Surface properties such as gloss, opacity and texture have a significant impact on the subjective perception of product quality by the end user. As companies move to digital workflows, tools enabling precise capture and communication of both color and surface appearance attributes gain importance. Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix integrates Rhopoint measurement technology with Pantora Appearance Software and X-Rite color measurement devices that measure both reflection and transmission. As a result, the user receives a unified solution for digitally reproducing the real appearance of materials and using them in 3D visualization environments, rendering tools and CAD systems.
Integration of surface and color measurement
Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix is intended to bridge the gap between physical and digital material representation. The system uses surface appearance data that can be incorporated into existing design and visualization processes without the need for fundamental changes.
"Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix bridges the gap between physical and digital appearance by delivering high-quality surface data that seamlessly connects to 3D visualization and design workflows," says Matt Adby, Director of Product Management at X-Rite. "By collaborating with Rhopoint, we make it easier to capture digital appearance data and help teams create more realistic digital twins without disrupting established processes."
"We are combining Rhopoint's expertise in surface measurements with X-Rite's proven digital appearance management platform," adds Christian Dietz, Technical Director at Rhopoint Instruments. "This allows customers to move faster and more intelligently on their path to digital transformation."
Characteristics of the Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix system
Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix is a surface characterization system based on two HDR cameras, designed for quantitative description of parameters such as gloss, haze, roughness and structure. The measurement setup operates at a resolution of 110 pixels per millimeter, enabling the capture of detailed 3D topography of the examined surface. These data are then integrated with X-Rite's Pantora Appearance Software, which is used for managing, editing and sharing digital materials.
The software uses the vendor-neutral Appearance Exchange Format (AxF), enabling the exchange of material information between different visualization systems and design tools. As a result, the obtained surface appearance data can be used in leading 3D environments, rendering applications and CAD systems, supporting virtual prototyping and design evaluation without the need to create large numbers of physical samples.
To obtain accurate color data, the system cooperates with X-Rite color measurement devices. These include the Ci7000 series benchtop spectrophotometers, the MA-T12 multi-angle spectrophotometer and the MetaVue VS3200 non-contact imaging spectrophotometer. The combination of color information and detailed data on surface structure provides the basis for building realistic digital twins of materials.
Application in digital workflows
The combination of X-Rite and Rhopoint technologies is intended to streamline the creation of high-resolution digital twins that can be used throughout the value chain, from product development to marketing and sales. The system is aimed at users seeking tools that help reduce the number of physical samples and accelerate decision-making and material approval processes.
The use of Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix can support product and marketing teams in several areas:
- improving communication between key stakeholders and partners in the supply chain through high-resolution digital twins and accurate color representation that enable realistic visualization,
- reducing the number of costly errors and rework by using digital materials consistent with the real-world appearance,
- minimizing the number of physical samples and photo shoots, which can accelerate material selection and approval,
- enhancing collaboration with suppliers, designers and brand owners thanks to detailed material data that can be shared,
- creating highly realistic renderings for marketing platforms and e-commerce.
Rhopoint Pantora Aesthetix is already available to users interested in implementing processes based on digital material twins. Detailed technical information and a description of the system's functionality are available on the manufacturer's website at: https://www.xrite.com/categories/appearance/rhopoint-pantora-aesthetix.
