Fujifilm Prescale is a pressure measurement film that engineers and technicians have considered a highly effective method used in pressure differentiation. The pressure plotter provides a straightforward, graphical view of pressure fluctuation over a contact surface, which is valuable in numerous situations. However, with nine different Prescale film types, knowing which kind will be the best match for your operation is important. This blog will help you understand how to choose the right Fujifilm Prescale film.
Understanding Fujifilm Prescale
Fujifilm Prescale pressure measurement film or Fujifilm prescale paper is a pressure-sensitive film that measures pressure. This is possible using a layer of small microcapsules packed into the film matrix. When pressure is applied to the film, these microcapsules burst to release a colour-forming material. The colour appears or is usually red depending on the pressure exerted on the stylus, and the intensity of the colour depends on the pressure exerted. This lets you see the amount of pressure applied on the entire contact area simultaneously.
There are so many benefits associated with using Fujifilm Prescale. It is an extremely convenient method that does not require fancy electronic sensors to measure pressure. Furthermore, Prescale film covers the pressure variation up to the maximum and gives a high-resolution ‘pressure map’, making it very suitable for use in applications involving dynamic loading. Additionally, the film is extremely thin and can easily be moulded to form highly detailed and complex shapes.
Selecting the Right Prescale Film Type
There are nine types of Fujifilm Prescale films, each characterized by an appropriate pressure sensitivity level. Here's a breakdown of the available options:
measures ultra-low pressure from 0.006 MPa to 0.1 MPa (approximately 0.87 to 14.5 psi). It is most suitable for use in environments where gentle touch is needed, like in the deployment of an airbag or pressure distribution in medical equipment. - Fujifilm Prescale Low (PL) measures pressure from 0.01 MPa to 0.3 MPa (approximately 1.45 psi to 43.5 psi). Ideal for testing the gasket or pressure and power distribution in electronic devices.
- Fujifilm Prescale Medium (PM) measures medium pressure from 0.1 MPa to 3 MPa (approximately 14.5 psi to 435 psi). It is ideal for applications such as valve sealing analysis and pressure distribution in shoes.
- Fujifilm Prescale High (PH) measures high pressure from 3 MPa to 30 MPa (approximately 435 psi to 4,350 psi). It perfectly simulates the tyre's interaction with the road or pressure distribution in cutting tools.
- Fujifilm Prescale Super High (PSH) measures high pressure from 10 MPa to 100 MPa (approximately 1,450 to 14,500 psi). It is highly suitable for studying the ball-bearing contact or pressure within a metal-forming process.
- Fujifilm Prescale Ultra High (PUH) Measures extremely high pressure from 30 MPa to 300 MPa (approximately 4,350 psi to 43,500 psi). It is especially suitable for studying higher-force applications like explosive forming or pressure mapping in a rocket engine cell.
- Fujifilm Prescale A: Used to measure pressure fluctuations of a particular value in a given working range, usually low pressure. Used when small pressure variations need to be measured, especially in sensitive systems.
- Fujifilm Prescale E: Measures pressure fluctuations in a controlled region relevant to high pressure with high accuracy. Most suitable for measuring small fluctuations of pressure in conditions of strong forces.
- Fujifilm Prescale D: This versatile design allows for the measurement of pressure strength and direction. This is particularly useful for applications with considerably different pressure distributions in their domain.
Choosing the Right Prescale Film: Key Considerations
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate Fujifilm Prescale film for your application:
- Pressure Range: The most critical aspect is the pressure range you will handle in your process. The pressure ranges of the two devices have to coincide; otherwise, the results obtained would be wrong. Make sure the selected film can withstand all the expected pressures and has a little additional space for peak pressures.
- Application Requirements: It will depend on the specific application you are using the film for. For instance, in analyzing airbag deployment, the imaging may need Fujifilm Prescale Super Low, while in a ball-bearing contact analysis, the imaging will require Fujifilm Prescale Super High.
- Sensitivity: Fujifilm Prescale A and E types are more sensitive within a certain region, which can be useful for recording minimal variations in pressure.
- Resolution: Prescale film can provide high-resolution pressure mapping, but in some instances, more resolution is needed. In such instances, it is advisable to use the film in combination with digital analysis software to achieve better accuracy.
- Cost: Nonetheless, the cost of Prescale films may vary depending on type, although all the films have excellent value for the money. Of course, one should consider the project’s budget, and if functionality is important while the sensitivity or pressure range is not crucial, it is better to save money.
Using Fujifilm Prescale Film
After choosing the right Fujifilm Prescale film, its application is quite easy to use since it comes with an instructional guide on how to apply it. Here's a basic overview of Fujifilm prescale instructions:
- Preparation Depending on the expected operating pressure and application demands, decide between metallic and non-metallic base film types. Ensure you have all the necessary items, such as scissors and a flat surface to apply pressure.
- Cut the Film: Trim the film to the required dimension and form to match the contact zone under consideration.
- Apply the Film: Position the film between the two contacting surfaces with the pressure-sensitive side towards the area of choice.
- Apply Pressure: Exert the required contact surface pressure per your test requirements. Sustain this pressure for the time indicated in the Fujifilm prescale instructions concerning the selected film emulsion.
- Pressure Measurement: Peel off the film and note the colour pattern on the surface when the sample is viewed under the microscope. The intensity of the red color varies in proportion to the amount of pressure exerted on the sensor. Use Fujifilm’s pressure conversion chart to convert that colour intensity into pressure values.
Additional Tips:
- When applying the compound, it is recommended that both surfaces of contact be clean, dry, and free of contaminants.
- Varying temperatures and relative humidity are some factors that can influence the response time and accuracy of the film. The most suitable temperature and humidity setting should be sought in the Fujifilm prescale instructions for the particular type of film.
- If one wants the record to be permanent, one should take a picture of the developed Prescale film.
- Fujifilm also provides pressure analysis software that may be employed together with the film for further data analysis.
Conclusion
Fujifilm Prescale film is best known for its portability and ease of use as a pressure measurement device. By knowing the types of films and fulfilling the correct choice and application process, the technologies described can provide a wide range of information about pressure distribution in certain applications. Foremost, Fujifilm Prescale film offers simple and convenient usage, high-pressure mapping resolutions, and, most importantly, is relatively cheaper than other pressure mapping devices.