Fujifilm Prescale Low Pressure (LW) Film Roll User Manual

1. Introduction

The Fujifilm Prescale Low Pressure (LW) film is a specialized pressure-indicating sensor film designed to visualize and quantify pressure distribution between two contacting surfaces. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the proper use, interpretation, and storage of the Prescale LW film to ensure accurate and reliable results.

This film is ideal for applications requiring surface pressure mapping within the range of 350 to 1,400 PSI (5 to 25 kg/cm²).

2. Product Overview

The Prescale LW film is a paper-thin sensor that instantly and permanently changes color when subjected to pressure. The intensity of the magenta color developed on the film is directly proportional to the applied pressure, providing a visual "map" of pressure distribution.

• Film Type: Low Pressure (LW)
• Pressure Range: 350 - 1,400 PSI (5 - 25 kg/cm²)
• Dimensions: 32.8 ft. x 10.6 in. (10m x 270mm) roll
• Color Change: Instantaneous and permanent magenta coloration.

Figure 1: Packaging for Fujifilm Prescale Low Pressure (LW) Film Roll. The box indicates the film type, dimensions (270mm x 10m), and includes handling symbols.

3. Setup

Before using the Prescale film, ensure your work area is clean and free from debris that could interfere with pressure readings. The film comes in a roll and can be easily cut to the required size and shape for your specific application.

1. Unroll the Film: Carefully unroll the desired length of Prescale film from the roll.
2. Cut to Size: Using scissors or a laser cutter, precisely cut the film to match the dimensions and contours of the surfaces you intend to measure. Ensure the cut edges are clean to avoid artifacts in the pressure map.
3. Prepare Surfaces: Ensure the surfaces where the film will be placed are clean, dry, and free of any oils or particles that could affect contact or film integrity.

Figure 2: Illustration of the three primary steps for using Prescale film: 1) Cut Prescale to desired dimensions, 2) Insert Prescale in desired location and apply pressure, 3) Remove pressure and Prescale to check pressure distribution.

4. Operating Instructions

Follow these steps to accurately capture pressure distribution using Fujifilm Prescale LW film:

1. Placement: Carefully place the cut Prescale film between the two surfaces where pressure measurement is required. Ensure the film is positioned correctly and does not wrinkle or shift during placement.
2. Apply Pressure: Apply the intended compressive load or impact to the surfaces. The film will react instantaneously (in less than a millisecond) to the pressure.
3. Remove Film: Once the pressure application is complete, carefully remove the Prescale film from between the surfaces. Avoid dragging or bending the film excessively, as this could distort the pressure map.

5. Interpretation of Results

The Prescale film will display a magenta color pattern, with varying intensities indicating different pressure levels. Higher pressure areas will show a darker, more intense magenta, while lower pressure areas will be lighter.

• Visual Comparison: Use the provided color correlation chart to visually compare the magenta intensity on the film to precise pressure values in PSI or kg/cm². This chart is included with your purchase.
• Digital Analysis: For more precise and quantitative analysis, an optical scanner product (e.g., Topaq® optical analysis system) can be used to digitally analyze the pressure indicating film. This system provides a detailed pressure "map" with numerical PSI values.

Figure 3: Illustration showing how Fujifilm Prescale film quickly develops a complete pressure "map." The left image shows the initial magenta coloration, and the right image shows the colorized pressure map with a PSI scale (100-400 PSI) after optical analysis.

Figure 4: Another example of a colorized pressure map, illustrating varying pressure distribution across a surface. The color bar indicates precise PSI values from 100 to 400.

Figure 5: This image shows a color intensity correlation chart, demonstrating how magenta color intensity relates to PSI values. Below it is a cross-sectional view of the sensor film, detailing its layers: Transfer Sheet, Microcapsule layer, Color developing layer, and Developer Sheet, each with a polyester base substrate.

6. Maintenance and Storage

• Archiving: Prescale film permanently retains the color image it captures after being subjected to pressure. This feature is valuable for archiving purposes, especially for quality control, ISO, and FDA audits.
• Shelf Life: All films are guaranteed to have an 18-month shelf life available from the date of purchase, provided they are stored correctly.
• Storage Conditions: Store the film roll in its original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperatures. Avoid exposure to chemicals or fumes that could affect the film's sensitivity.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using the Prescale LW film, consider the following:

• No Color Change or Faint Color:
  • Ensure sufficient pressure was applied within the film's specified range (350-1,400 PSI).
  • Check if the film was placed correctly between the surfaces, ensuring full contact.
  • Verify the film's shelf life has not expired.
• Uneven or Blotchy Color:
  • Ensure the surfaces being measured are clean and free of debris or contaminants.
  • Check for wrinkles or folds in the film during placement.
  • Confirm that pressure was applied evenly across the entire surface.
• Difficulty Interpreting Color:
  • Refer to the color correlation chart provided with the film.
  • Consider using an optical scanner for more accurate digital analysis if visual interpretation is challenging.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Fujifilm website or contact Fujifilm customer service directly. This manual does not contain specific warranty terms.

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