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Pressure Indicating Film

Pressure Indicating Film is a Mylar-based sensor film that reveals the distribution and magnitude of pressure between any two contacting, mating, or impacting surfaces. Fujifilm Prescale® is the leading brand of pressure indicating film. It is distributed by Sensor Products Inc.

Fujifilm Prescale® contains a layer of tiny microcapsules. The application of force upon the film causes the microcapsules to rupture, producing an instantaneous and permanent high resolution �topographical� image of pressure variation across the contact area.

Simply place Fujifilm Prescale® pressure indicating sensor film between any two surfaces that touch, mate or impact. Apply pressure, remove it and immediately the film reveals the pressure distribution profile that occurred between the two surfaces. Conceptually similar to Litmus paper, the color intensity of the pressure indicating film is directly related to the amount of pressure applied to it.

Fujifilm Prescale® is extremely thin (4 to 8 mils) which enables it to conform to curved surfaces. It is ideal for invasive intolerant environments and tight spaces not accessible to conventional electronic transducers. Table 1 lists the Fujifilm Prescale® film types.



Table 1: Fujifilm Prescale® Specifications
Film Type Roll Dimensions Pressure Range
Extreme Low (LLLLW/4LW) 9.8 ft � 12.2in (3 m � 310mm) 7.2�28 psi (0.5�1.97 kg/cm2)
Ultra Low (LLLW) 16.4 ft � 10.6in (5 m � 270mm) 28�85 psi (2�6 kg/cm2)
Super Low (LLW) 19.7 ft � 10.6in (6 m � 270mm) 70�350 psi (5�25 kg/cm2)
Low (LW) 39.4 ft � 10.6in (12 m � 270mm) 350�1,400 psi (25�100 kg/cm2)
Medium (MS) 39.4 ft � 10.6in (12 m � 270mm) 1,400�7,100 psi
(100�500 kg/cm2)
High (HS) 39.4 ft � 10.6in (12 m � 270mm) 7,100�18,500 psi
(500�1,300 kg/cm2)
Super High (HHS) 39.4 ft � 10.6in (12 m � 270mm) 18,500�43,200 psi
(1,300�3,000 kg/cm2)
*Relative pressure distribution only


The Physical Specifications of Fujifilm Prescale® are shown below.

  • Operating Temperature: 41�F to 95�F (5�C - 35�C), much higher for brief exposure
  • Humidity Range: 20% to 90% RH
  • Gauge: 4, 8, or 20 mils
  • Spatial Resolution: 5 to 15 microns
  • Substrate: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Accuracy: ±10% visual, ±2% utilizing optional optical measurement systems
  • Shelf Life: 1 year



pressure indicating film

Fig 1: How to Use Fujifilm Prescale® Pressure Indicating Sensor Film