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Revealing Invisible Forces: 

FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film Sees Pressure

In the world of product design, it’s often what we can’t see that makes all the difference. It’s called hidden technology, and it ensures our products are better quality, more durable and more reliable. 

One company that has been on the forefront of this “invisible science” is FUJIFILM, whose 90-year legacy in film production has seen the development of some world-first technological solutions, including their Prescale Measurement Film – the first film that measures hidden pressure forces. 

Discovering Pressure with Precision: 

A Deep Dive into FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film

In industries where precision matters, understanding and controlling pressure distribution is critical. Whether it’s designing a car engine, fine-tuning manufacturing equipment, or ensuring even pressure in medical devices, having an accurate way to measure pressure can save time, reduce costs, and ensure safety. That’s where FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film comes into play.

Prescale Film is one of those innovative, behind-the-scenes tools that quietly powers major breakthroughs in engineering, quality assurance, and research. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Prescale Film is, how it works, where it’s used, and why it’s become a trusted name in pressure measurement.

What is FUJIFILM Prescale Film?

Prescale is a tactile pressure-indicating film made by FUJIFILM, a company well-known not just for cameras but also for pioneering imaging and materials technologies. The film is designed to visually show pressure distribution across a surface by changing colour based on the amount of force applied.

Unlike electronic sensors or pressure gauges, Prescale Film offers a simple, thin, flexible way to capture detailed pressure maps between contacting surfaces. When pressure is applied, microcapsules embedded in the film burst and release a red dye. The intensity of the red colour correlates with the pressure level, providing a visual and quantifiable record of contact.

How Does It Work?

Prescale Film comes in two layers: an A-Film and a C-Film. These are placed facing each other between two surfaces that will come into contact. When pressure is applied, the microencapsulated colour-forming materials in the A-Film react with the developer layer in the C-Film, creating a red mark.

The darkness and uniformity of the red impression reveal both the magnitude and distribution of the pressure. For more accurate analysis, you can use a densitometer or a specialised scanner to quantify the colour density, which corresponds to a specific pressure range.

Prescale Films are available in various types, each calibrated for different pressure ranges—from as low as 0.006 MPa up to 300 MPa. This makes it suitable for everything from soft materials and seals to heavy machinery and metal dies.

Applications Across Industries

FUJIFILM Prescale Film is used in a wide array of industries due to its versatility, ease of use, and accuracy. Here’s how different sectors are leveraging it:

Automotive Industry

In automotive engineering, pressure distribution plays a crucial role in everything from brake pad testing to engine gasket sealing. Prescale Film helps manufacturers ensure even contact and optimal force application, which enhances performance and safety.

Electronics and Semiconductors

With the miniaturisation of electronic components, ensuring proper pressure in connectors, LCD modules, and chip assemblies is vital. Prescale Film can detect uneven pressure that could result in performance issues or component failure.

Medical Devices

Medical tools and prosthetics must apply consistent pressure without damaging tissues or causing discomfort. Prescale Film is used in the development and testing of devices like prosthetic limbs, orthopaedic supports and surgical clamps.

Printing and Laminating

In processes that rely on rollers—like lamination, printing or coating—even pressure distribution ensures high-quality output. Prescale Film allows technicians to align rollers correctly and monitor wear over time.

Aerospace and Defence

Aircraft and satellite components require extreme precision. Prescale Film is used during assembly and inspection to verify that fasteners and contact points distribute pressure correctly, minimising the risk of failure in critical systems.

Advantages of Using FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film

So why would engineers and quality inspectors opt for Prescale Film over other pressure sensors or testing equipment? Here are some of its key benefits:

Non-Intrusive

Prescale Film doesn’t interfere with the materials being tested. Its thinness (typically under 0.2 mm) makes it ideal for tight spaces or delicate assemblies.

Quick Visualisation

The colour change provides instant feedback. This is especially useful for field testing or production environments where time and simplicity matter.

Wide Pressure Range

With films designed for ultra-low to ultra-high pressures, Prescale covers an incredibly broad spectrum of applications.

Cost-Effective

Compared to electronic pressure sensors or advanced scanning systems, Prescale Film is relatively affordable, especially for one-time or short-term testing.

No Power Required

It operates passively, without batteries, wiring, or software—making it ideal for field work and hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.

In Summary: Analogue Accuracy in a Digital World

FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film is a brilliant example of how analogue tools can offer smart, efficient solutions in an increasingly digital world. With its ability to provide instant visual feedback and detailed pressure mapping, it plays a vital role in research, quality control, and product development across dozens of industries.

Whether you’re an engineer looking to fine-tune a mechanical component, a researcher analysing force distribution, or a technician verifying roller alignment, FUJIFILM Prescale Film offers a powerful, practical, and precise way to “see” pressure in action.

As technology advances, tools like Prescale continue to remind us that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Experience FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film at the FUJIFILM Technology Centre in Dubai. 

Now you can experience all the innovations of FUJIFILM’s products at the FUJIFILM Technology Centre in Dubai – an immersive showcase of FUJIFILM’s latest technologies in printing, photography, medical imaging and more. 

Visit us and discover more about the Prescale Pressure Management Film, and how it can maximise the quality and durability of your product design.  

To book a tour of the FUJIFILM Technology Centre, contact <email> or <phone number>. 

For more on FUJIFILM’s Prescale Film, visit fujifilm.com/ae