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Pressure measurement film

Prescale

NEW

This is the only film in the world that can measure pressure.Pressure and pressure distribution, which could not be visually observed in the past, can now be easily confirmed.

Frequently asked questions regarding Prescale

How to calculate pressure (MPa)

1 MPa = 1 N/mm2 ≒ 10.2 kgf/cm2

To obtain the pressure value, you need the mass (kg) or newtons (N), as well as the surface area (mm2 or cm2).
For instance, if 100 kg is applied on a 100 mm2 (1 cm2) surface, the calculation is 100 kgf/cm2.
Divide this value by 10.2. The formula is 100 kgf/cm2 / 10.2 = 9.8 MPa.

the masskgf÷the surface areacm2

Measurable pressure range[MPa] = 9.8 [MPa]1421.37 [PSI]

Q. Please explain the features of Prescale.

A.
  • Prescale responds to applied pressure and produces a red color at the applied position.
    The depth of the color depends on the amount of pressure applied.
  • The area where pressure is applied will produce a red color, allowing you to easily and visually confirm the range and strength of the applied pressure.
  • Prescale is in the form of a thin film. A single sheet (mono sheet) or a double sheet (two sheet) is used.
  • It can be easily cut using scissors, making it possible to measure flat surfaces of any shape.

Q. Please explain the types and forms of Prescale.

A.
  • There are several types of Prescale categorized by the range of applied pressure that is being measured.
  • There are two types: two-sheet type and mono-sheet type.
    Also, the product comes in rolls or sheets.
    The sheet type is called Prescale Sheets, and "PS" is added to the end (e.g. LLLWPS).
    There are no Prescale Sheets for 5LW, 4LW, or MW.

Q. What is the thickness of the films?

A.
Product A Film (µm) C Film (µm)
4LW 95±10 85±15
LLLW
LLW
LW
95±10 90±15
MW 85±10 90±15
MS
HS
105±10(total thickness)
HHS 115±10(total thickness)

Q. Can custom sizes be ordered?

A. 

We do not provide custom sizes.

Q. Are there precautions to take when using the products?

A.
  • As the films are coated with chemicals, they will not work if they come into contact with solvents such as water or alcohol.
  • Prescale is designed to have pressure applied directly from above, so it will not work by other methods, such as by rubbing the film along the surface you want to measure.

Q. Can the sheets be used repeatedly?

A.

They cannot be used repeatedly.
Also, the color density may gradually fade, so please be aware if intending to keep the sheets for extended periods of time as color samples.

Q. I want a product selected for me that suits my purposes.

A. 

We do not offer proposal services regarding which product is appropriate for your use. We are, however, able to provide sample products that are approximately the size of business cards.
Please register your information and request a sample.

Q. Is it possible to try a sample product before purchasing?

A.

We provide sample products that are approximately the size of business cards. Please register your information and request a sample.

Q. Is it possible to try the Pressure Distribution Mapping System before purchasing?

A.

A fully functional trial version of the Pressure Distribution Mapping System can be downloaded from the products website. Please register your information and request a sample.

Q. Please show me application examples.

A.

Q. Where can I buy the products?

A.

Products are sold by retailers that handle products such as machine tools, chemicals, and measuring instruments. Prices are set at the discretion of the retailer, so please contact the retailer for specific costs.

Q. What is the minimum order quantity?

A.

Roll type (Prescale) can be sold by the set (roll), while the sheet type (Prescale Sheets) are sold by the case (5 sheets)

Q. Please tell me the setup procedure.

A.
  1. Use scissors to cut out a size that matches the shape of the component that you want to measure.
  2. For the two-sheet type, the A and C films should be positioned with the glossy side on the outside and the chemical-coated side on the inside. There are no requirements regarding the positioning of the A film and C film against the pressure applying surface, but they should be in the same position when measuring.
    For the mono-sheet type, use the included "transparent protective film" on the chemical-coated side if necessary.
  3. Apply pressure.

Q. Which should be placed above: the A film or the C film?

A.

Decide which direction you will be inserting the films while considering reproducibility, and use it accordingly.

Q. Can I switch the order around?

A.

Decide which direction you will be inserting the films while considering reproducibility, and use it accordingly.

