Source Document Microfilm Process Control Guide (EPM D-17)

The Micrographic Quality D-17 guide from Eastman Park Micrographics describes process control procedures for source document microfilm processing. Process control means the predictability of captured images before processing and the achievement of repeatable results. The method is based on known exposures, film and analytical tools independent of production cameras, so that the processor can be adjusted daily. The guide also covers image optimization methods in diazo, vesicular and silver microfilm duplication.

Highlights

• Control strips are the basis of process control procedures: IMAGELINK Pre-exposed control strips or control strips exposed with a sensitometer
• Process control tools: process control emulsion, densitometer, process control chart and hydrometer
• Establishing aims, daily controls, control limits and specification limits
• Checking resolution and contrast, and troubleshooting and correcting an out-of-control process
• Crossover procedure when replacing control strips with new ones
• Lab practices: control strip storage, densitometer calibration, methylene blue test, safelights, mixing and storing chemicals

Content overview

The first part of the guide covers the fundamentals of process control for source documents: process control components, establishing aims with IMAGELINK Pre-exposed control strips, transferring aims to sensitometer-exposed control strips, daily controls and evaluating results. Troubleshooting tables are provided for general processing and conventional source document processing.

The micrographics fundamentals section explains image capture and the latent image, the processing steps (develop, wash, fix, wash/rinse, dry) and processing parameters including dwell time, temperature, dilution and replenishment and how they interact. Other topics such as wash water, stop bath, silver recovery, dryer temperature and image permanence are also covered.

The final part addresses image optimization in duplication: image formation in diazo and vesicular, establishing aims for vesicular copies, and IMAGELINK silver duplicating films including Direct Duplicating Microfilm, Direct Duplicating Intermediate Microfilm, Duplicating Microfilm and Duplicating Microfilm Positive Print 2440, together with daily controls, the print master and the duplication tree.