This document specifies the procedure for the measurement of a one-dimensional parameter approximating the translucency magnitude of flat materials that absorb and scatter light. This one-dimensional material property is called ‘translucency alpha’ and can be used in appearance-based 3D reproduction workflows ensuring accurate translucency.

While the measurement conditions and virtual reference materials used to define translucency alpha are designed for 3D printing workflows, the use of translucency alpha is not limited to reproducing objects with additive manufacturing technologies.