Q. Can the sheets be reused?

A.

Sheets that have already formed color cannot return to their original state.
You can, however, use other sections where color has not yet formed.

Q. Can I change the combination of the A film and the C film?

A.

We ship the products after confirming accuracy with the A film and the C film as a set.
Even if it is the same product type, if the combination of the A film and C film is changed, the measurement results may also change. Please use the films that are packaged together.

Q. Is it safe to touch the product with bare hands?

A.

The products do not contain substances that are harmful to the human body.
The safety of the chemical products that are used have been confirmed.

Q. What is the recommended temperature and humidity of the measuring environment?

A.

Please read the "Recommended service temperature and humidity" section of the user's manual. (Conditions vary depending on the product.)
If you use the products in an environment outside of the recommended temperature and humidity, measurement of absolute pressure values will be less precise, so please use it only for confirming pressure balance.
Also, the color density is higher when used in high temperature environments. We have been able to use it for 5 seconds in an environment with a temperature of 180°C.
Color density is lower when used in low temperature environments. There should be no problem down to 0°C, but we have no data on environments with temperatures below 0°C.

Q. Can the products be used in water or oil?

A.

Prescale is coated with chemicals that produce color when pressure is applied.
If it comes in direct contact with water or oil, precise measurements cannot be made.
There have been examples of using the product in water or oil by using a container such as a plastic bag to completely seal it, and then making sure that the chemical-coated side is facing outwards so that it does not come into contact with water or oil.

Q. Are there any precautions to take when taking measurements under high temperature conditions?

A.

Measurements may be done under high temperature conditions if done in a short time (several seconds) by protecting Prescale with a shield such as a heat-resistant film.
It may be used if the pressure is applied in a short enough span of time that the high temperature does not reach the Prescale.
However, please be account for the pressure that will be absorbed by the heat-resistant film.

Q. Can measurements be taken in a vacuum?

A.

If the measured object and Prescale are in direct contact, and pressure is applied, measurement (color forming) is possible.

Q. Can it be used in water?

A.

As the film is coated with chemicals, it cannot be used for measurement if it comes in contact with solvents such as water or alcohol. Some customers have used waterproofing measures such as lamination or sealing it in a Ziploc bag for measurement.

Q. Can applied pressure be measured at an angle?

A.

Prescale is designed to have pressure applied to the film from directly above. Pressure applied diagonally or rubbed from varying positions will not produce accurate results.
For the same reason, this product is not suitable for measuring friction.

Q. How should I measure spray pressure such as from a spray can?

A.

In order to measure spray pressure, put the product in a container such as a plastic bag.
Pressure distribution can also be confirmed by placing a protective sheet over the product.
However, please account for the pressure that is absorbed by the protective sheet.

Q. I'm trying to take a measurement on a curved surface.

A.

As this product is a film, it is difficult to use it on curved surfaces. Some customers have measured on curved surfaces by cutting the product in long strips or in elliptical shapes, and attaching them to the surfaces.

Q. How do I select which curve to refer to (A, B, or C) on the standard chart?

A.

Refer to the curve with the same name as the area (A, B, etc.) on the "Temperature and humidity level conditions chart" that is within the boundaries of the temperature and humidity level at the time and place the measurement was taken.

Q. How long does it take for the color to form?

A.

In an environment with a temperature of 23°C, it takes about 10 minutes to form 95% of the color after pressure is applied (after color starts forming). It takes another 30 minutes to an hour to reach 98% to 100% color formation, and then it enters the margin of measurement error.
After that, the color will slowly fade. Along with always using the same amount of time after applying pressure to take correct measurements, it is also necessary to keep a fixed set of measurement conditions.

Q. What is the smallest possible surface area that can be measured?

A.

Prescale uses microcapsules of various sizes distributed on the surface to respond to applied pressure by producing colors of varying density. The combination of capsule sizes varies depending on the product type, so we cannot provide a single answer. As an example, the dedicated analysis system FPD-8010E can analyze a minimum surface area of 0.125 mm2.

Q. Please tell me the accuracy of the measured pressure (color formation).

A.

Under the fixed conditions of 23°C and 65% RH, accuracy is ±10%.
Please note that this is based on the color density value, so the actual pressure value may have a slightly larger margin.

