AGFA SILVER FILM FOR PCB PHOTOPLOTTERS
Idealine RPF is a red-sensitive line film. It is especially designed
for ultra-short exposure times in photoplotters with red neon lasers
(633nm) or laser diodes (650 – 670 nm). Idealine OPF is a green-blue-
sensitive line film. It is designed for ultra-short exposure times in
photoplotters with green laser diodes (500 – 553 nm) or blue argon
lasers (488 nm). Thickness of the polyester base: 0.18 mm (.007”).
Applications
The films are used for high quality work in the PCB industry, chemical milling and for cartographic and
industrial applications with high demands for image quality, scratch resistance and dimensional stability.
Characteristics
- Sub-mil lines and spaces capabilities
- Consistent quality and controllable line width
- Very good dimensional stability
- Excellent line sharpness and line edge straightness
- Wide exposure and development latitude also gives accurate line width control
- Stable chemistry and low consumption
- High scratch resistance
- Optimal film transport and vacuum behavior
Example of 20 micron lines / spaces
- Edge sharpness = 0.5 μm
- Edge straightness = 0.7 μm
- Line width variation ± 0.25 μm
Storage
Non-processed photographic film has a limited shelf life. Unopened boxes can be safely kept until the expiry date mentioned on the label. Film boxes are preferably kept flat, at a temperature of 21 °C and at 50% relative humidity. Temperature and relative humidity in the storage room must be kept within strict tolerances to avoid dimensional changes. Remove the outer packaging and the shrink foil before taking the film into the plotter room to avoid dust being dragged into the plotter area.
Production guidelines
Workroom lighting
- RPF: Cyan (blue-green) safelight, e.g. EncapSulite T20/ND.75 filter.
- OPF: Red light, e.g. Agfa R6 or EncapSulite R20. Temperature and relative humidity must be kept within strict tolerances to avoid dimensional changes. If the conditions in the workroom are different from the storage room, the film should be allowed to acclimatise before use.
Important
Proceed carefully in order not to damage the film when loading the plotter. Take care that film sheets do not
slide on top of each other. Do not apply strong local pressure on the film. Avoid dust contamination. Closely
follow the instructions for use provided by the plotter manufacturer. Avoid stray light during plotting. The correct
exposure will vary, depending on the type of plotter and the processor used. You can run a test to check the
correct line width and the best line sharpness with the highest possible Dmax. Your Agfa representative will be
pleased to give you more information.
Processing
Idealine films can be processed in rapid access machines.
Recommended processing conditions
Developers: Pdev / Vdev / D-IM
Developing time: In AgfaLine 86 HT: 35 s at 32 °C / 90 °F
In Rapiline 72-3 HT: 30 s at 35 °C / 95 °F
Developer replenishment: 250 ml/m2 or 0.8 oz/ft² (50 % image blackness) + 2 l or 65 oz /24hrs against
oxidation
Fixer: Pfix / Vfix / F-IM
Fixer replenishment: 500 ml/m2 or 1.5 oz/ft² without fixer electrolysis 125 ml/m2 or 0.4 oz/ft² with fixer
electrolysis (50% image blackness)
Wash: 20 °C for optimum dimensional stability
Packaging
All Idealine films are supplied in special packaging for optimum protection during transportation and
storage. The packaging is humidity tight for best dimensional stability results. A shrink foil protects the
inner packaging against dust and scratches. With the selection of the packaging materials the possibility
to recycle was taken in account. The amount of packaging material is reduced.
Dimensional stability
The combination of the polyester base with the Idealine emulsions ensures maximum dimensional stability.
However the film will stretch with increasing temperature or relative humidity in the workroom. It will shrink with
decreasing temperature or relative humidity conditions. An optimum adjustment of the dryer temperature in the
processor will enable you to produce phototools with correct dimensions. The film characteristics have some
influence on the dimensional stability of phototools, but attention must be paid to the correct working conditions
and the use of film and equipment. Your Agfa representative will be pleased to give you more information.