have only a small tabletop model if requirements call for only 8-by 10-inch portraits, i.e., post commander and
staff, chain of command, and for promotion purposes for soldiers in the grade of E6 and above.
9.
Remember that the function of a processor is to give efficient and uniform development to the material
being processed and the purpose is to handle a greater volume of material in less time and with more consistent
results.
10.
The economies in staff, materials, and time that may result from using a processor are not always readily
apparent. Consultation with a manufacturer's technical or sales representative can be extremely valuable in
deciding whether your lab actually needs an automatic processing machine and when to invest in one.
Learning Event 2:
DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC PRINT PROCESSOR
The basic processor is one that will develop, fix, wash and dry a print in a specified amount of time. It is the
same as processing in a tray.
1.
Processors come in many shapes and sizes but all operate in the same manner using conventional
chemistry depending on the type of material being processed, i.e. Kodak Ektacolor 74 and 78 RC Papers in
Kodak Ektaprint 2 and Ektaprint 3 chemicals or Kodak RC B&W Print Papers in Kodak D-76 B&W chemical
developer.
2.
Material to be processed is inserted into the processor and transported through the machine by a series
of rollers or by a belt-driven system which needs a leader. The paper is transported through the various chemical
solutions; wash section, and finally the dryer section. It then exits the processor onto a roller or basket. The
only exception to this is the processor that uses the stabilization process which will be discussed later.
3.
High-volume processors automatically control temperature, timing, and cycling throughout the process.
The most modern and complex processors are computer-controlled by stored programs; punched card, disk or
tape, and electromechanical timer-thermostat devices.
4.
Print processors that handle sheet materials commonly use either roller-transport systems or baskets
connected to belts or chains; mesh dividers keep prints separated in each basket.
5.
The primary task of the operator is to prepare, start, and stop the processor; feed print material in; and
remove the finished results. Operating personnel may also monitor results by making periodic checks and tests at
various processing stages, and adjusting processor operation accordingly.
6.
Operation of a Continuous Print Processor includes the following steps:
a. Paper is fed into the feed entrance (fig 1-4) or attached to a clip which is fastened to a belt (fig 1-5).
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