To ensure a high quality and problem free colour communication process, the Scandinavian Colour Institute in Stockholm Sweden (head office for NCS) set up the NCS Quality Centre, which guarantees and documents its work in order to:

• Provide accurate colour products in three quality levels to meet different professional needs.

• Save customer costs on complaints and time consuming discussions.

NCS colour sheet is manufactured by coating paper with a layer of paint. It is produced to a very high quality and with a high level of light fastness. Most NCS Sheet has a deviation of less than Delta E 0.6 from the NCS Primary Standard. In contrast printed colour swatches can often vary by up to Delta E 5.0.

Natural Colour System Quality Management explained:
At the time of each production run, the manufacturer is provided with a fully calibrated and unused NCS Standard. The colour tolerances in three lighting conditions are specified, together with details of the gloss, paint thickness, surface hardness, opacity, measurement conditions, choice of pigments, paper grade, printing procedure etc.

The colour and gloss of the mix are checked after a drying period, the target is Delta E <0.3. Final approval is based on measurements of the actual production at several points during the run after a drying period. Spot checks are also made at the NCS Quality Centre giving the greatest attention to each colour. The checks are always made with reference to our database of the unique NCS Primary Standard and all previous NCS productions.

A production control of all the NCS colours normally takes about 1000 man hours.

NCS Quality Centre is at the Scandinavian Colour Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The NCS Primary Standard is kept at the NCS Quality Centre. The SCI's certification to ISO 9002 is based on the checks that are carried out at the NCS Quality Centre.
NCS Quality Management - ISO 9002:
NCS Quality Management is the platform for our ISO 9002, No. 17888, Quality Assurance System.
NCS Quality Levels:
The Scandinavian Colour Institute has developed three clear quality levels to meet different professional requirements:
NCS Quality Level Standard
For use as a matching standard.
A6 cards with CIELAB and exact NCS measurement values.
100% Delta E <0.5
Gloss level: 15-20 units
NCS Quality Level 1
Used for professional NCS working tools for industry, research and design.
80% Delta E <0.6
100% Delta E <1.0
Gloss level: 15-20 units

Recent years results 99% Delta E <0.6
NCS Quality Level 2
For overview fans and stripe cards.
70% Delta E <0.6
90% Delta E <1.0
100% Delta E <1.5
Gloss level: 13-23 units

Recent years results 98% Delta E <0.6

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