Q. How long does pressure need to be applied to take a measurement?

A.

Color will form even if pressure is applied for about 1 millisecond. As for the maximum time pressure can be applied, there is no limit as long as pressure is not applied on and off repeatedly. However, please note that the shorter time pressure is applied, the lighter the color density will be, and the longer time pressure is applied, the higher the color density will be.

Q. Please tell me the conversion formulas for pressure units.

A.
  • 1 MPa ≈ 10.2 kgf/cm2
  • 1 bar = 0.1 MPa
  • 1 kgf = 9.80665 N
  • 1 N = 1 kgfm/s2
  • deca = 10, hecto = 102, kilo = 103, mega = 106, giga = 109, tera = 1012

Q. What is the Young's modulus.

A.

MD (longitudinal direction): About 3.5 GPa
TD (lateral direction): About 3.9 GPa

Q. What is the expiration period?

A.

The expiration date is printed on the label on the product box. Quality is not guaranteed for Prescale products that have passed the expiration date. Please be sure to use it before it expires.
They are stored in a factory with an ordinary air conditioning system, but temperatures can fluctuate between 15°C and 30°C.
Our recommended storage environment is 20 to 35°C at 50% RH.
Generally, Prescale products that have expired tend to produce lower density colors (lower sensitivity), making it so that it can no longer be compared with the chart that comes with the product.
However, as long as color is produced, it can probably be used for relative comparison within the same surface.

Q. Are there any precautions regarding storage?

A.

Store the product in environments that are not exposed to direct sunlight, in cool dark places (under 15°C).
For details, please see the "Storage precautions" on the back side of the "Usage Instructions" sheet that is included with the product.

Q. Is it possible to convert measurement results in numerical form?

A.

This can be done using the dedicated Pressure Distribution Mapping System FPD-8010E.

Q. Is it possible to request analysis tasks using the Pressure Distribution Mapping System?

A.

We do not directly accept analysis tasks.
Some retailers who sell our products do offer similar services, but we cannot introduce companies that provide them.

Q. The produced color is more dense (or less dense) than what I estimated. Did I do something wrong?

A.

It's possible that you are referring to a curve on the standard chart with a different temperature and humidity range as the environment in which the measurement was taken.
If the temperature and humidity is higher than expected, the produced color density will also tend to be higher than expected.
It could also be that if the surface area of the standard measurement area is small, there may be some inconsistency since Prescale is able to take measurements (produce colors) in a wide range.

Q. There is a transparent film contained in the medium pressure and high pressure mono sheet product. What is this for?

A.

This is a protective film used for when there is a possibility that dust or oil may come in contact with the chemical-coated surface of the Prescale, or to prevent the chemical from transferring to the measured object. Please place this protective film on the chemical-coated surface if necessary when using the product.

Q. I've lost the A film (or the C film).

A.

We ship the products after confirming accuracy with the A film and the C film as a set.
If you change the combination, measurement results can change, so please purchase a new product.

Q. I've lost the user's manual.

A. 

Unfortunately, the user's manual contains the chart with the color samples, and we do not sell the user's manual separately.
Please purchase a new Prescale.

Q. Can a RoHS Compliance certificate be issued?

A.

The RoHS Certificate of Non-use of Restricted Substances for the 10 restricted substances can be issued.
It will take about 1 to 2 weeks to be issued.
Please place your request on the Contact page.

Q. Is it possible to take this product to China?

A.

For those who are planning to take the product to China, the product falls under the Provisions on Environmental Administration of New Chemical Substances*1, so please purchase the product once you are in the country.

  • *1 This is a chemical inspection law in China that requires a registration request be made to authorities for substances that are not included in the existing chemical substances list compiled by Chinese authorities as new chemical substances.

Q. Is it possible to take this product to Korea?

A. 

For those who are planning to take the product to Korea, the product falls under the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH) *2, so please purchase the product once you are in the country.

  • *2 With regard to substances that are not registered in the existing substances list compiled by the Korean Ministry of Environment, a registration request must be made to the National Institute of Environmental Research to have them registered as new chemical substances, regardless of the amount being imported.

Q. Will the X-ray inspection during air security checks affect the product in any way?

A.

X-rays do not affect the product in any way.