Rhopoint Aesthetix

Multiple aspects of surface appearance contribute to how the quality of a surface is perceived. Consumers subconsciously observe the glossiness, colour, translucency and texture of surfaces when judging the aesthetic appeal of a product.

Product aesthetics is a major factor in driving consumer purchase. Designers and manufacturers invest significant resources in optimizing materials and processes for maximum consumer appeal.

Aesthetix® uses cutting-edge measurement technology* to quantify overall surface appearance with the closest correlation to human perception.

Key Features & Benefits

• Modular Measurement System
  Aesthetix® offers several interchangeable modules:

  • Surface Brilliance (gloss, visual gloss, haze, sharpness/DOI, waviness, colour) 

  • Effect Finish (sparkle, coarseness, RGB colour, gloss, haze) 

  • Texture (3D topography, cell size/amplitude, perceived roughness, reflectivity) 

  • Polishing Quality (scratches, holograms, swirl defects) 

  • Cross-cut Adhesion (objective adhesion test using imaging) 

• Perception-Based Metrics
  By leveraging a dual-camera system and advanced lighting, Aesthetix® captures how surfaces look to the human eye — not just how much light they reflect. 

• High-Resolution Imaging

  • Two cameras: an observer camera for high-detail colour imaging, and a gloss camera for HDR gloss characterization. 

  • Lighting system: includes 6 × 45° ring lights, line light (for waviness), and a 10° spot light (for defects). 

• Adaptable for Curved & Small Parts

  • Interchangeable adaptors let you reduce the measurement beam to as little as ~2 mm, enabling measurements on curved surfaces and very small components. 

  • Live positioning feedback helps ensuring correct alignment on complex geometries. 

• Flexible Deployment Options

   

  • Portable: plug into a tablet or laptop via USB 3.0 for on-site measurements. 

  • Inline / Automated: integrates seamlessly into production lines or cobot cells. 

  • Non-contact measurement: for delicate, liquid, or soft surfaces, use with a height-adjustable stand. 

• Powerful Software
  Rhopoint Appearance Elements software handles data capture, analysis, reporting, and storage. It supports local databases, networked systems, and (future) cloud deployment.

Versatile Measurements for all Applications

Measures flat surfaces, curved parts and small surface areas

• Small Surface Areas
  Interchangeable measurement adaptors allow for measurement of flat surfaces, small parts, small areas and curved surfaces.
• Curved Parts
  The instrument is able to accept custom jigs and adaptors for more repeatable measurement of small and complex parts.
• Gels and Liquids
  For non-contact measurement of delicate surfaces, liquid coatings, gels, creams and pastes, Aesthetix® can be used with a height-adjustable stand.
• Cobot
  High-throughput sample analysis can be achieved with Aesthetix® integrated into a laboratory cobot system.
  
• In-Line
  The Aesthetix® can be integrated into a production environment as a non-contact in-line sensor.
  

Measurable Appearance Parameters

Here’s a breakdown of what Aesthetix® can measure and why it’s important:

• Gloss (60º)
  Standard mirror-like reflection, measured in compliance with ISO 2813 and ASTM D523.
• Visual Gloss
  A new perception-based gloss metric (pGU) that better aligns with how humans perceive surface brilliance.
• Haze
  Quantifies layer scattering or cloudiness on the surface, affecting perceived clarity.
• Sharpness / DOI
  Measures distinctness of image and edge definition in the reflected image — critical for evaluating polishing defects.
• Waviness / Orange Peel
  Captures surface undulations and texture using line lighting.
• Luminance / Colour
  Gives insight into how bright or coloured reflections appear; includes RGB colour analysis.
• Sparkles & Coarseness (Effect Finish)
  For coatings with effect pigments: quantifies sparkle density, coarseness, and visibility.
• Surface Texture (Texture Module)
  3D topographic mapping, cell analysis (size, amplitude), reflectivity, perceived roughness.
• Polishing Defects
  Through the Polishing Quality module: scratches, holograms, swirls — with quantification.
• Adhesion Performance
  With the Cross-cut Adhesion module: reproducible, imaging-based adhesion testing.
  
  

Applications & Industries

Aesthetix® is especially valuable for sectors where surface appearance drives product quality and customer perception:

• Automotive — high-gloss coatings, polishing quality, clear coat texture, adhesion, defects

• Consumer Electronics — glossy plastics, textured surfaces, uniform finish

• Luxury Goods & Cosmetics — effect coatings, sparkle finishes, premium tactile feel

• Coatings & Paints — R&D of effect pigments, adhesion testing, QA of finish

• Medical Devices — small or curved parts (implants, instruments) with demanding surface quality

• Furniture & Interiors — consistent gloss, texture, waviness across parts

Why Choose the Rhopoint Aesthetix®?

1. Perceptual Relevance — Measures beyond simple gloss to reflect parameters that align with how people actually see surfaces.

2. Modular & Flexible — Choose only the modules you need; adapt the instrument to your workflow (lab, inline, portable).

3. Precision on Complex Surfaces — Capable of measuring curved parts and very small areas reliably.

4. Robust Data Management — With Rhopoint Appearance Elements software, you store, compare and analyse results systematically.

5. Scalable Integration — From handheld tablet use to robot-assisted high-throughput inspection.