HFC Compact Printer

Printing data can be read from punched paper tapes, floppy disks, and computer networks.   It can share data over computer networks or from floppy disks with all these HFC products: 300D Analyzer, 200D Analyzer, Tape Preparation System, Lab Master System, Printer Control Kit, DC Printer, and Proof Printer.

A PC-compatible computer controls most phases of machine operation.  These include speed control, printing lamp voltages, light valve trim settings, safety circuits, emulsion control data, tension control, engineering functions, user configuration files, and many other functions.

The film payout and take-up spindles are powered by A.C. torque motors with simple, long life, reliable controls.  Since the take-up system does not have the responsibility of maintaining film tension at the aperture for steady printing the physical requirements and constant adjustment problems of a D.C. servo type system have been eliminated.

The basic film transport employs a variable frequency drive and synchronous motor coupled to a precision cast iron and glass filled Delrin gear train.  Feed sprockets are used before and after the printing aperture to facilitate the use of tension control arms used to create precise film web tensions at the point of printing.  This method, while more costly due to the additional hardware required, is the most dependable method to assure print steadiness without constant adjustment of a D.C. servo film take-up assembly.  The optical system and printing head designs are in the traditional HFC style with three(3) electronic servo light valves controlling the mixture of red, green and blue light, this exposes the rawstock to the two (or three) negative films being transported across the printing aperture by precision sprockets.

The small compact size and the capability to expose superimposed titles from an additional negative (optional) gives the user a printer designed for low maintenance and extremely high reliability all in a small compact size.

The Hollywood Film Company Compact Printer is designed to produce all types of automatic color additive contact prints of motion picture film.  These include the production of intermediate films from the original, or from another intermediate.  Positive prints can be produced from the original or a duplicate negative.