Prescale™ Pressure Indicating Film

Our Sensors are Accurate, Reliable, High Resolution, Flexible and Paper-Thin

PreScale™ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the features of Prescale?
What is the difference between mono-sheet and two-sheet type?
What are environmental conditions for using Prescale?
Can I handle Prescale with bare hands?
How long should I wait to analyze the film after the red patches have appeared?
What is the minimum measurable area?
How fast is the minimum measurable pressure application speed?
How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?
How much does Prescale film cost?
How do I purchase Prescale film?

Q. What are the features of Prescale?
A. Prescale is a sensitive film that reacts to applied pressure. The level of pressure is indicated by the density of the color change.

Results are easily checked visually.
Film is thin and stable.
Easily customizable - You can cut Prescale to your required size and insert it anywhere you want to measure pressure.
Prescale color forming reaction is reliable even with a short pressure time.

Q: What is the differencce between mono-sheet and two-sheet type?
A: Mono-sheet type consists of a single layer of film and is used in applications requiring Medium through Super High pressure. Two-sheet type is composed of A-film and C-film. A-film is made of a PET base coated with color-formulating material. C-film is made of PET base coated with color developing material. The sheets are used in tandem for applications with pressures from Ultra Super Low to Low pressure.

Q. What are environmental conditions for using Prescale?
A. The following condition is recommended for Prescale usage: Temperature 20 ~ 35^oC (68~ 95^oF) and humidity 35 ~ 80%RH.

High temperature:
Measurement up to 180^oC is possible, however at these temperatures, the color density as well as the absolute values of the pressure cannot be guaranteed. Please note that the PET base gets soft at 80^oC. The lowest temperature for possible use is around -20^oC.

If using Prescale at high temperatures, it is recommended to sandwich the Prescale film between heat-resisting films for a few seconds of pressure application.

Fluid:
The coated side of the film should not be exposed to water or oil. When in doubt, protect the film in a sealed poly sack.

Q. Can I handle Prescale with bare hands?
A. Yes. When using Two-sheet type, you should not touch the coated side of A-film as the microcapsules can be broken and the color-forming material will absorb into your hands. Although the material is harmless, you could compromise the accuracy of your measurement.

Q. How long should I wait to analyze the film after the red patches have appeared?
A. It is recommended that measurements be taken 30 to 60 minutes after the pressure has been applied. The color density gradually increases for several hours after the pressure has been applied and then, gradually decreases. For best results, we recommend analyzing the film within 60 minutes after the pressure has been applied.

Q. What is the minimum measurable area?
A. The minimum measurable area is 0.1mm square, which means that micro-capsules are coated evenly on 0.1mm square area of Prescale.

Q:How fast is the minimum measurable pressure application speed?
A: The minimum measurable pressure application speed is 1 msec. At faster rates, accurate data cannot be guaranteed since microcapsules and color-developing material would absorb the pressure. As for the slowest speed, there's no limit unless pressure is repeatedly applied.

Correlation between pressure and micro-capsules
Micro-capsules in varying sizes and wall strength are used for Prescale. The size of the micro-capsule and the strength of its wall correlate with pressure. Large micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thin walls are broken by low pressure and small micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thick walls are broken by high pressure. The size of individual micro-capsules varies but starts as small as several µm. Small micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure high pressure, and large micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure low pressure.

Correlation between color density and micro-capsules The volume of color forming material in micro-capsules and color developing material determines the color density.

Q. How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?
A. Ultraviolet rays accelerate the fading process of the color. Therefore, please protect the Prescale from ultraviolet rays by keeping it in a file and storing the file in a cabinet. The color will gradually fade even when storing the film in this manner. It is recommended that you measure the pressure values with a pressure measurement system within 60 minutes of applying the pressure and that you keep the data in digital form for reference.

Q. How much does Prescale film cost?
A. Prescale film pricing information can be found in our online pricing chart.

Q. How do I purchase Prescale film?
A. Prescale film can be purchased online or by calling 617-464-4500.

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PreScale™ Frequently Asked Questions