Identify uneven surface contact with FUJIFILM Prescale pressure measurement film. Placed between contacting surfaces, the film produces a red impression that shows where pressure has been applied. Differences in colour density help reveal variations across the contact area.

Use the impression to investigate loading patterns, compare machine adjustments and document contact conditions during maintenance or process setup. Prescale measures pressure between contacting surfaces; it is not a direct substitute for a liquid or gas pressure gauge.

How Prescale pressure measurement film works

Applied pressure breaks microcapsules in the film, allowing a colour-forming material to react with a developer. The resulting red pattern records the distribution of contact pressure. Colour density is interpreted using the instructions and reference curves for the selected film grade.

  • Two-sheet type: Uses separate A-film and C-film, with their coated surfaces facing each other during measurement.
  • Mono-sheet type: Combines the colour-forming and developing layers in a single film.
  • Single-use measurement: The colour change is irreversible. Use fresh film for each measurement.

FUJIFILM Prescale grades and pressure ranges

Select a grade that covers the expected contact pressure. Where the pressure is unknown or varies substantially across the surface, more than one grade may be needed to investigate the full pattern.

Film gradePressure rangeConstructionStandard roll size
Width × length
5LW 0.006–0.05 MPa Two-sheet 320 mm × 2 m
4LW 0.05–0.2 MPa Two-sheet 320 mm × 3 m
LLLW 0.2–0.6 MPa Two-sheet 270 mm × 5 m
LLW 0.5–2.5 MPa Two-sheet 270 mm × 6 m
LW 2.5–10 MPa Two-sheet 270 mm × 10 m
MW 10–50 MPa Two-sheet 270 mm × 10 m
MS 10–50 MPa Mono-sheet 270 mm × 10 m
HS 50–130 MPa Mono-sheet 270 mm × 10 m
HHS 130–300 MPa Mono-sheet 270 mm × 10 m

MW or MS? Both cover the same nominal pressure range, but their film construction differs. Specify the required grade when ordering. HHS is intended for continuous-pressure measurement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Applications for contact pressure inspection

ApplicationWhat to examine
Press platens and tooling Compare contact patterns across the working area when investigating uneven loading.
Rollers and nip contact Inspect the contact impression across the roller width under defined test conditions.
Gaskets and flange faces Examine compression patterns and areas of incomplete contact. A film impression alone does not confirm leak-tightness.
Clamping and fixtures Compare pressure distribution at gripping or locating surfaces during setup.
Component assembly Investigate contact between mating parts and compare impressions before and after adjustment.

Product illustrations and reference images

The existing illustrations below are retained for reference. Older graphics may show an earlier product selection; use the grade table above and the instructions supplied with the selected film for specification and use.

FUJIFILM Prescale pressure measurement film reference information

Prescale film reference illustration. Refer to the grade table above for the standard selection.

Prescale pressure film technical reference illustration

Additional Prescale reference information. Film selection depends on the measurement conditions.

FUJIFILM Prescale pressure film illustration one

Prescale pressure measurement film — reference image 1.

FUJIFILM Prescale pressure film illustration two

Prescale pressure measurement film — reference image 2.

FUJIFILM Prescale pressure film illustration three

Prescale pressure measurement film — reference image 3.

Select the right film for your measurement

Do not select Prescale solely from a machine’s hydraulic or pneumatic gauge reading. The pressure acting at the contact surface also depends on the applied force and actual contact area.

For heated equipment, provide the surface temperature and exposure time before choosing a film. Standard Prescale should not automatically be assumed suitable for a hot-press application.



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